I meant to post this here--can you double up the STS workouts each week?

[jen120]

I am getting ready to start the STS program (it has taken me a few weeks to finally do the 1 rep max exercises--I don't know why that was such a pain for me). I cannot decide between the 3 1/2 or 6 1/2 month program. What I really want to do is do each video twice per week -- upper (disc 1), lower (disc 3), upper (disc 2) then repeat that same week with the last day of the week doing no strength training. Is that a horrible idea?? Why or why not?

 

[Vee]

My opinion: If you truly lift to failure using the right weight for your current strength level, doing the program as planned (once a week) is a better idea.

I think doing them twice through may not allow enough time for recovery and you will probably have more energy to lift and give each workout your best if you limit lifting to thrice a week. Additonally, specifically for Meso 2, the emphasis is hypertrophy or muscle growth. Muscles grow between workouts when the tiny tears that develop when you lift heal. So adequate rest is important to achieving the goal of Meso 2.

How about doing some cardio (maybe even just go for a walk or jog) with one the the Ab Circuit workouts on alternate days instead? Or perhaps some flexibility training?

Why do you think doing the workouts twice per week is a good idea for you? Is there some specific objective? Perhaps if you shared why people may be able to respond with suggestions or clarify further.

 

[jen120]

why I wanted to double up

Thanks for you input Vee! I wanted to double up because I am used to doing each muscle group twice a week, as opposed to once a week, especially lower body. I would still do cardio and abs two-three times in addition. I think my plan now is to do just the lower body twice a week and the others once a week. It just doesn't sit well with me to only work my lower half 4 times in a month! And to clarify I suppose I only meant for the first 2 cycles, because the 3rd sounds too intense to do more than once a week. Perhaps once I get into the program I will be better able to judge myself, but I just wanted to know if it would be terrible to double up the first two meso cycles.

 

[Dela]

I started meso 2 this week, I did disc 13 on Friday, and 14 today. I'm more sore today than I was yesterday from 13, I think I would die if I doubled up on these.

I do believe some others (not me ) are doing 2 leg workouts a week as well.

But I recall an older Cathe post where she or SNM discouraged doubling up on the STS workouts. If I can find it, I'll come back and post it.

 

[Vee]

Jen,

I havent bought STS, but from what I see of the workout breakdowns I think it packs more than two days worth into a single session.

I did a Meso 2 leg workout from the breakdown on my own at the gym and I had DOMS that lasted four days! And my legs are relatively strong. Those supersets kicked my rear!

A suggestion if you feel like a less intense option for the second leg workout may be the bonus leg drill from Meso 1. You could do one or more of the bonus drills as the second leg workout each week.

But then again if you are used to intense workouts twice a week, doing legs again may work fine.

Good luck with STS!

 

[meowracer]

Personally, I don't think it wise if you are truly working to failure, as Vee mentioned. (And Vee, let me just say it's nice to see you around again!) The only thing I would think *might* be ok, if you just feel you must do something extra, would be a light, full body workout on day, maybe something that combines light weights and some cardio. In one thread, Cathe said it was ok to do a plyo leg workout during the week, as long as it was not next to the actual leg workout. I think doubling up would wear you out, burn you out, and do much more harm than good to your body. Might feel fine the first week but it would catch up with you fast, IMO. Then you may end up taking too much time off to recover, which could be detrimental in the scheme of things.

 

[Vee]

Thanks Shana