What's going on?

[dpunch]

Hey educated crowd,

I just started exercising again using Cathe's December rotation. I thought the shorter workouts where a good place to start, then really step it up in January. I have only missed a couple of workouts and instead of running, I added another cardio usually step. I have been getting in 5 days consistently.

My problem is that my jeans are tighter in the thighs! What is going on? My eating is OK, but no worse than before I started the December rotation. I am a pear shaped so you know that hips and thighs are my problem area. What am I doing wrong? I am getting really discouraged.

Please help.

Donna

 

[lesliew]

Several factors could be at play...

How's your diet? Sometimes I find that when I start a new rotation and I'm working out more intensely I eat more than I should.

I also notice that when I work harder than my body is use to my muscles retain water. It's a temporary problem and usually subsides after a couple of weeks.

Hate to say it, but my pear shaped body doesn't respond well to Cathe's heavy weighted lower body work. I usually do her leg workouts using half the poundage she uses, or I skip her leg workouts all together and use barre workouts instead. I know I'm not alone because many women my shape have complained of the same problem!

 

[Govtgirl]

I think your muscles are just swollen...they've been shocked, and are in a constant state of being "pumped" right now. The same thing happened to me. If you stick with it, it'll go away. Take a rest day here and there, drink lots of water, and be patient. This stuff works

 

[dpunch]

Thanks Lesliew and Lisa for responding.

I think you both are right. It is a shock to my body. As far as my eating, it could be better but no worse that normal but I am working on it.

I also agree that my pear shape does not respond well to heavy weights, so usually I use 1/2 the weight that Cathe usese for lower body or no weight at all.

Thanks for the encouragement. I have just started week three of the December rotation.

Love those circuits!

Donna:7

 

[buffyfan]

I'm glad I read all your comments about leg work. I am pear shaped also and my diet is not the best but I also think that when I use really heavy weights for legs it doesn't do me much good. Legs & Glutes really seemed to help my legs shrink. Unfortunately I have gained some weight due to illness and not working out for 2 months so my pants are super tight now. I did Legs & Glutes last night for the first time in a while and let me tell you my thighs were shaking like crazy. I had to stop a bunch of times and stretch. Boy I'm out of shape!!! Anyway, thanks for the comments. they are always very helpful. I learn so much from everybody on this forum!!!