I did it for the fourth time today, and while it's not quite as pathetic as it was when I started, I'm not going to be posting any youtube vids on it anytime soon.
Natalia's vid did help though. She isn't taking a very wide stance on the lunge jumps, and that does help a lot.
So nearing the end of stage 3, I have to say this is hands down my least favorite exercise. By an order of magnitude.
I did it for the first time Monday, I thought that I was doing ok halfway through the 1st rep, but by the end (1st rep) my legs were so wobbly and tight, I didn't think I could do it again. I got halfway through the second rep, my legs were like lead!!! I did 4 or 5 lunge jumps, then quit because I was worried about not being able to walk the next day--but I wasn't actually too bad. I also couldn't wait 8 mins between sets because of time crunch, I need to cut rest between sets to shorten this workout next time.
Does anyone know why the jumping moves are at the end? I feel like it would be "easier" (or maybe I'd be more successful?) if I did the jumps first (at least the lunge jumps which are my downfall before the lunges)... So in my ideal matrix, it'd be 24 squats, 24 lunge jumps, 24 lunges, 24 squat jumps (or something like that)...
I haven't been resting for twice my time before the 2nd time through - I have to get to work, ya know?!?
Does anyone know why the jumping moves are at the end? I feel like it would be "easier" (or maybe I'd be more successful?) if I did the jumps first ?!?
taps foot waiting for the true evil of Alywn's plan to strike Bytsi ...
taps foot waiting for the true evil of Alywn's plan to strike Bytsi ...
Ok... OTHER than the "obvious" idea that It's Just Plain EVIL
is there any other reason????? Wouldn't the overall work be the same, and wouldn't I, in some way, do MORE because I would do the slightly harder parts first????
Ok... OTHER than the "obvious" idea that It's Just Plain EVIL
is there any other reason????? Wouldn't the overall work be the same, and wouldn't I, in some way, do MORE because I would do the slightly harder parts first????
I don't know of any reason why doing the more explosive portions of the matrix first would be a bad idea. You're already warmed up from lifting. I can also buy that you might be able to do more work if you complete the more difficult portions first. You can't generate the power to jump if your muscles have become stiff and tense. Changing the exercise order might allow you to get through the matrix faster, with better form, and greater overall energy expenditure (because you're not stopping).
If, however, you can complete the whole matrix, keeping the pace up without stopping, then there might be greater energy expenditure from the prescribed exercise order.
I don't think it's going to make a really big difference either way though. Do what works for you!
Nancy - if you're pushing 50 who the H*%% is that youngun' in your avatar ... daughter, neice?
Now THAT's a compliment. I'm 49, and that picture is me taken on my 25th wedding anniversary vacation 3 years ago. Definitely one of my younger looking pics. That's why it's there :-)
that this is evil!! I did my first one today - just started Stage 3. I finished it in 3:10. What are everyone else's times like for this. I found it pretty tough!
that this is evil!! I did my first one today - just started Stage 3. I finished it in 3:10. What are everyone else's times like for this. I found it pretty tough!
Ann
I started around 3 (I think 2:54?) and now I hit 2:30 at the end of stage 3... but it still sucks and Alwyn is still EVIL!!!!!!!
Confession: I (gasp) cheated and skipped doing the matrix at stage 3. Mostly, this is because some of the other stage 3 exercises were already making me feel like a bit of a freak show - had already gotten quite a few comments about the db single-leg romanian deadlift and db single-arm overhead squat. Yesterday I started stage 5 and decided to suck it up and just do it.
Got through the regular squats and lunges thinking "this isn't so bad... what was everyone complaining about?". Then I started on the lunge jumps... OMFG!!! I couldn't even finish the full set, my thighs were going to explode. Needed to take a break to finish the set, a few breaks to finish the second and could barely drag myself back to the locker room afterwards. Wow. Feeling it today, that's for sure.