Iron Series
 

So, I just wanted to let everyone know that I've almost finished 3 weeks of Iron Series. I do extra cardio on some days. My goal is to be one size smaller by the time school starts again. I have so many cute pants that are one size smaller than my current size. Also, I started Iron Series during the schol year but mentally was not prepared for it. I'm using the summer to build back a strong workout habit and to get stonger so I can keep it up during the school year. Unfortunately, my scale is broken and I did not take measurements but here are my observations so far:

- My clothes are fitting better

- I am stronger - not nearly as strong as many of you or Carline but I am increasing weights (for example I used 20's for arnold presses today).

- I cannot tell you how much I hated, loathed, despised singe leg lunges and bulgarian lunges, and hip thrusts. I can now do them with better form, using my step for bulgarian lunges and for hip thrusts. I also feel them in the right places. My back foot always gave out. I'm not saying it isn't still a challenge but it is much better than when I started. I alternate between 15's and 20's depending on how many sets there are for single leg lunges and bulgarian lunges. Today, I used a 25 for single leg lunges held on the side of the lunge.

- I will have room to grow when I do this series again.

I won't be able to finish week 3 until Monday but I'm sure the rest won't hurt.

Congrats on your progress so far! What is the iron series?

Gigi congrats on your progress! You've piqued my interest. Whenever I hear "I got stronger" I automatically tune in. Arnold Presses using 20 pound dumbbells is pretty impressive to me. I've never tried anything by Caroline Girvan, as I tend not to stick to online workouts. Plus the lady seems so strong I've always been intimidated.

Is her lifting pace reasonable? Is she heavy on the squats and lunges? I notice you mention them. I like squats and lunges, but my knee is complaining right now. Are there warmups?

I did the first workout this morning thanks to your post. I might go ahead and do this entire program despite preferring DVDs and preferring verbal instructions during the moves.

I believe it’s this:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...mo5EQ0zmkxymJ2

The warm up is separate. Sets are timed, you go at your own pace (and you will see Caroline take breaks during sets which I like.) Totally doable. She is heavy on lunges, squats, rdls, hip thrusts.

I am the same way about DVDs and verbal instruction and I'm currently in the middle of doing her new Fuel series. I have done the first week of the Iron series and will go back to it after Fuel is over. I don't really miss the verbal cuing much and it gives me some variety. Plus the workouts are short!

Carline Girvin on YouTube.:)

You may use her link to a 5 minute warm up but I usually do a Cathe warm up. I believe the pace is reasonable and you have to have the mindset to push yourself within reason. I don't come near the weights she uses. I also stop when I need to. I love squats but single leg lunges and bolgarian lunges are awful to me. I no longer have the dread factor I once had as doing them has stregnthed me in those areas. I focused on form and lighter weights. I had to let go of the "all or nothing" mindest. I am intimidated by her other programs and Iron is my first program. I was on vacation and just got back today so I'll finish week 3 tomorrow and start week 4 on Tuesday!

She give a lot of verbal instructions at the beginning of the workout. She also has written tips that pop up during the workout. Once you get used to no cueing, I find it hard to go back to instructors that cue or talk duing the entire workout.:)