So it's now the last day of August, and I am well into Stage 6 of New Rules of Lifting for Women. I've been really enjoying having a routine to follow when I walk into the free-weight section. It gives me a sense of purpose and I never walk out wondering if I could have done more or if I did the right thing, if it was helping at all or if I was even progressing. So many of the women at my gym seem to be at a loss of what to do when faced with a rack full of weights, but they are impelled to go there nonetheless, because there is a craving for some kind of strength training.
For all that, I can't say this program has been easy. There are some fussy sequences, and some of the workouts kept me in the gym for more than two hours at a time. Now the workouts have gotten shorter again, but man, I thought I would give out or give up during Stage 5 -- I am glad I made it over the hump.
At the end of Stage 6, I'm supposed to be able to do an unassisted pullup. I'm doubting this one because of my bodyweight. But it's possible that I may manage a single chin-up. I will take my victories wherever I can find them.
I will report back then.