2023: Kit's new log, a 90-day bodyweight squat challenge, and front and side splits!

[Kit_L]

Three lunar cycles is always a highly auspicious time period many traditions claim. 

I am one week in to this challenge today. I am alternating sets of baithaks (the so-called "Hindu" squats and our ordinary flat-footed ones. Each method emphasises different muscle groups. I exercise/play six days a week.

Numbers are done according to how the old body is feeling, but usually 40 B, 30 S, 30 B, 30 S (so 130 total). I will add sets, and then try to join sets. The first set I can always do more, and I am doing them slowly, concentrating on smoothness of movement, and rhythm. High bodyweight squat numbers emphasise muscle endurance, which I need.

These are alternated with chin-ups and wall HS supports for time on one day, and horizontal pulling and pushing on another day. Chins are a current best of 7 reps, and then descending sets. The wall HS supports are for counts of ten to fifteen (one thousand, two thousand,...). Then some fairly innovative arm exercises done on one side of a set of parallel bars. Bodyweight dips to start on these days, sometimes. Also current best dip # is 7.

Then side splits: all the usual suspects here, including the tailor pose, parallel feet legs apart, then maximum depth with legs fully turned out (I have written about this before, but this is my test to see which of the two methods is most likely to yield success in the briefest time—in my case, SS has come via turnout and not lumbar hyperextension). Two or three repetitions, trying to use the leg muscles to support the body—today, only index fingertip support (feet on slightly wet grass). Turned out, I am at least 6" lower (150mm) than the parallel feet version. A few sets of both.

Front splits: the approach I have been using for a while now is a both-legs bent standing lunge, opening out the front leg as far as possible and straightening the back leg as far as possible, and going for depth and time (light arm support). Around 30–45" here, sometimes quite a bit longer, depending on energy levels. Two or three sets.

I intend to ask Miss O to film segments of these sessions in the next week or so, and I will post on YouTube. This too is part of the 90-day challenge: we all should be able to see what progress looks like (and it will keep me toeing the line!).

The biggest difference I have felt is that compared to the Monkey Gym days there is much less DOMS (I am nowhere near as strong, so this makes sense to me) and I can feel that, currently, I have quite a lot less energy than before, and I know instantly when I ned to stop. On the other hand, this has been improving over the last few months. WRT SS and FS, I have been improving every session, and this is new for me. It might be that because I am muscularly not as strong, there is corresponding less resistance in the movements (my tendons and ligaments have been conditioned now over a great many years of these kinds of practises) and so far no real DOMS—only the awareness of having used the body the day before.

If anyone would care to join me in this challenge, please append comments/images/posts/numbers below. Let's do this together!

[SiW]

Hey Kit, how did your challenge go? Just come across your post today whilst browsing the forum. (Currently working my way through the starter course. May I just say how clear and exact the instruction is from Olivia. Thanks both)

Simon

[Kit_L]

Thanks for the nice comments re. Olivia!

Re. the challenge: it's ongoing. Between getting the house ready for settlement (mid-October), a very sick family member, and (yesterday) needing to do essential boat maintenance, exercise has taken a back seat the last month. I will announce the re-start in a few weeks.

[SiW]

Ok. Well you are having a busy period in your life it seems Kit. Wishing you well. S