CyclePups: 6 weeks completed, on to the extended play version

[NoNo]

I've just completely fallen apart the last two weeks. I did some here and there, but just couldn't keep up with the progression in the program. I'm going to repeat various weeks and days until I feel strong enough to move up to week 5.

No matter what, I'm happy. Saw my cousin (whom I challenged) this weekend and after giving my arm a squeeze, commented on how much I'd improved. I'll get there, just at my own pace.

[Grog]

So this morning I did sort of a test. I did not want to go to the terrible max but I did as many very good form ones as I could.

20.

Considering I started with 7, that's not bad I think.

I'll keep posting about my sets and progression... I am still aiming for the end of 2008. I think it's possible.

[emily_in_nc]

So this morning I did sort of a test. I did not want to go to the terrible max but I did as many very good form ones as I could.

20.

Considering I started with 7, that's not bad I think.

I'll keep posting about my sets and progression... I am still aiming for the end of 2008. I think it's possible.

That's excellent, Grog! I started with 9, so I am looking forward to my next exhaustion test. I am planning to do that tomorrow. I would love to test at 20 this time. I don't really expect to, but as long as I see some improvement, I'll be happy.

[Smilie]

Excellent job everyone! I am kind of scared to start them, as I don't want to know how it will tweak my rotator cuff. So maybe I should start with wall pushups to be safe? Any suggestions?

Oh, and did anyone take before and after pics of their new muscle mass?!

[emily_in_nc]

Well, I suck! I just completed my exhaustion test after doing two weeks of the program and could only manage 15 pups. I can't even start week 3 unless I do a minimum of 16! Guess it's back to week 2 hell for me....sigh.

How do you strong ladies do it? The sad thing is, I've been going to the gym and lifting for years (light weights, tho), and doing knee pushups, so I wasn't starting from a sedentary place. This is the first time I've ever done full pushups. I guess I didn't realize how weak I was.

I'm sticking with it and I will persevere, but doing 100 at a time seems like it may never happen with my body!

Anyone start out weak like me and have a success story to share? I could use it right now!

[yellow]

Well, I suck!

ummmmm, that sort of 'tude is NOT ALLOWED! Drop and give me 10!

Seriously, give yourself time. I feel like I broke through some sort of a plateau this week, after 6 weeks of following the program pretty closely (I repeated week 5). It was really tough at times, but I stuck with it and the payoff has been worth it. I think the keys for me have been the 3x a week and regular progression, not necessarily the set configuration. I popped off the 8 sets of week 6 day 2 tonight like it was nothin'. Shocked myself. I'll be doing day 3 on Saturday (I have a dinner date with friends Friday so won't even THINK about doing pups after wine), so we'll see if I still feel good. And then...the next max test...

I have no idea if my arms and chest are more muscley or not...I have kind of bulky arms to begin with (ask SadieKate about my problems with the arm bands on short sleeved jerseys), so it's hard to tell. DH is out of town this week; I'll ask him if he notices a difference when he gets back.

[Smilie]

Thanks Oakleaf for the suggestions. Every time I feel a twinge of pain, I stop or modify what I am doing. So will start very easy, and do the everyday plan twice to strengthen slowly. Thanks for the links, they are a lot of help.

[OakLeaf]

I am kind of scared to start them, as I don't want to know how it will tweak my rotator cuff. So maybe I should start with wall pushups to be safe? Any suggestions?

Did you have a PT you worked with on your rotator cuff? Can you call them for a quick question? Have you done any push-ups since your injury - and if so, how did that feel?

If it was me I'd be especially worried about muscle imbalances. Keep doing (or resume) whatever exercises you did to rehab your shoulder. In earlier threads I put up links to some stretches and some exercises for the opposing muscle groups.

The other thing I'd worry about is progressing too quickly. The program as written moves very, very steeply and I think it could aggravate an injury. If your doctor or PT clears you to join in, you might want to plan to repeat even the early weeks at least once (or perhaps do each "day" twice in succession, still keeping a rest day in between), then maybe take a step back for a third week (to a lower column or an easier type of pups) before moving on to the next program week.


Edit: Emily you DO NOT suck! Actually, you rock, for getting started with this and planning to stick with it! I'm pretty sure everyone who's stuck with this program has at least doubled the total number of pups we're doing in a day (all the sets added together), and actually the ones who started with the fewest made the most progress. But if you're having trouble progressing, maybe take a look at your protein intake?