Who's good with fitness? - YouLookFab Forum

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Who's good with fitness?

Helena

Veteran

Hi all, I was hoping I could hit you up for some fitness advice. I need to incorporate some exercise into my week and wondering if anyone has any good recommendations. I get a minimum of 10000 steps a day so I feel like my overall activity level is good, I would just like to tone and tighten up a bit. Any suggestions that you've had luck with? Pilates, boot camp, weights? I think realistically my goal is three times a week, at home, and not for hours. (Can you tell I do not love working out??) Appreciate your thoughts

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25 replies

Latest reply was from Karie

LACeleste

Veteran

Hi!

I really like adding body weight/dumbell exercises with a stability ball and mat pilates to my cardio. There are many great brief (15-20 min) workouts on youtube. The variety really helps keep boredom at bay. If you are interested, I'll send some links when I'm back from dinner tonight.

Your activity level is great. For cardio, I do a mix of hiking, biking, and step (so nineties!). I'm lucky my LA weather is very cooperative. I'm a big fan of doing jump rope intervals when I want to challenge myself.. Lots of endorphins and a very efficient workout when time is tight.

I'm sure you can find something you like or at least, dislike less.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks so much! I would love if you could send me a few links. I love step as well. Do you workout daily?

Anonymous

Well, as much as I b*tch about my body, I have done every single style of fitness regime over the past 30 years - and like most of them. I consider running to be the most efficient way to burn calories and get your cardio in - if you like running. I LOVE(d) running and that's how I stayed so thin for so long. I can't do it anymore though. Anyways - it is pretty universally recommended that women train with weight at least 3 times a week. This wards off osteoporosis, increases muscle mass (which boosts metabolic function) and is so , so important as we age. Do you belong to a gym? Weight training classes - usually called Pump or Power Sculpt or something like that - are ubiquitous now. Spinning is excellent too - for cardio and leg work. There is so much you can do - Pilates, yoga, boot camps, TRX training, etc - but the main thing is to get both cardio and weight work done several times each during the week.

SandyG

Veteran

It's always good to lead with your strong points -- especially when you're venturing into something that you fear you may not like IMHO walking 10k steps is good and healthy, but it won't tighten and lift muscles (which gives fantastic shape, regardless of your bone structure) so you'll end up a smaller overall version of you but not 'improved' or lifted without adding something.

I've been sporty my whole life and also ADD, so if it's not brief OR fun or really engaging, I'm bored. Tell us about yourself! Do you prefer the social buzz of classes, or working on your own with strict, perfect form? Figure it out and you'll be delighted regardless of what you choose Self workout: for sheer efficiency (if you are a purist about form) do a 10-20-30 minute Kettlebell workout 2x week. Or a ballet work dvd. Or a yoga dvd. Want a class? Enjoy dance with a few strength moves thrown in; it's a blast in a group. If you're a solitary creature, go hiking -- but from your post I think you're social and would enjoy a class or two.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I do yoga, TRX, rip training, Pilates and I run. I find classes will make you work harder and get better results. However if that's not an option, TRX is probably the most likely thing to do at home and see results.

LACeleste

Veteran

Hi again.

Yes, I exercise 6 days per week. I live in West LA (land of the fit) so I really don't have any choice! The trainers listed below are really fantastic for starting a strength program at home. I like trainers who seem genuine and low key, but you might like a more high energy vibe or perhaps more drill Sargent-y? I was fortunate enough to train with a sports medicine doctor ( after becoming injured at gym boot camp and spin:( ) and the exercises he suggested are all well represented in these videos. They really build core strength and work all major muscle groups so very efficient.

Alisa Wyatt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE_-GIeHQf4

There are also intermediate and advanced 15 minute mat workouts plus other quick very effective workouts (stomach series, legs).

Coach Nicole from Sparkpeople

My favorite quick stability ball workout. Great if you can work up to doing twice and only stretch out at end of second set.

http://www.sparkpeople.tv/video.asp?id=672

Other Coach Nicole workouts

https://www.youtube.com/playli.....84C647F201

Caity Dynamic Pilates

This is a more advanced workout The planks at the end are a killer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkaGUNcmUu8

Jess from Babes on the Run Super effective when done twice. Intermediate workout

https://www.youtube.com/watch?.....zsBD9s5nx8

Carla

Veteran

I run, bike, swim, do weights, and yoga. Though I love the cardio stuff, the weight training is transformative. I'm a member of 2 gyms, so that I can work out at lunch (in The City) and at night after I get home. I love my local Y for the diversity it offers for one (really!) low price. Although I don't have little kids, there are day care services during some classes!

Since I don't work out at home (other than to leave it for a run or a bike ride) I can't give you any advice there. There is a separation of 'church and state' when it comes to fitness and working out!

Sal

Veteran

I go to the gym three mornings a week for about a 45 minute work out - free weights, kettle bells, cardui - bootcamp style. I also walk with friends about twice a week, and have just started yoga. I try to do the odd bike ride too. I used to run but gave up - I have been considering starting again.

I love the routine of the early morning sessions, and that someone tells me what to do and I do it. I used to do a lot more incidental exercise when my sons were younger but now they get themselves to and from school and I am not walking them to the park etc..

Helen11

Veteran

I find it hard to keep motivated at home.
However, other Fabbers talked about the 30 day Shred workout videos by Jillian Michaels. I found them on YouTube easily.
It's a 30 minute workout with cardio and strength moves. The first level was a challenge for me to say the least! But my fitness did improve quite quickly.

I'm like Sally, early mornings are best,and I'm sure I work harder with someone telling me what to do.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks so much everyone for all the suggestions. What a fit bunch of women! My biggest challenges is making the time - I need to prioritize this higher. I do enjoy classes but the gym near me does not have a great schedule, so I find I wasn't getting there enough to make it worthwhile and get my money's worth. I may need to revisit this as they had terrific Pilates classes that I used to really enjoy and sort of forgot about.

I keep trying to run but it doesn't seem to work well for me. I have bad knees for a start, and I also lose weight quickly which is not the goal, so I find it very draining, and then I end up so starving that I eat more junk as I can get quite faint quickly when hungry, I think due to low blood pressure. I think focusing on building some muscle is the right place to start based on everyone's suggestions.

I will try some of the links (thanks LA!) and also revisit the Shred, which I also forgot about but many of my friends do it. Thanks so much for all the wonderful suggestions; you have really got me inspired

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Personally, I think that between walking a good amount each day (which you have covered) and doing yoga 4 to 7 days a week, you are covered.

Swimming and Pilates are good for you too - especially when you have back issues - but are a time commitment.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'd add weight training of some kind to your walking/ yoga routine. Maybe a class twice or three times a week. You will need to start eating more if you want to build muscle. So you might want to consider diet as well as meal timing. By adding lean protein and healthy fats you'll regain energy.

Feeling faint might be a low blood sugar thing vs. low blood pressure. This can happen when you're not taking enough calories in or not the right kind for your energy needs.

I'd add a class with weights a couple of times a week to start. It will motivate you to do a kind of exercise that won't be the easiest for you. (Most ectomorphs prefer cardio but it won't help you build muscle.)

I'm spotty right now with all exercise (because life has been insane the past year) but intend to get back onto my routine as soon as I have finished oral surgery. (Ugh).

My preferred pattern is an average of 10,000 steps a day (sometimes more sometimes less) and 4 to 5 actual "workouts" -- weights at least twice and HIIT about twice as well. I sometimes do yoga but have been off that for a while.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I agree that adding weight training would be the most effective, least time consuming and maybe most beneficial thing you could do. I also hike/walk on hilly terrain several times a week for 40 mins. and do some other workouts but when I stick to doing weights, even if only for 15-20 mins. a few times a week, I see the biggest improvement in tone. My knees feel better and I don't seem to get back pain (and I used to before working out). We have a free weight set at home with a bench and leg lift attachment. It's very basic, inexpensive and we've had it for well over 20 years. We use those cushion mats they sell at the big hardware stores for our floor protection. I like having it at home because I don't have to make a big ordeal out of working out - I simply change clothes, walk into the other room and go!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm adding to the thoughts on compulsory weight training. It will not work for RSI (repetitive strain injuries), which I am riddled with. That's why I can't do a barre class (the weights).

You have to find ways of exercising that work for your body, mind and schedule. In France I cycled - here in Seattle it's a mare. I don't fancy the gym, so I don't do that. But I LOVE my yoga studio, and walking (and shopping) is a way of life.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I agree with Angie. I don't like going to a gym or lifting weights and unless a doctor tells me it's compulsory, I'm not doing it. Activity is important, so I find things I like to do and that's where I get my exercise. It sounds like you've basically got that covered. Weights isn't a bad idea if your body can handle it, and lots of people quite like lifting weights to tone up, so if you find you don't mind doing that, go for it. But otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.

Maybe the thing to do here is to experiment with a bunch of the things you suggested (Pilates, boot camp, etc) and try to find one you actually enjoy doing.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks everyone - Angie, great pint about injuries. As mentioned, my knees are a problem and always have been, which is why if you see me running, chances are I'm being chased by a bear or something I will look I to some yoga and Pilates that focuses on the toning aspect -maybe I can kill two birds with one stone. So true about how it impacts mental health too! Az., sounds like we are workout soul sisters. Thanks everyone for all the thoughts!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Running is very hard on your knees. You were right to stop, Helena. Greg did too. A close friend of ours - who is VERY athletic - has had to have multiple knee surgeries because of running injuries. She cycles now, and is never running again.

rabbit

Veteran

Lots of good advice in this thread. What I ended up doing (besides running around the neighborhood, which is pretty low impact at my speed), is Jazzercise. I was having really bad anxiety a year or two ago and it was the magic bullet for that funnily enough. Something about choreographed sweaty dancing around to pop music combined with stretching and weights (there are about 15-20 minutes of weights after cardio plus warm up/cool down per class), changed my mental patterns more effectively than anything else I tried. It's also pretty cost effective compared to other classes, and has evolved since the 80's legwarmer era, although it still can be a little silly, in a good way ;).

Anonymous

My advice would be to give yourself permission to go easy!! Work up slowly.
I am someone who "chases intensity" as one of my yoga instructors is fond of saying. Chasing intensity has made a lot of sports/fitness goals unenjoyable for me. I consciously avoid chasing intensity now, and I'm happier.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Helena, I forgot to mention that I stopped running too, and I used to really enjoy it. I've developed a weird crunching noise in my left knee that happens when I go up stairs. It doesn't hurt, but I'm sure it's not normal, and I broke that knee in a car accident when I was 14 so I think I'd better not push it. These days, I hike, with a little bit of running along the way (we are lucky to live fairly close to mountainous trails!). I avoid running downhill, though! And so far so good. The crunching noise has been happening for five years, and still no pain.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Az, both my knees have crunched as I go up stairs since my mid-20s. I saw a doctor about it once, and she said that it's fairly common, and that as long as there's no pain not to worry about it.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Laura -- thanks for chiming in. That is reassuring. I can actually produce some pain in that knee, if I twist the knee sideways sharply on purpose, so something's not right, but since I don't play sports that involve a lot of lateral movement (like say tennis), it's not a problem.

I might get a knee brace for when I ski, though.

Sally

Veteran

I walk for an hour most days. ...about 6 to 8 kms...I take my ipod. I do it while my son is doing extra curricular stuff. I'm changing my job to a new place 8 km away and the distance is mainly covered with bike paths so looking forward to biking sometimes.

jill58

Veteran

I'm 58 and love running. I started in my mid-30s and do it every day. I also love my old fashioned aerobic dance class ala Jackie Sorensen which I go to twice a week. Like rabbit's jazzercise, it includes weights and stretching -- also lots of crunches and planks/pushups. It's really fun which keeps me going. I have always worked with weights although I don't enjoy it the way I enjoy running or aerobics. I do think strength training is important. The main thing I think is consistency, with whatever you do, and finding something that you enjoy so you'll keep doing it. The addition of weights, with some guidance as to form, would probably be a great idea. I think Yoga and Pilates can also have great benefits.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I love doing yoga and Pilates. I'm also walk/jog every day. Jogging can be hard on the knees (really what I do is more of a "fast shuffle", ha!) so you have to be careful with that.

But my favorite exercise programs are actually on an app - Daily Burn. In addition to all their exercise videos (including yoga and Pilates), they have a live, 30 minute program (stays on demand for 24 hrs.) that is fantastic.