Muscle Endurance

nancy324

nancy324

Cathlete
Okay, I did ME for the first time yesterday and I liked it, except I was horrified when Cathe went into lunges right after doing the big box leg presses. I didn't even attempt them. Why didn't she put them somewhere else in the workout, or, even better, leave them out all together? My legs were completely spent and like rubber after the step-ups.

It looked like the gang had a 16-inch mini-step, though they never actually said so. I have the Novel Notion box which goes to 14". I tried putting it on a step riser and it worked! So now I have a 16" box. Does that height sound right?

Does anyone have any tips for getting through the lunges? Has anyone done the step-ups and lunges consecutively? I was thinking of just adding the lunges somewhere else or doing them the next day!

Thanks for any tips!
 
Hi Nancy,

Try doing a few lunges at a time. I like the combo together, even if it is a killer! }( But I do as many reps as I can take a two rep break and get back at it. It's usually something like this 6 reps, 2 rep break, 4 reps, 2 break and then the remaining. I keep count so as to do the same sequence on the opposite leg. Works for me!! :)

Good luck! Actually I'll be popping in ME shortly.:eek: Then sometime around 4 going for a run! Maybe I should be asking for good luck wishes! :D

Take care,
Angie
 
Try a sixty second break before the lunges, or try lowering the step height to 14 or 12 inches so you're not as fatigued when the lunges start. Good luck.

--Ann
 
I do them consecutively, just adjust my weightload to my strength/energy level. Also pause/rest as needed, trying to keep it even reps on both legs, as mentioned. I love the burn, and I love the results. For over 2 decades I've lifted heavy weights/low reps, and in the previous couple of years have not seen the results I wanted. Finding Cathe and going lower weight/high rep (endurance)has shaken up my body and I'm seeing results again. Be brave!
 
Honestly, when I do this workout, I don't feel like it is enough legwork. Is it possible that I am doing the leg presses incorrectly?
 
Step height in ME

Hey Nancy,

I think you are right on the Hi-Step height in ME. HOWEVER, I have always read--here & elsewhere that your knee should never be bent at more than a 45 degree angle for those step ups in ANY video. The stress of bending your knee more than that can be a killer. I haven't tried anything more than 14" & don't think I would want to. I feel the BURN just fine at 14" & I'm 5'6". I never noticed how far Cathe's knee is bent when doing this exercise but will watch next time.

As for the lunges immediately after the step, I reduce my weight from what I would normally do but I do them! I think there is something to the sequencing of the exercises that makes them more effective. I could be wrong & just be a glutten for punishment but I do 'em! Someone suggested trying a few at a time, I like that idea. If you can do 4 on each leg one time, try doing 5 the next & so on until you can do them all.
 
RE: Step height in ME

OK, now I am convinced that I am doing the leg presses wrong! I DON'T feel the burn with these…

Is this an easy exercise to cheat on and not realize you are doing it???
:eek:
 
RE: Step height in ME

Sarah,
Hello. It is very easy to push off with the foot that is still on the floor instead of keeping most of your work in the foot/leg that is on the bench. That is the only cheat that I can think of. Also, I use more weight than Cathe does on this one, but I have a REALLY hard time witht the lunges also. Static lunges to me are one of the hardest leg exercises anyway! If you're not cheating, maybe you are just really strong! Have a good one.
:7
 
RE: Step height in ME

Sarah, I don't think it is that easy to cheat, unless the step height is too low. Step-ups are fabulously effective for the glutes, but if your glutes are strong, good for you!
 
RE: Step height in ME

Deb-
Do you mean 90 degree angle? Since Cathe is about my height and uses a 16 inch step, I figure that's the right height for me.
 
RE: Step height in ME

I think you're just incredibly strong. Personally, I would have no problem whatsoever with cheating in any way possible to get through leg presses, but it just doesn't help. They're brutal! Be proud!

Shari
 
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