Help Please !!!

[rosepetals]

I need help improving the strength in my legs. I am having a tough time making it through the leg dvd, but can do the arms just fine. Any suggestions as to how to best improve my strength.

The Paper Plates don't slide well on the carpet. Is there anything that works better than that or tips as to make them work. If there is a source for a product that works on the carpet better please post it so I can order it.

I also need help improving my cardio. I do brisk walking 3.5-4.1 miles per hour up and down hills several times a week 1-2.5 miles. The cardio step tapes seem to challenging. My leg muscles fatigue too easily. Any recommends?

 

[shanihib]

Honestly, just doing it will improve your strength and stamina. I am also weak in the legs, but a lot of it really has to do with the weights I'm trying to lift! I think I may have gone a bit heavy on the lower body 1RM results.

I am using Valslides (plastic sliders) that I found on clearance at Target. You can find those kinds of products at sporting goods stores or Target... or you can try using a frisbee. I hear they work.

I also fatigue quickly on the step, but find that the more I do them, the better I get. Go low on the step... don't even do risers until you get the hang of it. I sprained my ankle trying to go too hard too fast! Also, look into replenishing your carbs quickly after your workouts so that the energy is stored in your muscles for the next workout. It is good to get it in in the first hour to two hours afterwards.

I hope this helps.

 

[marnapril]

frisbees work perfectly on carpet!!

 

[bethj]

For STS legs there are two things you can try. First, use a heavy weight but just go down about 30% in your squats and lunges. This will help to rapidly improve the strength. Second, try doing the full range of motion squat and lunge with no weight at all. This will activate the remaining muscles you "skipped" when you restricted range of motion. I use a mix of both techniques during STS legs.
Some other threads have mentioned two products for the paper plates: Walmart furniture mover discs, and gliding discs, which have DVD workouts packaged with them. You can google them. I have a Berber carpet and find that plastic rather than paper plates work well.
For step aerobics, a good start is with Cathe's Basic Step DVD and Low Impact Step DVD. They are easier on the choreography and heart rate, but as you improve you can increase your step height to make them challenging. Doing these will also help strenghthen your legs. Another good and easy "oldie" is Step Heat, which is on the Cardio Classics DVD. This DVD has 3 step workouts which are great if you don't mind the dated outfits and music. I would definitely keep trying the step workouts. They will really help your cardio capacity better than walking.
Beth