how long do you give a workout or diet to work?

[nightowl81]

Reading the CLX quirks thread someone posted the Alwyn Cosgrove's article where he says 'just do it' since some people get in a standstill not knowing what to do and will do nothing, and I'm guilty of that. There are so many workout DVDs out these days it's easy to just get confused on what to do and what works.

But, how long do you give a way of training/DVD or a way of eating before deciding if it works for you? Since it seems like no program is one size fits all. For example (just an example, not dissing CLX!), if I did CLX for the 3-4 months exactly as layed out with the rotation and diet and didn't see the results I wanted after that time would if be safe to say that type of training doesn't work for me and sell it and move on to other DVDs or keep trying to adjust the program in hopes it will work?

 

[carres1973]

FWIW, I think if I did any program for the full time suggested (and more importantly, watched what I ate), and I didn't see results, I would think it wasn't for me. Not all training methods are for everyone. That's why there are so many choices out there...more cardio, more weights, circuit, lifting heavy, endurance lifting...

Carrie

 

[fit44]

For example (just an example, not dissing CLX!), if I did CLX for the 3-4 months exactly as layed out with the rotation and diet and didn't see the results I wanted after that time would if be safe to say that type of training doesn't work for me and sell it and move on to other DVDs or keep trying to adjust the program in hopes it will work?

This is a really tough question to answer. My first question would be what results are you looking for? Are your expectations realistic?
If your goal is fat loss, I would look at the diet because CLX is a fat loss program and diet is key to it's success.
IMO, you can lose fat using any workout program if the diet is what it should be. Depending on your body type, you can speed weight loss up by adding cardio or slow it down by adding too much.

The purpose of lifting heavy weights during any weight loss program is to help raise your metabolism and preserve lean mass.

Fat loss doesn't always show up on the scale. I know women who followed Body for Life program for 12 weeks, lost only 2lbs but went down 3 pant sizes.

 

[RapidBreath]

at least four weeks

Weighing in at least once a week and noting if you are not really doing it one hundred percent. Most diets will work but most people only do them half assed. If you don't gain weight (not water weight or something associated with your menstrual cycle) I would give it four weeks because it takes time for the body to catch up and show anything on the scale. I tend to see results on my body before on the scale.

 

[Shadowpup]

I echo the thought, it depends on what results you're looking for.

With any program, you actually are getting results meaning that there is some outcome - you're maintaining, improving, or declining in some area in some combination. I like to look at the direction of the changes that are related to my goals and decide if they are headed in the right direction *first*, and then after that decide if the rate of change and the lifestyle changes/time/etc is what I want to invest to get there.

For instance, using the SP approach I lost 52 pounds making pretty radical changes to what I ate and radical changes in my view of exercise, with a rate of 1-2 pounds a week, over 8-9 months. (The radical overall changes mainly came in tiny steps). That was perfect for me; it might have been too long for some people or too aggressive for others. I'd also say that it is fair to count the stabilizing period of about eighteen months afterwards, making sure that these lifestyle changes stuck, were part of the process - which would mean more like two years to feel comfortable that those "gains" in fitness and leaner body were real gains and not temporary

With STS, I'm primarily looking to invest six months in getting a firm foundation of endurance and strength, while not losing the enjoyment I get in my current workout situation, or losing the cardio fitness I have, etc. So throughout the process of doing STS I'll be looking at little changes in my body and attitude, and making sure all of that is headed in the right direction.

Don't know if that will work for you - some people like to say, "I will do X by date Y", but that does not suit my personality. I like to say, "I commit to achieve X - and these are the changes I'm making now to get there" and then constantly ask myself "Can I improve what I'm doing? Are these the right goals? Are the improvements headed in the right direction?"

 

[Havingfun]

results

Hi,

I agree with what the previous posters commented that it does depend on the results you are looking. I personally think that most exercise programs, if done with consistency and a decent diet will give you some sort of result.

Equally or more important, I also think that you have to be brutally honest about your diet, set realstic expectations, and put maximum effort into your workouts.

What has helped my is to categorize periods of the year as either maintenance or gains. That way, I know that during a maintenance time I can be a little slack with my effort and diet, but when I am working on gains, whether it be cardio or strength, I give it all I've got and watch every single thing that goes into my mouth.

Tracy

 

[nightowl81]

My goals are to lose weight and add muscle (although I understand these can't be done at the same time).

As far as diet; there seems to be alot of different ones, not simply 'eating clean with lots of vegetables and fruit'. There's lower carb, more whole grain, high protein, carb cycling, getting the calorie count right to not be eating too much or too little..

With exercise; some have goals of building visible muscle in their arms while firming their legs and glutes (my goal atealsst, which seems common). While some might see great results with maybe the Gym Styles, some might see better results with Slow and Heavy. Some see results with the Firm while others swear by Cathe.

Same with cardio, some lose weight faster with HIIT cardio or some lose more with longer steady state cardio. How would I determine which would work better for me?

Does that make sense? Or am I overanaylzing things?

 

[Snitker]

how long

As long as you have a calorie defecit you will lose weight. I am always switching my exercises around hoping for better results, but for me I know it's all about the diet. I really have to count calories to see results. It sucks 'cause I love to eat! Play around and see what works for you.

 

[fit44]

As long as you have a calorie defecit you will lose weight. I am always switching my exercises around hoping for better results, but for me I know it's all about the diet. I really have to count calories to see results. It sucks 'cause I love to eat! Play around and see what works for you.

That's how it is for me too. When my body fat gets below 20%, I have to tighten up the carbs. Keep my fruit servings early in the day, skip starchy carbs for a few days. I'm carb sensitive though.
Cardio, I do a mix of HIIT and SS.


I say the program works if you are happy and motivated. If it and it keeps you moving. I like having a variety of workouts to change things up and keep my body guessing. That's what I love about CLX. I have nothing like it in my home video library.
STS, GS, Jari Love, P90X, CLX, Cardio Coach, all valuable programs for my fitness toolbox
I pick my program based on my goals and what I need for motivation.

 

[nancy324]

I don't know what you mean by "work". My feeling is that generally healthy eating and regular exercise should be a permanent part of every day life. They "work" to keep you healthy and feeling good. Any cardio you do helps to keep your heart healthy. Any weight training you do prevents the natural muscle loss that begins at around age 25. It all "works" to give you a higher quality of life, and maybe even a greater quantity, and to make you feel and look good. How can it not "work"?