Do I need to do a program?

WarmDontBurn

I am trying to refocus myself. For the past year I have been focused on weight loss and calorie counting. While I still plan to calorie count and lose weight I want to shift my focus to building muscle and toning.

I am not feeling a while program like P90x or 30 day shred. I do much better when it is at my own pace and I am able to fit it in when I can.

Also I LOVE to walk. If I add weight or something while I walk would that help?

Any advice about switching from the weight loss side to the just getting fitter side?

SpaceMarkus

I would say you need a program of some sort. It may not be a home video like P90X, but you can find free print-outs all over the web (via google or some other search) that may be more your speed.

It sounds like you've hit a plateau, so changing it up is your best option. Adding weights during your walk wouldn't hurt. Maybe try walking at a faster pace or longer, too. That won't build your strength, but may help kick you into gear.

Drunkadelic

I'm in the same boat as you. I don't want to be tied to anything for a long period of time yet, especially since I feel VERY out of shape. I also don't want to waste a bunch of time going to a gym since my free time is already extremely limited. So this is what I do and so far it seems to be working:

Over the years I have collected a lot of different types of workout dvds. I stick to a pretty regular schedule of when I do each dvd (most of them I admit are Jillian Michaels) but on days that I'm either really sore, or tired, I opt for something different like yoga, pilates, or a fun cardio (like kick-boxing or hip hop abs). It really keeps me from getting bored since I never do the same workout twice in the same week.

I do plan on eventually moving up to P90x later this year when I feel more fit and healthy. I've only ever heard rave reviews and from what I can tell, there are bunch of different workouts to create "muscle confusion."

Hopefully I was at least the tiniest bit helpful!

WarmDontBurn

Thanks. I just hear program and cringe...lol. I am not sure really why but with the weather turning nice...finally and the kids are crazier then ever it is hard for me to set a time to workout. As it is now I do the wii with my oldest so it is like we both get to "play" and I burn calories doing it.

I guess I am going to have to bite the bullet and find something that doesn't totally feel like a chore.

I have a new wii game I have been waiting to try and it is pilates and yoga which I have heard/read helps with your core.

rachpiper720

Even if you don't do an exercise program, maybe keep an exercise journal. That way you know exactly what you did and just try to increase your duration and reps to make sure you are improving. The good thing about those program is you can see how you are improving from day to day but when you are doing it on your own your don't really pay much attention. A journal will help you do that. Good luck!