Hey there, Toots. Just wanted to jump in with my 3 cents

I'm not sure if you're aware but the rest in between sets is designed to bring about specific results. Longer rests allow muscles to recover more, allowing you to lift heavier weights. This also yeilds more muscle growth due to more muscle tearing. Shorter rests are geared toward fat burning and keeping your heart rate elevated - they are more aerobic. Waiting a shorter time between sets doesn't mean you don't feel the 'burn', however the burn isn't quite the same as when you allow your muscle to rest and then lift heavy. What you feel after a short rest is more lactic acid buildup, and not actual failure/fatigue.

I understand the desire to do more for specific areas, but keep in mind that the compound exercises like chest presses and wide grip pulldowns work many muscle groups, including your core muscles. Many times after a focussed chest and bicep workout I have felt sore along my triceps and lats - it all gets worked when you do the compound exercises.

Heres to hurtin in the morning
-Nat

p.s. Just a thought - do you have heavier weights than those available to you? If you can flye 12 lbs you can chest press about 2x that much(one is compound, one is isolated) This could be why you dont feel like you're working out as hard as you should be - you aren't! (we women tend to underestimate how strong we really are)

Hey, Nat!

I used a Joyce Vedral aerobic strength training routine as a sort of two-fer since today should've been HIIT. It's a regimine I used with success some years ago and, honestly, I meant to pyramid all the sets but someone had been in my weight bin. And, okay, I finally believe the minute is necessary to allow for more weight and tearing. It makes SO much sense, thanks, Nat! (I'm working on my patience!) But (she asked, still trying to do it her way), doesn't stretching serve the same purpose? When I get a good stretch on between sets it relieves the lactic acid burn and I'm able to do the next set with heavier weights. With some sets I need the whole minute but not the first two.

I went shopping for a barbell yesterday and the only one that fit was out of stock. The others were really long (and intimidating). I can seriously use more weight for the chest and back and even the biceps and triceps (with the 1 min. rest). So, today when I was working out I was searching for a way to get a burn with what I had. Until I get the barbell set I'm considering using my ankle weights on my wrist for the presses. My trainer had me do that before but the ROM is limited, of course because the cuffs are large. I don't want to have to find a way to neatly store more barbells.

Thanks!!

Hey, Red, no problem in not answering!

We're all busy and some days I honestly don't feel like keeping up my log but I do it because it makes me extremely accountable. And, the carb thing might be a factor for me too. I'm not on a restrictive plan but I just don't lean toward carbs anymore so getting enough means more thinkin' about food. I hate to concentrate too much on food at a time when it's natural for me eat low carb. As I keep whining, the food part of this plan is frustrating for me. I KNOW I missed that workout from not eating enough. What I thought was indigestion turned out to be major cramps, something I never have. The workout stress requires more protein and carbs than I've been ingesting. I'll get it right eventually.

My last entry was 8/22 and I was already behind. Got caught up in reorganizing office and household stuff and - gasp! - forgot all about BFL! Honestly, I haven't figured out how to proceed, from Day 11 or start over....that is the question.

Hi Optimist,

I think if I missed only a few days, I'd just continue on from where I left off. I hope you're still doing it. If not, jump back in there, you'll be glad you did.

I think it's normal when starting to exercise to start and stop for a while, just keep starting and one of these time the twelve weeks will have gone by before you know it.

Arnie

Hi Optimist! Just checking in to see how you're doing. I'm going to restart BFL tomorrow, can't wait. How's it going for you?

Hey, guys! I haven't quit but I had to take some time off. I had to reorganize my office, get the kids ready for school around the same unfortunate time I hit a physical wall with BFL. I'm going to pick up where I left off mid-week. I've planned for Wednesday so keep your fingers crossed for me.

Arnie, thanks so much for the encouragement! I don't want to quit but, yes, I did find it a bit overwhelming all of a sudden. It was weird, I'd just started to get excited about my workout time, everything was set up and BOOM, there I was loathing it again! Then I had lots of 'reasons' to take a break. Odd, but I never expected NOT to go back to it, just a matter of WHEN. How'd ya know?

Sarah, I'm so glad you're about to start again!!

Hi Optimist,

I'm glad you're going to start again. My fingers are crossed.

I think that's normal for a lot of people (like me) to start and stop at first. It's a big change. It's funny, it really doesn't take much time to do it, but I can spend hours thinking about it. I spend more energy thinking about it in my head then actually doing it. I think that's what makes it hard when your starting out. As you progress it takes up less space in your head.

My suggestion is that if you hit a wall again and find yourself loathing it, spew it all out here and then it won't be trapped running around in your mind anymore.

Arnie

Arnie, that is exactly it! I mean, think about it, 3 times a week it takes about 20 min. and the other three times it takes less than an hour but I think about it constantly, especially when I'm not getting to it! I'm hoping it'll one day become the norm to exercise and not something to fret over.

It will, the more we do it, the more relaxed we'll get about it. It'll just become like any other routine part of our lives. I'm sure of it.

Good luck tomorrow.
Arnie