Anyone ever start off with a 'test' workout?

[Topaz]

I just did. First workout, with lower weights than I know I can do, just to make sure I get the moves. I have a very good fitness base, but wanted to really concentrate on form, and the prone jack-knife was new to me. (I like it though!) I also really struggle with push-ups (I did them on an 8-inch incline), but I *love* step ups.

Afterward, I thought...'ok, totally doable'...even though the push-ups were a struggle, and I know I need to clean up my step up form.

Now, about ten minutes after, my arms are feeling awfully funny! Can't imagine what it would feel like with 'real' weights!

If I can solve a few equipment issues, I'd love to do the program whole hog. I don't have access to a barbell!

[CaraBeth]

I haven't done a full workout that way, but I sometimes do warmup sets of certain exercises with much lower weights to focus on correct form and remind my body of how everything should feel.

[Bytsi]

When I was starting a new stage with new exercises, I'd often go in on a day off (or during a rest week) and practice the new moves with super-light weights to be sure I understood them. Probably helped me to not hurt myself (as I am often prone to do)...

[Topaz]

Bytsi, that is what I was thinking too...I wanted to be somewhat familiar with the moves and format before I did it 'for real'. I played tennis later, and...whoa, my arms were tired! Those darn pushups! Someday, I'll be able to do them!!!

[Firebird44]

I never did a full test session, but when there's a move I've never done before, I'll try it at home without weights, to get the form, and also so I can remember the move. I take my workout log to the gym, but not the book (I don't want to look like a dork). So there's always the risk that I'll get there and not even recognize the name of the move:

"Hmm...single point dumbell Romanian deadlift triple lutz...huh?"

Choosing the weights is a little easier after you've done a few sessions. I either check what weight I used when I finished a previous stage (for example, lat pulldowns appear in several stages). And for completely new exercises, I've probably done something in a previous stage that's similar. For example, I can probably choose a weight for the dumbbell push press (Stage 6) similar to what I used for the one-armed dumbbell snatch (Stage 5).

[Topaz]

Oh, I had wondered that, too...about whether to just use my log or take the book. I did my 'test' workout at home, so I had the book handy. I don't actually belong to a gym (thus the problem with not having barbell/squat rack), but my building has a nice workout room with tons of free weights and some machines. I'm usually the only one in there, so I think I'd take my book down there, too. But yeah, I was wondering, if I were at a gym, would I take the book? Lol, probably not, just like you!

Thinking of scouring CL for some equipment options. I can't afford to join a gym just for a barbell and squat rack, unfortunately.

[mimi_pope]

I found the book too awkward to walk around with at the gym, so I just photocopied the pages i needed, and took those with me.

[Topaz]

^^^That's a great idea, too! *filing away in mental filo-fax*