this or that

Chrissle64
Chrissle64 Posts: 18 Member
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
A buddy of mine is deployed right now and we have a little competition going on to see who can lose the most weight or hit the gym the longest or burn the most calories, it really depends on the day what we are competing over. Well, he's been hitting the gym for hours at a time and just ripping his muscles hardcore while I've been staying at home most days and doing the 30DS almost everyday. Which is the better choice? I'm not saying I'm going to start ripping up my muscles, because I don't want to be jacked. I'm just not sure if doing the 30DS just about everyday and eating right is going to be enough. Thoughts? Advice? Experiences?

Replies

  • bethrs
    bethrs Posts: 664 Member
    You will be more fit if you mix up your exercises. I've never done 30DS so it may fit the bill, but I know a mix of cardio and strength training is the best route.

    Good Luck and I hope your friend comes home safe.

    HTH
  • baldzach
    baldzach Posts: 1,841 Member
    Not to belittle the world famous Jillian, but "hitting the gym for hours at a time" is going to beat the h*ll out of doing a 30 minute exercise video, even if it is Jillian. Not saying you need to hit the gym that hard, but hitting the gym ( and knowing what you're doing when you get there... talk to a trainer or spend a good deal of time on youtube ) is going to do more for you, especially if you do it right. You can get a much better workout in a gym.

    Watch Jillian's show... none of them are watching workout DVDs... they're in the gym. A lot. Just sayin.
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    I started with the shred. Believe me, for me, it wasn't enough. In fact, I threw that dvd aside and got to some good cardio and decent strength training workouts. I am currently doing Turbo Fire and absolutely LOVE IT!
  • luv2ash
    luv2ash Posts: 1,903 Member
    Not to belittle the world famous Jillian, but "hitting the gym for hours at a time" is going to beat the h*ll out of doing a 30 minute exercise video, even if it is Jillian. Not saying you need to hit the gym that hard, but hitting the gym ( and knowing what you're doing when you get there... talk to a trainer or spend a good deal of time on youtube ) is going to do more for you, especially if you do it right. You can get a much better workout in a gym.

    Watch Jillian's show... none of them are watching workout DVDs... they're in the gym. A lot. Just sayin.

    I disagree
    why should we beat ourselves up at the gym at all? We really need to concentrate on our nutrition instead and spend 30-45 minutes 3-5 times a week at the gym. Its hard for people to beat themselves up at the gym for the rest of their life when its easier to focus on good quality nutrition the rest of your life.
  • luv2ash
    luv2ash Posts: 1,903 Member
    I started with the shred. Believe me, for me, it wasn't enough. In fact, I threw that dvd aside and got to some good cardio and decent strength training workouts. I am currently doing Turbo Fire and absolutely LOVE IT!
    turbojam, turbofire and ChalEAN Extreme are all I did in the past 7 months in my basement--no gym required. I think I did pretty well.
  • Chrissle64
    Chrissle64 Posts: 18 Member
    I have the turbo jam cardio party DVD, but it's so long to me and kinda boring. I really just got tired of it that's why I got 30DS, I really like the biggest loser dvd's though so I'm thinking of picking up a couple of those.

    I don't really like going to the gym. Being around other people and just abusing myself for hours isn't my idea of a good time. I noticed that on the biggest loser that they spend hours and hours in the gym and then Jillian has just 20 minute workout dvd's. I want to believe that it's enough, but I think I will have to invest in some longer dvd's.

    Plus, I really hate the treadmill. I used to LOVE running outside, but I moved and I don't like running where I live now. So I'm kind of SOL on the running front. I've never heard of Turbo Fire. I'll check that out.
  • Chrissle64
    Chrissle64 Posts: 18 Member
    Also, are these workout DVD's like Turbo Fire and Intensity really worth hundreds of dollars? I'm a really frugal person and can't see myself spending that much money for DVD's. Anywhere I can get them for way less?
  • baldzach
    baldzach Posts: 1,841 Member
    I don't really like going to the gym. Being around other people and just abusing myself for hours isn't my idea of a good time. I noticed that on the biggest loser that they spend hours and hours in the gym and then Jillian has just 20 minute workout dvd's. I want to believe that it's enough, but I think I will have to invest in some longer dvd's.

    This is probably the key. If going to the gym isn't your thing, then don't go to the gym. 30DS is much better than NOT going to the gym and not doing anything else. Bottom line is do what you will do. Anything is better than nothing (though that wasn't your initial question.)
    We really need to concentrate on our nutrition instead and spend 30-45 minutes 3-5 times a week at the gym. Its hard for people to beat themselves up at the gym for the rest of their life when its easier to focus on good quality nutrition the rest of your life.
    There is truth here as well. Personally, I enjoy going to the gym and I know I'll get in a great workout and reach my goals that way. Of course, you can't out-exercise a bad diet, so you do need to focus on your nutrition as well. But you also can't out-diet a sedentary lifestyle, so you need to be moving and burning calories as well. It all depends on your goals and your preferences. Good luck!
  • mare91467
    mare91467 Posts: 91 Member
    I was a gym rat for years. I was never able to "motivate myself" and needed someone else to force me to kick my butt. Then I had a baby who was very demanding and wouldn't let me out of his sight, hence the 30lb weight gain in 5 years! lol

    I will tell you this. I owe the jump start to my (so far) success to the 30day shred. The commitment to doing it as prescribed helped to get me back into a routine and I achieved some success with it. I lost about 10lbs and some inches as well as built some muscle.

    I will also compare it to Curves. Curves is great as a starting point, but eventually you will outgrow it. The key to any permanant success in physical training (in my opinion) is to progress. Do the program. Get the benefits. Move on to the next level. Stagnating on your work out plan will eventually equal stagnation on your success.

    I did the 30DS and now I am doing Insanity. I think I missed a step or two. lol I have no idea what I will do after that, but I do know that it will be something different and equally or increasingly challenging. Good luck to you!
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