So it continues.
Today, I felt a little more prepared for what was in store. I wasn’t completely unprepared like I was yesterday. It was still tough though. I found the strength exercises a tiny bit easier but the mobility exercises more difficult.
In either case, I was covered in sweat by the end and am still marvelling at how I can find such simple movements so difficult.
Foundation One
This time around, I gave myself more time to wake up before I started to train. I think this definitely helps — I never liked lifting barbells in the morning — but it’s not always possible. I had a busy afternoon yesterday and a busy afternoon today. I suppose earlier to bed and earlier to rise would be a good habit to form though.
I haven’t been warming up for any precise exercises but I have been doing the 30/30 squat routine that Ido Portal’s been talking about, as shown here:
And I feel that’s a good, low-stress way to get the blood flowing in the morning.
I also had my first chance of equipment improvisation since one of the mobility exercises required requires the use of a 5lbs bar. I decided to just use a broom stick for the moment – it’s difficult enough – but I do have weight plates I can add to it the next time around (or maybe the time after that). I don’t want to rush.
Handstand One
Today was my first time doing the Handstand One routine. This is something that had me worried for two, interconnected reasons:
- It requires tuck headstands.
- My attempts at tuck headstands failed miserable.
I felt like I was going to have to spend at least a few days — maybe even weeks — just working up the strength and capability to do the most basic movement in the program. And I was not looking forward to that.
But I’ve got some good news. Ish. After messing around a little yesterday and having a few attempts today, I did manage a couple. These are not well-formed headstands but I did hold them for the required amount of time. I’ll make slow progress on this program, I think, but of course, even slow progress is progress.
Looking Ahead
I don’t have many precise goals with this program. I simply want to move well and, by the time I’ve made my way through all four modules, I think I’ll have made a few strong steps in that direction. If anything, that is my goal: do the program. I’ll try to not worry too much about the results. That’ll only leave me anxious.
Strong Dave 
A 5 kg bar? I take it you have a pretty good compression then, excellent job! Also, about Tuck Headstands: some exercises at first seem very hard/impossible, but after practicing a bit you should be able to do it (I myself fell many times during this tuck headstand, and now I can’t imagine falling from it).
Woops. Was meant to be 5lbs rather than 5kg. Fixed.
And you’re definitely right. I’ve done a few more tuck headstands during the day and it is getting easier. Still quite shaky and I usually have trouble getting my knees onto my elbows, but progress is being made. 🙂
What did you use the broom stick for? Dislocates?