Looking for your personal experience

JusDiana

Hi,
Looking for your personal experiences and results.
I live far enough away from a gym (30 minute drive) and have 2 young children (+work full time). So I've been jogging mixed with walking a few times a week (which I enjoy) and trying to do some of the T21 videos (also going okay - could barely finish one and now I'm getting better and not wanting to quit after 5 minutes).
I'm seeing slow results.
5'5"
SW: 165
CW:137
GW:125 ???

Just wondering if anyone was able to tone up and really get that lean look with cardio and at home work outs? And if so about how long did it take? I obviously don't really believe I'll be toned up after 21 days.
Just looking for some motivation and others real experiences with what has worked best for them.

apullum

By "toning up," people usually mean they want to build muscle and reduce body fat, aka recomp. This involves a structured strength training plan. Depending on your situation, you may be able to start with a bodyweight or dumbbell routine (i.e., things you can do at home), though eventually you may want to schedule time for the gym so you have access to more/heavier equipment. Check these threads:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1308750/so-you-want-to-start-lifting-great/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

Vune

My stats are remarkably close to yours. I've been recomping for a few years now, doing bodyweight exercises and resistance bands, while being an avid pedestrian. I've improved my body significantly, but, like I said, years. I live with some physical challenges, which take me out of the game sometimes, so it may not be the same for you, but I've found that consistency is my best workout asset. But, really, better than burning yourself out getting to the gym if ti isn't convenient. Just make it a habit and challenge yourself regularly.

kgeyser

If you have the equipment at home, you can definitely see results with a home program. You may need to switch to a gym once you move beyond the weights you have available, but it sounds like you haven't been doing any resistance training. You could probably manage at home for quite awhile.

lorrpb

I’m about your stats but older, no kids. I live 35 min from the gym. I go there 2-3x week to swim and then I do weight training at home 3x. I have a 5 ft bar with 1” plates, most of which I bought at Goodwill, dumbbells, and a TRX. This has kept me going through 2 1/2 yrs of maintenance (worked with a trainer before that) and I’ve made steady progress. There really isn’t a fitness limit to what you can do at home. Some people even build a full squat rack setup, but that’s not necessary. Pure weight lifters downplay TRX, but it is an excellent tool. They may not really be familiar enough with it to know how you can progress with it. There are many many exercises way beyond my ability level, so I’ll never outgrow it. It also requires no storage space so that is a bonus at home. I doubt I’ll ever outgrow what some would see as a small range of weights I have or can add. It is a very flexible and effective setup for my goals.

HermanLily

I have never been to the gym. I do complete body workouts 3 times a week, and HIIT on my off days.
I had a year off due to my father's health, but am back full swing nearly 2 months and am definitely seeing progress.
I am also watching what goes in my mouth, as that not only derails my progress, but my belly no longer cares for the disruption.