Dave,
That looks like an incredible plan for the breathing ladders! I already knew I was in pitiful aerobic shape. The breathing ladders drove it home for me. But, unlike some aerobic training that just makes me take stock of how out of shape I am, the breathing ladders (as you outlined, especially the one I used - the Day 2, Week 1 version) felt like they would quickly make me much less out of shape.
I think they are probably a great diagnostic fitness tool - as well as being a corrective.
I'm doing the 300 swings every day challenge. That's why I chose the Day 2, Week 1 version of the breathing ladders. I also used a much lighter weight than I did on the first day of the swing challenge. That way I was able to concentrate on the prescribed breath to swing ratio.
I'm doing 300 more swings this morning when I get home from my 12-hour shift. Might have to do them faster than the breathing ladders because of my infant. But, I will be experimenting with the breathing ladders as often as time and my schedule (and my infant, lol) allows.
Just wanted to tell you that your expertise and fitness offerings are very appreciated! Sometimes we forget to thank those that enrich our lives in one way or another. This is not that day.
-Ben