FALL 2017 - WK3 ~I❤️FITNESS~

SmithsonianEmpress

Ladies, let's talk workouts this week.

What's your fav and why? What haven't you tried that you'd like to? What have you tried that you didn't care for? Below is a list (not all inclusive of course) of types of workouts we can discuss.

HIIT
body weight training
yoga
general cardio
strength training
walking
Beachbody Program(s)
outdoor activities
spin/cycling
personal trainer
kickboxing
TRX training
plyometrics
sports
running
barre
Zumba

Please share your pleasures , your preferences and your "never agains" HA!

bribucks

I haven’t really tried too many. Usually I go for “general cardio” - I really like this machine called the Crossramp (see pic). Also stationary bike. Some days I just take a walk around the neighborhood. I do a variety of strength training (machines at gym, or free weights) although I don’t put as much into it as I should. I don’t have a specific program that I follow, I just jump around the gym. I’ll be heading into recomp soon, so I’ll really buckle down on the weights then.

I’ve never really been one for group/class settings, but lately cardio kickboxing has piqued my interest. Trying to convince my one friend to try it out with me. Don’t want to try something new alone, bc I’m a baby!

Niki_Fitz

I'm a former group ex junkie. Pre-baby I had a routine of cardio/muscle classes, Insanity HIIT class, and Zumba or Spin mixed in every week. I'd occasionally add in yoga and Pilates classes. I taught Pilates mat classes for a while. I also love trail jogging.

Post-baby I had no strength and pelvic floor issues. I hurt myself multiple times trying to ease back to group ex.

So Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30 workouts were perfect for modifying in my basement. I'm working on my trail jogging and am up to three miles when my hips aren't feeling wonky. I do a little bit of Pilates most days.

I also started the Strong Curves lifting program; as a muscle geek I love how it's retraining my glutes and back muscles to help my pelvic imbalances. I just took my program out of my basement and into the gym.

SmithsonianEmpress

Hi ladies,

I generally do a variety of things when it comes to working out. I really like HIIT when I'm short on time. I'm starting body weight training this week. I need to incorporate yoga in my life. It would help with the stiffness I have and my sanity I'm sure. I used to do it once a week and it was great. I currently strength train a couple times a week. I just want to expose the muscle I have while I continue to lose weight. I absolutely love Shaun T and T25. It helped me lose my post baby weight, twice. I have taken up running and I am working towards doing it maybe twice a week. I have to wait until daylight savings time to start running again in the mornings because it doesn't get light now until 7. I've done both Zumba and spin some years ago. I loved them. I really haven't found any classes where I live now for either.

Oh, and I really wish I had a personal trainer. This whole process would be easier

SmithsonianEmpress

brianneangell08 wrote: »

I haven’t really tried too many. Usually I go for “general cardio” - I really like this machine called the Crossramp (see pic). Also stationary bike. Some days I just take a walk around the neighborhood. I do a variety of strength training (machines at gym, or free weights) although I don’t put as much into it as I should. I don’t have a specific program that I follow, I just jump around the gym. I’ll be heading into recomp soon, so I’ll really buckle down on the weights then.

I’ve never really been one for group/class settings, but lately cardio kickboxing has piqued my interest. Trying to convince my one friend to try it out with me. Don’t want to try something new alone, bc I’m a baby!

I've seen that machine in the gym several times but I've never used it. I think because I'm addicted to the stair master. Lol! Have you and your friend made it to a class yet?

SmithsonianEmpress

wellnesschaser wrote: »

I'm a former group ex junkie. Pre-baby I had a routine of cardio/muscle classes, Insanity HIIT class, and Zumba or Spin mixed in every week. I'd occasionally add in yoga and Pilates classes. I taught Pilates mat classes for a while. I also love trail jogging.

Post-baby I had no strength and pelvic floor issues. I hurt myself multiple times trying to ease back to group ex.

So Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30 workouts were perfect for modifying in my basement. I'm working on my trail jogging and am up to three miles when my hips aren't feeling wonky. I do a little bit of Pilates most days.

I also started the Strong Curves lifting program; as a muscle geek I love how it's retraining my glutes and back muscles to help my pelvic imbalances. I just took my program out of my basement and into the gym.

You know I love Jillian. Can't say it enough. I have a Pilates ribbon and a DVD but haven't used it in YEARS. Is it more like stretching...kind of like yoga? I guess I'm so focused on "building muscle" I have stopped thinking outside of the box. I have one of those big exercise balls, a jump rope, tennis rackets (I'm STILL waiting for someone to play with), a chin up bar...that I can't use because I have zero upper body strength and the perfect push-ups. Ha!

bribucks

SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »

brianneangell08 wrote: »

I haven’t really tried too many. Usually I go for “general cardio” - I really like this machine called the Crossramp (see pic). Also stationary bike. Some days I just take a walk around the neighborhood. I do a variety of strength training (machines at gym, or free weights) although I don’t put as much into it as I should. I don’t have a specific program that I follow, I just jump around the gym. I’ll be heading into recomp soon, so I’ll really buckle down on the weights then.

I’ve never really been one for group/class settings, but lately cardio kickboxing has piqued my interest. Trying to convince my one friend to try it out with me. Don’t want to try something new alone, bc I’m a baby!

I've seen that machine in the gym several times but I've never used it. I think because I'm addicted to the stair master. Lol! Have you and your friend made it to a class yet?

You should try it, it’s fun! No, we haven’t made it to a class yet. But this friend of mine is particularly hard to wrangle into doing things - I love her to death, but she can be pretty noncommittal and flaky. In the meantime, I have started Strong Curves on my own.

SmithsonianEmpress

brianneangell08 wrote: »

SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »

brianneangell08 wrote: »

I haven’t really tried too many. Usually I go for “general cardio” - I really like this machine called the Crossramp (see pic). Also stationary bike. Some days I just take a walk around the neighborhood. I do a variety of strength training (machines at gym, or free weights) although I don’t put as much into it as I should. I don’t have a specific program that I follow, I just jump around the gym. I’ll be heading into recomp soon, so I’ll really buckle down on the weights then.

I’ve never really been one for group/class settings, but lately cardio kickboxing has piqued my interest. Trying to convince my one friend to try it out with me. Don’t want to try something new alone, bc I’m a baby!

I've seen that machine in the gym several times but I've never used it. I think because I'm addicted to the stair master. Lol! Have you and your friend made it to a class yet?

You should try it, it’s fun! No, we haven’t made it to a class yet. But this friend of mine is particularly hard to wrangle into doing things - I love her to death, but she can be pretty noncommittal and flaky. In the meantime, I have started Strong Curves on my own.

I don't have a gym membership anymore. I was at Planet Fitness. I cancelled it during my last pregnancy and I haven't joined back yet. (I'm still researching my options on gyms. Plus right now I literally would have to go late at night which I don't prefer so I'm just working out at home most of the time.) I think you'll love Strong Curves. People rave about it here. Since I don't have access to a barbell I just started a dumbbell at home program a couple of months ago.

mebelfanti

This might have already been discussed but has anyone tried Orange Theory? I like the sound of their basic set up but with having to register in advance for classes I'm wondering if they ever get full and you can't work out when you want/need to? Also, their membership packages seem weird, their basic package only includes 4 sessions per month! You have to get their premium membership to get unlimited classes and who knows how much that costs

SmithsonianEmpress

I SO WISH it was in my budget to do OT. I talked to a rep a few weeks ago because they are opening one next week close to my house. So yea, 4x/month is 69.99, 8x/month is 89.99 and unlimited sessions were 139.99. The rep told me those were owner prices...like promotion prices I'm guessing. She said the 69.99 for 4 sessions was the only price that stays the same and the other two packages would be like $10 more a month once the facility opens. I too LOVE the concept and the fact that it's a solid 60 minutes. I went on their app and basically, like she told me, starting at 5 am classes start and run every hour. I did see there is a 15 minute window between each session. That is here in my area though. Operations may be different elsewhere. I'm DEFINITELY going to try out a free session, probably next month, but I really just can't commit financially to it. I wouldn't mind the 4x/month but to me that's not enough sessions for $70.

If you join let us know. I just haven't had any group workouts in YEARS and thought it would be interesting to socialize with people with similar interests as me. I really wonder if I could do like one month...like pay $70 and go once a week just for fun....I don't think they do contracts so maybe. I'm not sure. Also, you can't go in there and just workout, by the way. I asked her about that. She said they ONLY do classes which is a little disappointing for the price but I get the concept.

mebelfanti

@SmithsonianEmpress Ooo thanks so much for the info! This is super helpful. That's definitely more expensive than I thought, can't believe they're charging $70 for 4 session/month! I guess it's cheaper than a personal trainer for unlimited sessions (at least at my gym) but I was definitely hoping it would be more affordable. I checked the schedule for the location near me and they do have a ton of classes which is nice, but I don't really like that I can't go whenever I want. Like what if traffic is bad and I'm late haha.

Anyways, I guess it's worth trying the free session and maybe signing up for a month since there's no contract. I'll definitely let you know if I try it!

spdaphne

Stuff I've tried:

Jillian 30 day shred - never made it all the way through but good

TRX - enjoy it, haven't been able to get back to going consistently

Swimming for fun - really need to do

Cardio kickboxing - this was my primary form of working out for several years in my late 20s. I got pretty fit for my standards and was at my lowest weight during this time. I stopped going because the martial arts studios changed the format and I really couldn't physically handle going more than 2x a week, I used to go 4x prior so I left and went to the Y instead.

Yoga - I mostly enjoy hatha and kundalini yoga. Where I did kickboxing before, they offered yoga before one if the classes. Not enough members participated so many times it was myself or another person and it was like a semi or private yoga lesson. Miss it! I also did yoga daily for quite a while several years ago which I was proud of, not I am lucky if I remember to do it 1x a week. I really enjoy it though. I use Gaia.com for it at home.

Zumba - love my instructor. I only go to her class and have a lot if fun

Cycling - love my cycling instructor but have a hard time getting to his Sunday morning class due to it either not having any apace, being out of town or Saturday night going later than I want.

Walking - free and easily accessible. I do my best to get a walk in when at work or while on vacation it's my cardio. Luckily my dude will join me on a walk from time to time.

Personal training - it's been great for me so far. I'm so happy to have someone telling me what to do because I won't otherwise. And I feel stronger already. I never liked using machines and like we just free weights, balance ball, kettle bells or just my own body weight to so exercises. I'm gonna learn to use my resistance band for when I'm at home or am on vacation so I still get a strength training session in. I'm happy I'm also remembering exercises on my own and that she challenges me just enough.

There's more stuff I've taken but this is what sticks out the most for me

SmithsonianEmpress

spdaphne wrote: »

Stuff I've tried:

Jillian 30 day shred - never made it all the way through but good

TRX - enjoy it, haven't been able to get back to going consistently

Swimming for fun - really need to do

Cardio kickboxing - this was my primary form of working out for several years in my late 20s. I got pretty fit for my standards and was at my lowest weight during this time. I stopped going because the martial arts studios changed the format and I really couldn't physically handle going more than 2x a week, I used to go 4x prior so I left and went to the Y instead.

Yoga - I mostly enjoy hatha and kundalini yoga. Where I did kickboxing before, they offered yoga before one if the classes. Not enough members participated so many times it was myself or another person and it was like a semi or private yoga lesson. Miss it! I also did yoga daily for quite a while several years ago which I was proud of, not I am lucky if I remember to do it 1x a week. I really enjoy it though. I use Gaia.com for it at home.

Zumba - love my instructor. I only go to her class and have a lot if fun

Cycling - love my cycling instructor but have a hard time getting to his Sunday morning class due to it either not having any apace, being out of town or Saturday night going later than I want.

Walking - free and easily accessible. I do my best to get a walk in when at work or while on vacation it's my cardio. Luckily my dude will join me on a walk from time to time.

Personal training - it's been great for me so far. I'm so happy to have someone telling me what to do because I won't otherwise. And I feel stronger already. I never liked using machines and like we just free weights, balance ball, kettle bells or just my own body weight to so exercises. I'm gonna learn to use my resistance band for when I'm at home or am on vacation so I still get a strength training session in. I'm happy I'm also remembering exercises on my own and that she challenges me just enough.

There's more stuff I've taken but this is what sticks out the most for me

You've done a NICE variety! Is this all offered at the Y? If your trainer at the Y? I searching hard for a place where I live that offers a variety of stuff. Planet Fitness doesn't offer classes, Orange Theory only offers classes, our recreation centers here have classes mostly for elderly people, Anytime Fitness, 24 hour Fitness....no classes. Then there's place that only offer cycling and barre. I'm just wanting a variety. UFC looks like an option for me but they won't give me the prices over the phone so I have to go there. LA Fitness looks optional as well but they offer classes mostly in the middle of the day and id like 5am options. I'm still actively searching.

spdaphne

SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »

spdaphne wrote: »

Stuff I've tried:

Jillian 30 day shred - never made it all the way through but good

TRX - enjoy it, haven't been able to get back to going consistently

Swimming for fun - really need to do

Cardio kickboxing - this was my primary form of working out for several years in my late 20s. I got pretty fit for my standards and was at my lowest weight during this time. I stopped going because the martial arts studios changed the format and I really couldn't physically handle going more than 2x a week, I used to go 4x prior so I left and went to the Y instead.

Yoga - I mostly enjoy hatha and kundalini yoga. Where I did kickboxing before, they offered yoga before one if the classes. Not enough members participated so many times it was myself or another person and it was like a semi or private yoga lesson. Miss it! I also did yoga daily for quite a while several years ago which I was proud of, not I am lucky if I remember to do it 1x a week. I really enjoy it though. I use Gaia.com for it at home.

Zumba - love my instructor. I only go to her class and have a lot if fun

Cycling - love my cycling instructor but have a hard time getting to his Sunday morning class due to it either not having any apace, being out of town or Saturday night going later than I want.

Walking - free and easily accessible. I do my best to get a walk in when at work or while on vacation it's my cardio. Luckily my dude will join me on a walk from time to time.

Personal training - it's been great for me so far. I'm so happy to have someone telling me what to do because I won't otherwise. And I feel stronger already. I never liked using machines and like we just free weights, balance ball, kettle bells or just my own body weight to so exercises. I'm gonna learn to use my resistance band for when I'm at home or am on vacation so I still get a strength training session in. I'm happy I'm also remembering exercises on my own and that she challenges me just enough.

There's more stuff I've taken but this is what sticks out the most for me

You've done a NICE variety! Is this all offered at the Y? If your trainer at the Y? I searching hard for a place where I live that offers a variety of stuff. Planet Fitness doesn't offer classes, Orange Theory only offers classes, our recreation centers here have classes mostly for elderly people, Anytime Fitness, 24 hour Fitness....no classes. Then there's place that only offer cycling and barre. I'm just wanting a variety. UFC looks like an option for me but they won't give me the prices over the phone so I have to go there. LA Fitness looks optional as well but they offer classes mostly in the middle of the day and id like 5am options. I'm still actively searching.

I'm late to the ballgame, but no. Cardio kickboxing was at a local martial arts studio I no longer go to. Yoga I did once at the Y, or at a yoga studio, but I now mostly do it at home via Gaia. Everything else has been mostly through the Y, like Zumba, cycling, TRX. I'm sure the fact that I live in a major city allows for lots of class options. Oh I've also done Nia which is fusion of dance, martial arts and mindfulness. I liked it, but I haven't been in ages. Again, through the Y.

My trainer is through the Y and is quite cost effective. Depending how many sessions you buy, it can be as low as $55 or so per hour. I know for one of our Y locations near our downtown area (opposite of where i go to the Y regularly and where I live, but I work close to), they allow for 30 minute or 50 minute sessions but they cost a bit more. I gather because of the location.

SmithsonianEmpress

spdaphne wrote: »

SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »

spdaphne wrote: »

Stuff I've tried:

Jillian 30 day shred - never made it all the way through but good

TRX - enjoy it, haven't been able to get back to going consistently

Swimming for fun - really need to do

Cardio kickboxing - this was my primary form of working out for several years in my late 20s. I got pretty fit for my standards and was at my lowest weight during this time. I stopped going because the martial arts studios changed the format and I really couldn't physically handle going more than 2x a week, I used to go 4x prior so I left and went to the Y instead.

Yoga - I mostly enjoy hatha and kundalini yoga. Where I did kickboxing before, they offered yoga before one if the classes. Not enough members participated so many times it was myself or another person and it was like a semi or private yoga lesson. Miss it! I also did yoga daily for quite a while several years ago which I was proud of, not I am lucky if I remember to do it 1x a week. I really enjoy it though. I use Gaia.com for it at home.

Zumba - love my instructor. I only go to her class and have a lot if fun

Cycling - love my cycling instructor but have a hard time getting to his Sunday morning class due to it either not having any apace, being out of town or Saturday night going later than I want.

Walking - free and easily accessible. I do my best to get a walk in when at work or while on vacation it's my cardio. Luckily my dude will join me on a walk from time to time.

Personal training - it's been great for me so far. I'm so happy to have someone telling me what to do because I won't otherwise. And I feel stronger already. I never liked using machines and like we just free weights, balance ball, kettle bells or just my own body weight to so exercises. I'm gonna learn to use my resistance band for when I'm at home or am on vacation so I still get a strength training session in. I'm happy I'm also remembering exercises on my own and that she challenges me just enough.

There's more stuff I've taken but this is what sticks out the most for me

You've done a NICE variety! Is this all offered at the Y? If your trainer at the Y? I searching hard for a place where I live that offers a variety of stuff. Planet Fitness doesn't offer classes, Orange Theory only offers classes, our recreation centers here have classes mostly for elderly people, Anytime Fitness, 24 hour Fitness....no classes. Then there's place that only offer cycling and barre. I'm just wanting a variety. UFC looks like an option for me but they won't give me the prices over the phone so I have to go there. LA Fitness looks optional as well but they offer classes mostly in the middle of the day and id like 5am options. I'm still actively searching.

I'm late to the ballgame, but no. Cardio kickboxing was at a local martial arts studio I no longer go to. Yoga I did once at the Y, or at a yoga studio, but I now mostly do it at home via Gaia. Everything else has been mostly through the Y, like Zumba, cycling, TRX. I'm sure the fact that I live in a major city allows for lots of class options. Oh I've also done Nia which is fusion of dance, martial arts and mindfulness. I liked it, but I haven't been in ages. Again, through the Y.

My trainer is through the Y and is quite cost effective. Depending how many sessions you buy, it can be as low as $55 or so per hour. I know for one of our Y locations near our downtown area (opposite of where i go to the Y regularly and where I live, but I work close to), they allow for 30 minute or 50 minute sessions but they cost a bit more. I gather because of the location.

I’ve never checked out the Y. Heard it was expensive but I’ll call and go do a tour. Thanks!