Stella's Adventures in Squatting Journal

Let's start with a note from Stella's email coach, IronOnline moderator Bill Keyes:

In early October, 2001, Stella Juarez, a stalwart contributing member of the IronOnLine discussion group, expressed a high level of frustration with the high rep leg workouts she had been following since she had begun lifting. She was mentally and physically ready to try going heavy. As a heavy lifting disciple, Stella's new-found desire warmed the cockles of this old man's lifting heart.

We corresponded a bit as to the best way to get underway with the new philosophy and agreed on an approach. My only requirements were that (a) she follow the program as outlined and (b) that she provide continuous feedback on a workout by workout basis.

As you will see in the journal that follows, Stella more than exceeded expectations in both categories. Her results were so phenomenal as to be almost scary and the feedback was unparalleled. Anyone who has ever been in a coach or advisory capacity could never ask for more. The separation of over 1,000 miles and two mountain ranges vanished in the face of Stella's detailed advice of how she was adjusting physically, mentally, and emotionally to the new training style.

What you'll see here is no less than an odyssey from initial reservations and trepidations about one's own abilities to a belief in one's capabilities and on to some important revelations of self and an acceptance of possibilities. ...Bill Keyes

The plan of attack

Fine tuning the program

Testing the water

Form and DOMS

She squats in beauty

Control your workout, contain your fear

Efficiency and control

Discovering the "Sphere"

You've got it

Life beyond squats

The home stretch

Patience is a virtue

260 & beyond?

The fear of success

The 12th squat workout

The Big Day

Coach's wrap up

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