Should I do an S&H rotation now?

[willowe]

Hi All,
I wondered if you could give me your advice.

Before I ask my specific questions, I'll give you a little background. I have about 40lbs to lose and want to tone up for my brother's wedding in May. Although I am an experienced home exerciser, I am relatively new to lifting weights. I don't want to "bulk up" as I already have a large frame and broad shoulders. However, I would like some muscle definition (wouldn't we all!?) I have been eating clean (1500 cals per day) and have just finished a 3 week CTX rotation. However, rather than losing weight, I have gained 4lbs! Very frustrating, but I am not giving up! I have received the S&H series and am just about to purchase the PS series. My question really has 2 parts:

1) For those of you who have the S&H and PS series, do you think I should go straight into an S&H rotation now, or should I do a PS rotation first. Also, those of you who have done an S&H rotation, do you do separate cardio days? I have read a few posts which have suggested that S&H is very intense, and that perhaps it may be wise to reduce the cardio initially so as not to overdo things. Would you agree with this?

2) Could you share your PS/S&H rotations with me which have worked for you in terms of weight-loss and achieving muscle-definition. I have just about all of Cathe's tapes, so I can mix and match, depending on your suggestions. I prefer to work out 5 days per week (I found 6 days was a bit too much and became over-tired).

I really appreciate any advice or suggestions you may have.
Thanks,
Kaz.

 

[Stacy]

My opinion is to start with the PS rotation working each body part twice a week if possible. Since you're talking wedding I'm thinking that you're referring to getting your arms more defined so maybe you could leave out the PS legs tape until the wedding is over. A few sample rotations....

PS CST + short cardio (like CTX kickbox)
Circuit Max (using it as a leg workout)
PS BBA + short cardio (like CTX 10/10/10)
Interval Max or Cardio Kicks
PS CST and PS BBA OR MIS upper body only + cardio of choice

OR

PS CST + PS BBA
Interval Max or other long cardio
Cardio of choice
PS CST + PS BBA
Circuit Max (as a leg workout)

I think adding a circuit workout and/or an Interval workout to your rotations would kick up your metabolism a bit. My two cents!

Stacy

 

[Bobbi]

Hi, Kaz, I wouldn't worry about gaining four pounds since you're only taking in 1500 calories. Its probably due to increased muscle mass which will ultimately make you slimmer whether the number on the scale drops or not. I just finished 3 weeks of Slow Heavy training. I am definitely showing some muscle definition. I don't have the same body type as you though being somewhat disinclined to bulk. The series is awesome and you should try it and see how it works for you.

Bobbi http://www.plauder-smilies.de/chicken.gif Chicks Rule!

 

[willowe]

Thank you!

Stacy - thanks for the rotations - I think I will try the first one you mentioned once I have finished my current CTX rotation.

Bobbi - thanks for the advice. It's so difficult not to let the scales dictate how I feel about myself. Stupid, I know. I've made a pledge with myself not to weigh for the next month, and have taken my measurements to monitor my success instead. I'm also on anti-inflammatories at the moment for a back problem (having been taking them for a bout 3 weeks) and am not sure if these are contributing the the "weight gain". I've posted a question about this in Open Discussion to see if anyone else has had this experience with anti-inflammatories.

Thanks again for the advice.

Kaz.