G-Money's Log

[G-Money]

Hello All,

I've been following Mark Sisson's primal blueprint for almost three months now and came across Cheapo's post about his fantastic transformation using Simplefit. Since I found out earlier this year that full body workouts are better than isolation workouts, I have utilized a few different workout plans (Beachbody's Insanity, Starting Strength, 100 pushup challenge, now Simplefit). I think simple is better. I've been wanting to get a pullup bar for a while and Cheapo's progress cemented my decision to get one and get started on this program.

As for stats, I'm a 32 y/o male... 5'9'' ~200 lbs.

Started L1D1 with 32 rounds: As someone who was 30 lbs heavier in April and couldn't do a strict pullup to save my life, I was actually impressed with myself. Most pullups (varying grips) were strict form but there was a small amount of jumping force imparted in the later rounds. Pushups and squats were no problem.

L1D2 was done in 3:36. This felt like a breeze compared to D1.

[Neilfenstein]

Welcome to simplefit! I am a primal blueprint forum lurker but started here first!

That's a solid first attempt ! You will get along fine at that rate. You may find D2 & 3 easy but stick with the weeks as they are set out, leveling each week if necessary until you find the level that you can't beat D3 in 5 mins. Then you will know you have found your level the right way!

Some (me being one) consider the only way you should level up is if you do pull ups palm facing away! It's up to you!

Good luck and enjoy!

[G-Money]

Thanks for the welcome Neil.

While I agree with the pullup suggestion from the purist's point of view, I want to vary my grips so that I can continue to work my arms. I don't plan to do any add'l exercises to work my arms right now and want to get the best bang for my buck. So I'm not just changing grips in order to do more pullups for the program. There is a method to the madness.

Hopefully I can get D3 in before bed. Stay tuned...

[G-Money]

So L1D3 went well.

2:43
Pullups: 4-2-2-1-1
Pushups: 21
Squats: 21

My pullup muscles were a bit tired since I did D2 yesterday afternoon and D3 this evening. Started program on Wednesday, D2 Friday, and wanted to move to L2 on Monday with 1 full day of rest so did D3 on Saturday. Because of this I had minor lapses in pullup form (too much swinging mostly, almost kipping), but I feel confident that I won't overstep my abilities by moving on to L2 on Monday.

[Neilfenstein]

That's a great D3!

Your approach is one I have considered and as I have said each to their own! My only suggestion would be to try and keep a track of what your doing to be able to successfully track progress! I struggled with pull ups and tracking my progress is the only thing that helped me know I wasn't stagnating! I'm sure you will be fine but was just a tip!

Good lick with L2!

[Slacke]

Hi and welcome.

I just started out last week myself and your starting stats seem quite similar to mine. =)

I've been doing 'proper' pullups though I get where your coming from. After L1,D1 got wondering about perhaps alternating with chin-ups
since that was a quite big bottleneck for me there.
Day one of level two felt alot more balanced though with the increase in the other parts but if I get stuck on a level feeling that the
pull ups are holding me back I think I might again consider alternating just to get a better 'flow'.

[G-Money]

Ok, so did L2D1 earlier today and completed 30 or 31 rounds. With all the counting, not to mention the heavy breathing, I think I may have skipped a round but I can't be sure. I used an overhand grip exclusively this go 'round and tried to keep my form as strict as possible.

It wasn't the hottest day today in Chicago, but I was still sweating for almost an hour after the workout. Good w/o to say the least.

[Ruli]

reading all that is said about pull-up grips, i can't but help to throw in my 2 cents worth as well.

apart from working different muscles in the arms when using different grips, don't forget about the shoulder and back muscles. each grip targets specific muscles in the shoulders and back as well - so that's why i think it's important to "mix it up" - especially on D1 & 2. on D3, be as consistent as possible though, using only one grip, be it pull-up, chin-up, or neutral - that way you will be consistent in keeping track of your progress.

as i said, that's my 2 cents worth...

[G-Money]

So today was L2D2. Finished it in 4:05.

I used 3 different grips today. I switched up my grips so that I can work different muscles this go 'round.

Looking forward to D3.

[G-Money]

So after overcoming some personal computer problems and login issues, I've returned to continue my updates. I've decided to include the week in my update so that I can keep track.

Week 2
Friday, 8/27/10: L2D3 done in 4:22
Pullups were done 6-5-2. Pianola and equate done straight through. While I was happy with the number of pullups done in a row, I was a little disappointed with my pullup recovery. Anyway, I was happy to move on to L3.

Week 3
Tuesday, 8/31/2010: L3D1 in 20 rounds.
Definitely a tough workout. Was hoping for a few more rounds but I'm okay with 20. 40 pullups in 20 minutes is pretty good for me. Looking forward to D2 to see if I might be on this level next week.

[Slacke]

Good to see that you're still hanging in there =)

[G-Money]

Thanks Slacke. Hope to stay with it a little longer in fact.

[G-Money]

L3D2 - 3:53

Faster than last week's L2D2. I think my timing technique is flawed which attributes to the difference. This week felt tougher than last so I think last week's should have been lower. I use my iPhone's timer btw.

[G-Money]

Did L3D3 in 4:55. Thought I would do better than that but really struggled with the 16 pullups. I think I'm going to go on to L4 to up my work load knowing It will take a while to progress, which I don't have a problem with.

[G-Money]

Week 4

Tuesday was L4D1:

Eked out 18 rounds today. A little disappointed since this was less than L3D1. I was out of gas at the 16 minute mark. I squeezed out 3 more rounds before the bell but today was more of a struggle than previous weeks. Lately, I have unintentionally been working out without having eaten much which may be a mistake as far as my performance is concerned.

Having a little soreness in my right elbow. I guess it's tendonitis, I've never had it before so I could be wrong. Regardless, I have to be more careful of my form to keep it from flaring up.