Cathe's STS Phases

[Eilene]

I was curious what everyone who has done Cathe's STS thinks of each of the 3 different phases (Meso 1,2 & 3). I just started phase 1 today. It is very different than what I am used to. I'm used to lifting heavier. Do you think doing higher reps helps build muscle? I really want to build more muscle.
Also after all three Phases do you think it would be alright to just do Meso 2 & 3?
Thanks so much!!

[nora]

I'm like you in that I prefer fewer reps at heavier weight. I just finished a 2 month rotation of only phases 2 and 3. (Actually, I quit in the eighth week because I'd had enough...but detail,details) I was quite happy with my results. I feel I rebuilt some muscle I had lost, and felt firmer all around. So, I say skip phase 1 if you're dubious about it.

[Zenara25]

I prefer the 2nd and 3rd also. But I can see the benefit of all 3. I wonder if it has to do with our body types. There's a current thread over at Cathe's site about body types and what type of workouts are preferred.
http://cathe.com/forum/f97/what-your...ml#post2235213

I'm a mesomorph and I prefer heavy weights and HiiT for cardio.

[Eilene]

I am an Ectomorph pretty much. I have done 2 rounds of Body Beast & love it...but want to try something different. The last 2 weeks of BB I incorporated STS Meso 2 & really liked it!
I do have to say that I enjoyed the 1st workout today. Loved all the pushups! I just do not want to lose the muscle & strength I have gained for Body Beast.

[Zenara25]

Eilene that might make sense for you to only 'occasionally' do an endurance workout to just shock the muscles. And focus more on moderate to heavy weights then. Definitely do what works best for you.

BTW that's awesome the results you've had with Body Beast

[shoegoddess]

I just finished Meso 1 last week and went right into Meso 2 this week. I will take a recovery week after Meso 2. I do prefer Meso2 but wanted to start from the beginning. April I will do Body Beast Total Body and cardio most of the month because every weekend in April is a 3 day for me and I can't devote the time to STS. I'll pick up Meso 3 in May. Maybe. I'm thinking I might do Body Beast instead. I've gain some muscle and definition from Meso 1. I had mentioned to a lady at Weight Watchers that I was doing a progressive weight training program and she mentioned last week she could tell I lifted weights. She added that she meant that "In a good way". I guess she thought I would be offended. No Way!! That's what I'm after. I want people to see that I lift. This is my thrid time doing STS. I've never gotten to Meso 3. But I've always had great results.

[trevs_mom]

I did the 1RM and the weights the calculator picked for me for Meso1 were not light. Yes it was an endurance workout, but you aren't flinging around 3 lb weights.

I am on week 3 of Meso 2 right now.

[Tugger31]

I liked STS Meso 2 the best only b/c the first time around I didnt have a weight bench so couldnt go high enough in weight safely for Meso 3. I have since done Meso 3 with a weight bench and loved it!

For something different, I've also done the first week of each Mesocycle in a row, then did week 2's all in a row (Meso 1 week 1, then M2W1, M3K1..active recovery week...then M1W2, M2W2, M3W2...active recovery...etc etc)

[Eilene]

Thanks for all of your input! I really appreciate it. I absolutely love what BB did for me. I am so much stronger. It is hard for me to build muscle though but I think that an endurance workout like Meso 1 would definitely be good for me to break it up. I feel like I am stronger than I look and my core is crazy strong. I love it!
Years ago I worked out with a trainer. I loved when people would say to me..."you must work out"... It made me feel great. My upper body is pretty lean and I carry more of my fat in my lower body. I want to get bigger up top and lean out below.
I just wasn't sure what I should do. I was almost thinking of alternating a week of BB with a week of STS. Maybe I'll just finish off this week with Phase 1...doing only one week of it and move right on to Phase 2. Would that be ok you think?

[Eilene]

Originally Posted by Tugger31

I liked STS Meso 2 the best only b/c the first time around I didnt have a weight bench so couldnt go high enough in weight safely for Meso 3. I have since done Meso 3 with a weight bench and loved it!

For something different, I've also done the first week of each Mesocycle in a row, then did week 2's all in a row (Meso 1 week 1, then M2W1, M3K1..active recovery week...then M1W2, M2W2, M3W2...active recovery...etc etc)

I love your idea above! That really breaks it up and makes it interesting. I also love how all her workouts are slightly different...no boredom setting in here!