STS legs - splitting

[cruisinid]

I'm going into my 3rd week of mesocycle 1. I find the leg video extremely demanding and I feel very fatigued/weak by the time I get to the end of the last exercises.

Is it best to push through the program in its entirety or would it be better to split the workout into two.. I could then do two shorter segments during the week and have more energy and power to do both halves thoroughly?

Thanks in advance!
Dawn

 

[Shantabulous]

I think Cathe says several times that the best results come from pushing through to the very end. So, unless you're in pain, I would continue to push. You will get stronger with each workout. Leg workouts are always super tough due to using such large muscle groups. Keep pushing!

 

[zippity]

I agree, best results come from pushing through the entire workout, but pay attention to your body too...if your muscles are cramping, if you're pushing to the point of injury or where you cannot safely handle the weight; then stop. We all come to STS with varying types of workout backgrounds-if you have not done very much weight training, then you very well might need to work up to finishing the entire workout in one session. I've had to stop occasionally too!

 

[jane_grace]

Legs are tougher for me, too

I, too, was splitting my leg workout into 2 but now I'm trying to push straight through. However, in order to do that I've lowered my weights. Sometimes I use no weights.

Mostly it's not my leg muscles, it seems I let the cardio take over and then I get light-headed so my conclusion is that I'm using too heavy of weights.

Today was better, but I had to not let my pride get in the way (not that that is your issue, it's definitely mine) and use no weights sometimes. Sigh ...
Jane

 

[Dela]

It's all a head game for me, it's a long tough workout, but the 3x3 set up works really well for me. Sometimes, mid way through I actually have thought of stopping, I just keep telling myself, just one more set of these and we move on to the next bunch. If it's too much and I'm really going to stop, I don't even think twice, I lower the weights, significantly if needed and that keeps me going.

If you keep at it, eventually you know you will that day when the heavier weight doesn't feel so heavy anymore, but you may just need to work up to it a little slower. Don't get too hung up on the 1 rm, it's great if you can do all the exercises at those weights, but in reality your body is going to respond to you pushing yourself, even if the weight are not at their max.

I would opt for dropping the weight to zero if needed at times over splitting up the workout into 2 sessions.

 

[lechat]

I am finishing week two on friday...leg day! Yes the hour is challenging but you can modify by not using the added weight and pacing yourself...remember quality vs quantity I leave my leg workout for fridays so I can recover over the weekend...I am less sore by the beginning of the week. Also, I drink a protein shake right after the workout to help recovery and stretch after all STS workouts.
Everyone is different so listen to your body to avoid injury.
good luck

 

[jazzi21]

The leg exercises are my Achilles Heel, but they are necessary. I never thought of splitting it. I do get through the workouts, but mostly without weights. This is my first rotation, and on the 2nd week of legs, I used weights and tried to do the wall squats with the stability and actually felt sick and had to stop the workout. From that point on, I vowed to myself that I would not push myself that far again. Lunges are difficult for me and I really get a great workout without weights. For some reason, I love squats and I can use increased weight with this exercise. Whatever your fitness level, you will see results if you make a concentrated effort with the exercises, but you don't have to kill yourself to get results.

I love this program and I am so glad that I purchased it, it was well worth the money. It is like having my very own personal trainer at home. I will be doing disk 24 tonight, biceps and back, then an active rest week next week. I just ordered the tower for Meso 3 because I am going to to the squat rack workout and not the plyo's.