Sweat it Out:
Elliptical 5 minute warm-up
40 minutes weights
1 hour Elliptical

This morning was the first time that I felt a serious amount of progress at the gym.  It was when I did the push-up portion of my wight lifting exercises.  I could tell that my body had a fuller range of motion.  My abs felt engaged, my back felt straight, and I can almost go half way down.  THIS IS HUGE PEOPLE!  When I started the program a month ago, I could barely stay on my knees and when I did I could only hold my body weight down about 2 inches.  I wish I would have taped how I was in the beginning doing this exercise because I know I have come so far!  I didn’t feel like my stomach muscles were going to cave when I was in downward motion (thank you prone jack-knife), and I felt strong.  I am absolutely abuzz with endorphins!

Today was day 13, phase 1, workout a, and the beginning of the last week of phase 1 for “The New Rules of Lifting for Women”.  I am so excited to do the fitness test next week, and then start phase 2 the week after that!  Here is what my workout looked like today:

• Squats: Warm-up 50 pounds, S1-3 70 pounds, 8 reps.
• Seated Row: Warm-up 50 pounds, S1 90 pounds, S2-3 8 pounds.
• Push-ups: Girlie style, 3 Sets of 8 reps (had a HUGE improvement this week!).
• Step-ups: 22 pound bar, went up one lift on the stepper and felt it A LOT more.
• Prone Jack Knives: 3 sets, 15 reps.