Need help breaking plateaus

[jimmie48]

cathe--

I have been working out off and on (mostly on) for the past 6-7 yrs. doing weight training/cardio 4-5 days a week varying reps, weight, etc. I also started doing your workout videos about a year ago (you always kick my butt) and have noticed some improvement. I try to eat somewhat healthy but I admit I do like to snack. I have always been considered thin but I've never had that defined muscle tone. My sister, who never really worked out until a year ago, joined a gym with personal trainer and now could pose on the cover of fitness magazine-- she looks incredible! Do PT's know something the rest of don't or do I need something more than what I'm doing now? I always thought I was doing the right things. I am approaching 40 and am trying to get in better shape just like everyone else. Any suggestions would be great! I can't wait to start STS--you rock Cathe!

 

[petramom]

Could it be that your sister just was born with more muscle mass than you? If not, maybe you could ask her about her diet. Maybe that's the key to her definition. Finally, maybe her trainer is really pushing her to her limit, which is something that is hard for a lot of us to do for ourselves. What does your sister say?

 

[teddy16410]

cathe--

I have been working out off and on (mostly on) for the past 6-7 yrs. doing weight training/cardio 4-5 days a week varying reps, weight, etc. I also started doing your workout videos about a year ago (you always kick my butt) and have noticed some improvement. I try to eat somewhat healthy but I admit I do like to snack. I have always been considered thin but I've never had that defined muscle tone. My sister, who never really worked out until a year ago, joined a gym with personal trainer and now could pose on the cover of fitness magazine-- she looks incredible! Do PT's know something the rest of don't or do I need something more than what I'm doing now? I always thought I was doing the right things. I am approaching 40 and am trying to get in better shape just like everyone else. Any suggestions would be great! I can't wait to start STS--you rock Cathe!

Not Cathe here but my .02
I'd get myself to a few of her training sessions ASAP as an observer.... The PT doesnt have to be told exactly why....Just say you are observing various trainers to choose the best one for you....THEN ask your sister after the session if that was a typical session (sometimes trainers kick it up a notch when observed)....Decide for yourself what the differences are... Are you lifting to the same point of failure? Are you lifting in same REP Range? etc.... Go investigate! ( and then come back & report! lol)
I'd be so curious if I were you!!!!

 

[hrcfitness]

I had the same thing happen to me a year or so ago when I worked out with a trainer (I am a trainer as well)....HE KILLED ME!!!....I would work out with him 3 days a week and I literally had nothing left to give on my off days....I went to work out with him so that I could learn more about being a trainer. I thought I pushed myself hard, I thought I lifted to failure....but no way!! He really really made me work to the point where there were days I thought I would puke....and low and behold....within about 3 months I looked AWESOME! Lost a few lbs', but mostly became really lean and cut.....The key really is going on beyond what your mind says, you can do more than you think you can. The other really important thing that I never had a problem with is the way you eat. I eat very clean...lots of lean protein, vegies, good carbs, eat every 2-3 hours....feed the muscle well if your going to work it hard....this how to get amazing results....I think I've just talked myself back into working out with him again for a few months lol!!!!
Good luck,
Elena

 

[jimmie48]

Thanks for the advice. It is hard to push myself when I'm working out at home, esp. with kids asking if I'm done yet. Sometimes I feel guilty not spending more time with them. Sounds like I'll give my sis a call and hit the gym with her for a session or two. Thanks again.

 

[hrcfitness]

One more thing, I went through a huge struggle with spending "so much time" on me with exercise....but really it's only an hour...and if you schedule it early in the day (before they even get up in my case) you get it done and your a way better mommy for taking of you!! My mood is better, I'm happier not having to constantly think about how heavy I am and feeling miserable...it's a new year, make you a priority and your family will be so much better off for it!
Good Luck
Elena