Meso #1 - Disc #9 - Legs

First of all, THANK YOU, PETRAMOM!! I used a couple of old wash clothes, instead of paper plates, and they worked like a charm.

Overall, a decent workout. Used barbell for all deadlifts, and have decided to continue that way for the duration of STS. I'm able to focus on the right muscles with the barbell. DB is hard on my upper body. Used 60 lbs (basically doubled DB target weight), and figured out later that, based on my 1 RM for the move, it should have been around 67 lbs. Will try 67 lbs when I repeat Disc #9 next week.

I'd love be used the barbell for squats, but I'd be trying to lift about 63 lbs over my head, and I'm not sure I can do that safely. Don't have a weighted vest (yet) or squat rack (yet), so I guess I'll stick with DBs for now. Using 30 lb DBs for squats. Target weight is 33 lbs. Only had to pause the DVD for one of the sets. Otherwise, I was able to keep pace with Cathe.

Didn't do 1 RM's for lunges, and I'm regretting it now. I've been trying to push the weights, but I'm not sure if I'm pushing as hard as I can. I'm thinking about doing 1RM tests this weekend for a few of the most basic moves: static lunge, lunge with one leg elevated, 45 degree lunge. This should give me an idea how far off my guesses have been. I've been using 12 or 15 lbs for the various lunges. I suspect I should be going higher.

Used 12 or 15 lbs for the lunges with paper plates - or wash clothes, in my case. Held on to the weights throughout. Tried to set them down for the first couple of reps, and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get back up! Also, I know I'm supposed to keep my core strong, but it's tough for me to do on the slide back lunges. So I keep the weights in my hands, and go as deep as I can on the slide back and side slide lunges.

I did set the weights down for wall squats. Kept good form until the last rep, when I started to feel it in my lower back.

"Enjoyed" the bonus leg work. The first couple of moves with the wash clothes (alternating leg, then both legs) weren't as tough as I was expecting. The adductor glide ins were a different story. Felt awkward at first, and it was easy to lose focus on my core. I very quickly learned that I don't have go out very far in order to feel the move. Had to search for the best foot position for glute presses. Might use a low step next week.

Followed this up with an extended stretch No metabolic blast or LIC. Felt like I pulled something in my right glute during one of the lunges, and was really feeling it by the time I got through with the bonus work. Doesn't feel too bad today, although both sides were sore this morning! Fortunately, it feels like DOMS and not an injury.

It's kickbox Thursday again. KPC is on my calendar. I should be good to go as long as I warm up properly.