What would YOU do? (workout question)

S

sue320

Cathlete
What advice/kinds of workouts would best suit this body type and lifestyle? What would YOU do?

Not trying to be difficult but want to post what the real parameters are for me at this point in my life...SAHM of three, homeschool, dh that travels A LOT. LOVE to run but have developed bad case of runner's knee so I've backed off of that for awhile. Biking isn't an option due to the young ages of the kids (no, sitters are extremely difficult to come by at this point). I can get out and walk (fast walk) before kids get up (we live in a gated community that has a half-mile loop) and we add walking lunges to this routine. Swimming is an option (we live in a warm climate) but the pool is a community pool, not a lap swim pool (but maybe could do something with water resistance). I have a few Cathe's (sold a bunch a little while back when I started running)...low max, several of her circuit training, timesaver, crosstrain xpress, begin/inter workouts x 2.

I tend to build lower body muscle very easily, not so much so the upper body (go figure). I'm athletic in build (when I gain I tend to carry it in the butt, hips, thighs) but do carry saddle bags (not excessive by any means but I want them GONE). I know spot reducing doesn't work but would like to hear how others have reduced this area.

I've figured out over the last year that for me, diet is about 80% of the equation so that is constantly at the forefront of my mind (meaning I'm not a wonderfully clean eater but I don't gorge on the donuts/McD/etc).

I've also noticed that I tend to have better success losing weight (yes, inches) just focusing on my diet...not sure why this is...calorie deficit is calorie deficit but that is what I've noticed. Working out is more a tool for toning (for me).

I'm up for a mix of stuff...Cathe, walking, swimming, whatever....mostly I'd like to lose the saddle bags and tone the legs.

Thanks for any input...

Sue <><
 
Have you tried P90X? I am a definite pear and the X took off 2 inches in my hips and 3 inches off my waist. Although I also started following a quasi-clean 1800 calorie diet at the same time I started doing the X, so it was a combination of the 2 of those factors for me.

However, if P90X can't put on muscle in your upper body, I'm not sure what can. It would also work out well for you because it's something you can do at home. It does however require several dumbbells and a pull up bar. Just something to consider.

Angie
 
I've considered P90X but thought that it was pretty high impact. Am I wrong?

And thanks for the input.

S.
 
A lot of the impact can easily be modified. In Ploymetrics, Tony has one of the exercisers doing low impact versions.
 
You are right on about the diet being 80% of it!! I'm a busy mom too and sometimes don't get all the workouts in but as long as my diet is consistant 6 days a wk. (1 cheat meal on sundays) I'm good. If I have to miss a workout I miss the cardio but never skip on the lifting. Cardio is very over-rated in my opinion.

Do you have T-Vo? She's on Fit TV and you can record them. Just remember lifting does not cause us to get bigger (muscle takes up less space then fat) eating too many calories do. So you need to work your lower body just as hard as your upper. I love pyramids and slow and heavy the best. Many people recomend them on here.
 
Sue,

I too, am a SAHM. For the days I don't do workout DVDs, I have a membership at my local YMCA, which provides me with 2 hours of child care a day free while I workout there. Also I invested in a jogging stroller for my toddler. This way, I can go to the local park and walk 3-4 miles, and after that my son gets to play at the playground. If I do workout DVDs, it has to be early in the morning before my kids wake, or during my son's nap in the afternoon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top