Not Pushing Hard Enough?

Spanaval

I haven't heard this mentioned, so I'm wondering if maybe I'm doing something wrong. I work out 6 days a week, mixing up a bunch of stuff. As an example, yesterday was JM's Ripped. While I was doing it, I'd feel like I'm dying (at points, not all the time). For the resistance part, I start with the heaviest weights I can manage, and step down as I physically cannot do the exercise correctly any more. Cardio kicks *kitten*, as it's my weakest point. Abs don't do much, maybe because I do A LOT of core, and 3 minutes is not a lot. I did a short core workout afterwards to supplement.

Thing is, while I work up a good sweat, and do feel like I'm using the appropriate weights while doing the workout, the following day, I feel nothing. With few exceptions, this has been the case since I started working out. The first couple of weeks, I would be sore (especially after Pilates - my abs hurt), but now, nothing, although I'm changing up the routine and upping weights. I can improve strength, flexibility and balance this way, but not build muscles, right?

Don't have a lot of weight to lose, and my aim is to tone, tighten, build muscles, and I get the feeling that I'm falling short. HELP!!!

TKHappy

I wish I could remember where I read this article but I was once worried about the same thing and it had said "being sore does not mean you had a good workout"...it basically went on to say soreness all the time is not normal. Like you I do the same thing, I will increase my weights if I feel that the workout is too easy...the rule is 'its not heavy enough if you can comfortably lift after 12 reps. (Don't quote me I could be totally off, but thats what I've read up on thus far.)

Yanicka1

Maybe time to switch up your routine. The body is very good at doing the same thing and using less energy to do it.

Spanaval

I do change up my routine. I don't do the same workout two days in a row, and this is only the second time in two weeks I've done the JM video. Other days, I do Pilates, Yoga and other workout videos (not the same ones, I have a rotation for those as well), so in theory at least, the body shouldn't be getting used to anything.

On the soreness thing. Here's what concerns me the most. A couple of years ago, I used to hit the gym religiously, and after the workouts, I would be sore. If anything, I should be getting more sore now, not less, since I'm in worse shape now than I used to be. Back then, I was an avid hiker, averaging about 5 miles daily and 8 - 10 miles on weekends, and since having my daughter, I'm A LOT more sedentary (forget hiking; lucky if I can take a stroll with her daily). I've only been working out for a month, so this shouldn't feel so easy the day after, right?

FWIW, I've lost inches since I started keeping track, but I just don't get that 'I got my *kitten* kicked' feeling the day after.

Spanaval

Anyone? Is soreness after working out a good indicator that you're working at the right level?

chachadiva150

No. Soreness is not a key indicator. You know if you are pushing yourself or not. Are you maxxing out on the weights? Are you working at 80% of your THR during cardio? If you are, then don't worry about it.

Spanaval

No. Soreness is not a key indicator. You know if you are pushing yourself or not. Are you maxxing out on the weights? Are you working at 80% of your THR during cardio? If you are, then don't worry about it.

Thanks! I'm going to try one thing differently. DH is currently hogging my middle set of weights, so when I workout, I'm starting with the heaviest I can do something with, then dropping to the lowest. I'm thinking about switching with him (forcing him to take either the heavier weights or the lighter ones) so I can get my middle set to complete the workout. Maybe that'll make a difference.