The homestretch has finally arrived. Week 4 of 4 of 10×10. The 10×10 program receives mixed reviews. It is set up to work one or two major muscle groups in 10×10, plus a secondary exercise usually performed in 3×10-12. Many say they gain strength and size on the program, and it being my off season, and my goal being attaining some more size to upgrade these mini muscles to muscles, I decided to do it.
Pros:
It’s simple. I had the workout memorized week one. No note card needed on the workout floor.
There is little cardio on this program. I chose to do spin classes 2 times a week.
It’s fairly quick. No workout took over an hour.
I feel stronger.
Cons:
Deadlifts
Squats
Yes, these are in sets of 10. Yes, my legs were sore. Very sore.
There are many rest days. I do not mentally do well with rest days.
I’m pushing myself to lift heavier then ever and feel I am accomplishing my goal. I do feel stronger then I have ever felt. I am unsure of the results on my muscle gain yet. Too soon to tell, but I believe I gained a bit. So I have 2 workouts remaining on the program and then I’m off to San Francisco (aka land of hills and awesome calf workouts) for four days! I will be doing plenty of walking (yes, that will be my cardio) along with potentially some hill runs. I’ll focus on core workouts in the hotel and honestly after the 10×10 a few days away from the weights is what I need to recharge, regroup, and refocus. I will begin a new workout regimen when I return.
So for anyone looking to try switch up their workouts and who isn’t afraid to gain muscle, I do recommend the 10×10 program. There are many varieties out there. Google it and find out! You can take advantage of the program design and push yourself to the limit or you can cruise through it. It was tough at the start to figure out what weight I could safely and effectively use. I went on the heavier side and occasionally had to drop my weight towards the last set, but I was ok with that.
Just like any program, tweaks can be made and alternative exercises used. Make it your own. My goal is just to become the best me I can be, feel good, stay injury free, and always keep things in perspective. This is a lifestyle, but it cannot consume my life! I feel great being involved in fitness, using supplements, experimenting with new nutrition programs, and inspiring others. I never want to or will let workouts become a burden, as they are something I choose for myself and absolutely love. Good days and bad days, I’m so thankful for this journey, the triumphs and tribulations, the ridiculously amazing teammates I am so thankful to have in my life, and my body for holding up through it all.
