exercise video

A while back I asked for exercise video advice- I found one that I really like- it's called "get ripped", my library had it and I tried it and really like it. It's very basic- I use dumbells- but some people on the tape use a barbell and I use a step to do the bench press stuff on. The thing I like most about it is that there was no fancy footwork- just kinda an intro to weights. When I first started doing it- I would put it in after the triplets went to bed mostly cuz I thought it was 30 minutes and I couldn't muster enough energy for one of my "the Firm" videos- but after awhile I noticed it's almost an hour. It never feels that way to me- I think cuz there's a lot of high reps and I kinda zone out. I come from the aerobics generation- Jane Fonda type stuff- and have done tons of aerobics- mostly step. Recently I read the importance of weight bearing activity and began incorporating weight training slowly... Just wanted to share... Holly

Interesting Holly. So, do you do any cardio or does this video incorporate that too? Do you know about how many calories you burn? I might have to check that out. I've been focusing on cardio because I thought that was the best way to burn those calories. I do use my weights (only 2 lbs) every other day for 20 mintes, but wonder if I should be doing more or more heavy weights? I don't wanna bulk at all though.lol! How many lbs are your weights?

Hi Janie, I just wanted to jump in on this conversation for a minute. I do strength training 2-3 times a week, sometimes more if I have the time. I use 3lb, 5lb, and 8lb hand weights to work my arms, chest, and back. I will start with the 3lb weights, do a series of sets of 10-12 reps, then move to the 5lb weights and do a series of sets (the same movement) then back down to the 3lb weights for a final series of sets. I'm just now adding a series of sets with the 8lb weights, I think I'm ready to move up to them. A muscle will respond better if you vary the stress on it, hence changing the weights during the workout. You won't bulk up from using a heavier weight, but you will get good muscle definition and that sleek toned look. Also, the more muscle you build, the more fat you will burn. One thing to remember...always give your muscles 24hrs. to rest after a workout. When you work a muscle, it tears slightly and needs that time to heal itself. If you were to do an arm workout twice a day, you'd be wasting your time with the second workout because that muscle would be in the process of healing itself...does that make sense? It also lessens the risk of injury. Its fine to workout twice a day, just don't work the same muscle group. Just wanted to throw this in for what its worth, hope it helps somebody. Take care, Denise

Hey Denise, thanks for the great info. Yes, I've heard that muscle burns more calories than fat. I really want to tighten up my arms. I'm so embarassed by them. I should be thrilled with how far I've come. But now that I'm so close to "normal" I get very uptight and embarrassed about my loose skin. I hate my arms, boobs and stomach. I can cover the stomach and boobs, but if I want to wear any stylish shirts in the Summer you can see the flab on my arms. UGH!!!!!!! Do you also do cardio?

Hey Janie, Yes, I do cardio too. I have a recumbent exercise bike and I ride 30-40 minutes at a time...usually about 5-6 miles. I vary the tension on it to give my legs a good workout as well as my heart. On the days that I work my lower body I don't usually ride the bike because my legs are so rubbery I just can't do it! But I have come so far since the beginning. I have a few of the "Firm" workout tapes and before surgery I could never get through them, now they are barely challenging me, but still give me a great workout. I hear you about the extra skin. My arms are ok, in fact someone at church commented the other night that my arms are "so skinny" (yea me!), but my thighs are an entirely different story. I knew if I was going to have any skin issues it would be on my thighs, and I was right. I despise it...I so want to be able to wear cute shorts that don't come all the way to my knees, but not with these thighs. I don't know if I will consider plastics or not, I know my insurance won't pay for it and I'm not sure if I want another major surgery, I've been through four already. But we'll see how I feel after I reach my goal Think of it this way. It will soon be fall and no more sleeveless summer shirts. Spend the winter working your arms and by next spring/summer you'll have fabulously toned arms and you'll be the envy of everyone! Take care, Denise

Denise- I am totally with you on the thighs. The other day I was stretching. I laid on my back and brought my knees up and over my head- usually a pretty relaxing pose- I looked up and saw flesh just hanging off my thighs- I mean that elephant - 90 year old woman wrinkly stuff- OMG- SO unattractive. I haven't worn shorts since!!! On the other hand- it wasn't too long ago that I couldn't even get my legs there because of my stomach being in the way!!! So- I too am looking forward to fall and winter fashions!!! Holly

I think weights every other day for 20 minutes is good. This video says we don't really need to worry about bulking up- that that takes a lot of testosterone. The weights I use are 5 and 8 pounds. The video recommends that you do cardio or yoga on the other 4 days of the week- but I'm just not that good. The video has Jari Love in it and this is just her beginner one. I didn't start exercising or doing anything until atleast 5-6 months out- so I am no where near where you guys are that have been exercising all along. She does have a DVD that's called Get Ripped 1000 (which I bought but am afraid to try yet) and it says burn up to 1000 calories per workout. I got several of her DVD's at my local Ross and they were $5.99 a piece. I need to add in some cardio- especially now that the trips are in school for a few hours 3 days a week- there went my excuse!!! Holly

Thanks for all the great info though. Sounds like I need to get more than 2lb weights. ANd OMG @ burning 1000 calories per workout. HOLY COW, I eat about 1000 calories a day. I can't even imagine the workout involved. It would kick my butt! lol!

I love walk away the pounds

Hiya everyone, I have recently got back into motivation for exercising. The summer was so hectic and i worked such long hours.. i was purely exhausted by the end of the day! Now that school is here... ima back to the gym. I get to the gym at least 5 or 6 times a week. I go for about an hour or two a day for the past few weeks. I am obessed with the eliptical. It works all the major muscles in the legs and glutes.... i am actually starting to get an ass with some roundness lmao...... I also incorporate weight training. I see a bit of a difference...i can see some muscle lol.... from what i hear alot of of plastic surgeons want you to build some muscle for the fact of if you have the plastics done..... you get better results.... No distortion, etc. I just wanted to add one more thing in... As much as i had slacked off with the gym during the summer.. i still did get alot of walking in.... but... since i have been back.... exercising has become a real stress reliever for me. I stop there on the way home from work and get out all my stress from the day. I find that i am more relaxed in the evening.