newbie - Stage 1 finished 10 reps

[MissRose]

Hi everyone. I am new here and have been lifting 3X a week for 4 weeks. I am on stage 1 and just finished the 10 reps. Next is the 8 reps.

I went from a 50 pound deadlift to 80 pounds so far!
My squats are a little behind as I didn't get my barbell set until the first workout B so I started with dumbells - 10 pounders were all I had. I am up to 65 pound squats. I have been using a stepstool for my step ups! I can't imagine using the bench. That is really tall.

I went from 30 degree pushups to regular and had no issue with the jackknife or the crunches on the ball.

I thought I was doing very well until I started reading here! I am really a wimp compared to all of you!!

I am not a large person though - 115 pounds at 5' 2.5" I've never really had weight issues - so that is good.

Should I move onto stage 2 or redo stage 1 after I am done with my 8 reps. Or am I on track?

I notice huge differences in my shoulders and forearms.... but subtle diffs in my upper arms and legs. (where I need it the most).

Also - I will be 48 tomorrow - will this program help in tightening the skin too? like inside thigh area?

[outofcontrol]

Don't compare yourself to others! You're making great progress. There is no need to be lifting a certain amount by the end of Stage 1. The only requirement is that you continue to challenge yourself.

[Luna Sea]

Originally Posted by outofcontrol

Don't compare yourself to others! You're making great progress. There is no need to be lifting a certain amount by the end of Stage 1. The only requirement is that you continue to challenge yourself.

Wonderful reminder, I try to keep that in mind, otherwise, I just get too depressed.

As for the skin tightening, well, I'm 54 and my skin has lost all elasticity, so I'll just have to get bigger muscles to fill it out! Good luck with your workouts!

[MissRose]

Thanks.... I will move onto phase 2 as scheduled. This book is sooo much fun!

I was hoping to hear that yes - the skin will tighten greatly! lol Anyone out there have that happen?

[nancysmithwp]

By all means move on to stage 2. You will love the change!

[tkrunche1]

Woohoo! I was so excited to read your post. I know, "don't compare yourselves to others" but I just finished the Stage 1 12 rep workouts and can only squat 55 and deadlift 65...after reading everyone else's posts I was sure I was the weakest person on here. But, then I realized I just don't care. I am proud of myself for getting where I am. And, if you figure out a way to tighten your skin, let me know! I just had my 3rd kid (in 3 years) 2 months ago and definitely have some loose skin! I just keep telling myself it was only 2 months ago...give it some time. I'm just not patient! Keep up the good work!!!

[Amblus]

Originally Posted by tkrunche1

Woohoo! I was so excited to read your post. I know, "don't compare yourselves to others" but I just finished the Stage 1 12 rep workouts and can only squat 55 and deadlift 65...after reading everyone else's posts I was sure I was the weakest person on here.

Y'all should go read the beginning of my workout log if you want to feel better about how much you're lifting. Everyone is different and gains strength at different rates. You're doing just fine! Right on track.

[Jennifer M]

Yes, yes - the only person you are competing with is yourself. The great thing about being new to weight training is the breathtaking progress you can expect to see as you go through the program.

After you finish Stage 1, you have an opportunity to do a bonus workout with As Many Reps as Possible (AMRAP). That can be a good ego-booster, to show you just how far you came, even just in Stage 1.

Otherwise, don't worry about it.

- J

[MissRose]

Thanks guys! That helps alot... I guess I have come a long way! 50 pound deadlifts to 85 last night... and I had to play the other night and got a 1 rep of 100 pounds - which I couldn't budge a couple weeks ago!

tkrunche1 - Let's get strong!!! lol I am sure the "baby" leftovers will go away! It's only been 2 months!

[tkrunche1]

We will! We are! But just think, we're only starting out...come stage 7...watch out!