Experienced in Weight Training

[Chef Marcie]

I recently set up a home gym. I am using the power block system, which I have seen mentioned her today. So, I have everything I need, but the barbell. I have a body bar but it only weighs 27 pounds. I have spent about 2 hours now reading this and work out 1 in the book and finally figured out what I am suppossed to be doing today.

I have been working out with trainers on and off for about 5 years. I recently decided to try to do it on my own, because I really do know how to do the exercises. This program seemed interesting me so I want to try it, but do you think I should start at just stage 1 and not try to combine it with anything else?
It just seems too easy.
I typically do 25 lb in each hand for dumbbell squats, the first exercise, and I usually do 3 sets of 15 but I don't do them back to back. I do a circuit work out. I just don't want to waste any time- should I try doing 30's right off the bat? I usually do 3-4 leg exercises on each work out with 3 sets of each, I guess eventually this program takes you there? Should I just consider this workout a bit of a break for now? I like to do cardio too, such as the stairmaster and treadmill.

If any of you have any suggestions for someone new like me that would be great! Hopefully I will be able to contribute in the future.

[Bytsi]

Don't be so quick to write it off. If you are doing stage one with the correct rest periods and heavy enough weights (I doubt 50# squats will do you for long - you're going to want an Oly bar & plates), it will be tough.

Many of us lifted for years before doing this program, and on paper it looked easy. I was one who considered skipping stage 1 - until I tried it.

Alwyn & Lou know what they are doing. If you go too light, it'll seem too easy. It's quick (at least in stage 1), but tough.

Good luck

[Chef Marcie]

Thanks for your reply. Well, it was a pretty tough workout! I didn't have the energy to do my normal cardio so I am doing that in the AM.

It does look a lot easier on paper so anyone considering skipping stage 1, don't. So, am I suppossed to go up in weight on workout 3? and a little more each time I guess? I haven't finished reading the whole book yet, just got it yesterday.

[Bytsi]

You should try to increase every workout BUT that doesn't mean you'll increase weights for every lift. Sometimes it's just one lift (or one set), sometimes it's just a better tempo or better form or even sticking to rest periods (if you took longer last time)... Just do something better each time and you'll be on track.

[stingo]

People think that about NROL's Break-In program, until they actually do it. Then it's a different story.