Intro, Stage 2/push press issue

[leanstrong]

I have loved NROL4W/Stage 1 so far! Although I consider myself an advanced lifter I found it to be an awesome workout and as difficult as you want to make it. Like many, I regret saying goodbye to the back squats and deadlifts at the end of S1, because I have improved so much with them. But I'm excited about the new lifts and challenges in the upcoming stages.

I start Stage 2 on Monday. Today I played around a little with the front squat/push press with some barbells. My problem is that I can only push press the unloaded oly bar for about 7 reps at this point (10 reps is the prescribed number in this stage.) The preweighted barbells at a lower weight would be a good alternative, but I can't clean anything higher than 30lbs due to a disability with my wrist. (That could improve. I just couldn't convince myself to try to clean the 40lb. barbell at this time.)

The bottom line (sorry so wordy) is should I just do as many reps as possible with the oly bar, hopefully working up to 10 quickly? Or is there some other way to get a lighter weight bar (40lb would be perfect I think) to work on a rack? I think the preweighted barbells are out for me unless I want to stick with 30lbs, which seems a waste. Maybe I am splitting hairs?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[josienj]

I found it difficult at first to perform the front squat/ push press when I was not performing it as a explosive movement. I actually can not stand this exercise but it's good for you. When performing as an explosive movement my legs strength was the main power for me getting the bar up. My trainer told me to imagine I was throwing the barbell to the ceiling on my way up, but don't let go. If you are performing a complete front squat then a push press from a complete standing position, you are making the lift harder but not necessarily better in my opinion.

Stick with the bar. You will get there. I'm sure someone will post a video link for you. (I'm suppose to be studying so can't look right now!)

HTH

[leanstrong]

Thanks, Josie. It went great today. I concentrated on "explosive" and found that doing the 10 reps was no problem at all. (Next time I need to check my squat form b/c I think I wasn't paying enough attention to that.) It went so well that I may even be able to add weight next time. Woo hoo! Thanks again.

[josienj]

Great,
Glad to know that my words helped.