CTX weights

[eminenz2]

After doing 4DS for five weeks, I was ready to try something a little different. So I've started the CTX series for a few weeks to see what happens.

Would you categorize the weight work and strength building or endurance based? Doing the shoulder work I found the weights used in the workout were not enough challenge so I used heavier weights. However, doing biceps the next day made me reallize the work was too easy at 12 pounds, but the count was too quick to heavy up very much.

I'm interested in how you made the weights in CTX work for you in a strength kind of way, rather than an endurance kind of way.

Thanks!

Susan L.G.

 

[maddiesmum]

I'd say it was more endurance based. And I am not sure that you can adapt it to make it more strength focussed. To do so would require ignoring the speed of Cathe's reps and doing your own speed and rep count so that you can lift a heavier weight. In which case, why bother with CTX? Move on to Gym Styles instead!

You sound like someone who most enjoys strength work, so why not try GS and S&H? To continue with CTX means you will probably have to accept that the goal of CTX is contrary to building strength for someone who has already been using 4 DS. You have to either change your goal or your workout, in which case! (I'd vote for the latter, but there are those who say it is good to focus on endurance work sometimes.)


Clare

 

[eminenz2]

Well, maybe playing with endurance exercises would be a good change from the heavy lifting for now, and then go back to SH or something similar and see where I am strength-wise in two or three weeks.

Thanks for your feedback!

Susan L.G.

 

[Dawncharlie]

Hi Susan,

Just to add to this, I really like the weight work in CTX. I've been rotating Slow & Heavy and 4 DS over the last few months, with cardio on off days. Then every now and then, I do CTX for a week. I find these workouts so much fun and refreshing (except Leaner Legs, which I admit I dread). Everyone's right that the weight work is more endurance, but I do feel the weights in CTX, especially the biceps (Kickbox) and chest (Step & Intervals).

In other words, I really like CTX when I need a break from heavy weights for a week or two. I think CTX will fit in nicely when I finish STS and don't want to lose muscle gains but don't want to immediately start up another STS cycle.

BTW, for some reason 10, 10, 10 in CTX is one of my favorate workouts. It goes fast and Cathe looks like she is having so much fun, with a big smile on her face. It keeps me motivated.

have a great day,
dawn

 

[eminenz2]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Dawn. Question - when you've left your heavy weight work to do CTX for a week or two, and returned to your heavy weight work, did you lose any strength gains or were you able to pick up where you left off?

Oh yeah, I agree with you about the chest work in CTX. I got to the push-ups setion last night and thought, "Oh man! What's wrong here? I'm struggling with everything!" heehee!

Susan L.G.

 

[Dawncharlie]

Hmmm. Good question. I don't think I lost strength gains, but as the exercises aren't all the same I'm not sure. I don't think so, though. I did struggle a little with CTX when I first went back to it, but I think it was because I tried to lift heavier than I should have when CTX lifting is faster. I hope this makes sense!

I know I could not do a heavy weight rotation one after another after another. CTX provides me a fun break but still with weight lifting.

 

[eminenz2]

I picked too heavy a weight for chest yesterday too. I forgot how fast the rep count was!

Susan L.G.

 

[PhyllisG]

I just fried my legs yesterday doing Leaner Legs--thought I had chosen an easier lower body workout than I had scheduled.

 

[Dawncharlie]

Yes, Leaner Legs is actually quite intense. Luckily, it's short!