Exercise: What's Your Workout?

[chocolatine]

45 minutes ago, forumfish said:

Oh, this makes me sad. I think I may have an old workout of hers. I mostly do the Body Control Pilates-style mat workout with Lynne Robinson's DVDs, so you hard-core Reformer types would probably pooh-pooh me. (I have an exercise ball and while it's not "real" Pilates equipment, it is great for stretching out the back.)

The full mat sequence, done with proper form and without modifications, is considered the hardest Pilates workout of all. The equipment helps build the strength needed for many of the advanced mat exercises. A lot of the time when a trainer wants to make an equipment exercise more challenging for the client, they'll *reduce* the resistance (e.g. take off a spring on the Reformer, or sub arm springs for leg springs on the Cadillac/Wall Unit).

If you want more options to use your exercise ball, you might want to try the 10 Minute Solution: Pilates on the Ball DVD (there are five 10-minute segments that you can mix and match). The instructor, Lara Hudson, is really good, and she made a bunch of other 10 Minute Solution Pilates DVDs without the ball as well. Mari Winsor also made a ball workout. I used to do both of those workouts regularly before I started going to a studio and really enjoyed them.

Edited May 15, 2020 by chocolatine

[Dr.OO7]

NYC gyms reopen on Wednesday!

It's time for me to get my arms back (I had Michelle Obama arms before SHE did, LOL).

[Rushmoras]

In the warm year period, I once or twice a week go jogging. In addition, sometimes and if I have time, I will take-out my bicycle and pedal longer distances. Also, would use outside training equipment located in the parks; usually do pull-ups and/or bends.

Most of the time, twice per week I exercise at home (because gyms, even prior to Corona, were too pricey for my pocket (in terms of what I actually get)). Over the years I've created an exercise list for myself, e.g. 100 sit-ups; 30 sit-ups on one leg then 30 on the other; 50 bends; 50 push-ups; then exercises with dumb-bells in various arm-raising positions. It's hard to explain in detail, because English is not my native language and it would require thorough search on Google of what each exercise is called exactly in English.

 

Edited December 17, 2020 by Rushmoras

[isabella Brown]

As soon as I get up early in the morning, I drink water, and then I go out jogging wearing a tracksuit. After jogging for 3 hours straight, I drink a glass of pomegranate juice on my way home. This is our life, sir.

[Anela]

I have never been a runner. I need to at least get back to walking on my treadmill, or sell it, because I only used it for a little while. I'm still not getting outside much, which is depressing, given that Spring is almost over (it's my favourite season). 

[isalicat]

Recommendation for those of us that don't want to pay for memberships to clubs we will never go to :) About 25 years ago I bought a used NordicTrak from someone and put it in my home office. It sits there and stares at me all day until I get on and do my request stint (usually 20 minutes) and is entirely free (it is the old school kind without any fancy electronics other than a distance meter). You can watch TV or whatever - I tend towards the news as I get infuriated enough as to exercise a bit more vociferously. Check Craig's List or your local want ads...best overall aerobic workout I've found. Impossible to do wrong as long as you stand up straight!

[PRgal]

Be careful of over-exercising.  I recently came across an article on the Wall Street Journal about how over-exercising can cause health issues.  I think I'm at risk for this - since the pandemic, I've been doing the equivalent of 2 hours nearly every day, with a lot of it being cardio.  Doing all this is likely why I'm not really building as much muscle as I want to.

[RealHousewife]

On 6/27/2022 at 5:30 PM, PRgal said:

Be careful of over-exercising.  I recently came across an article on the Wall Street Journal about how over-exercising can cause health issues.  I think I'm at risk for this - since the pandemic, I've been doing the equivalent of 2 hours nearly every day, with a lot of it being cardio.  Doing all this is likely why I'm not really building as much muscle as I want to.

Interesting! The most I do for two hours is walk. 

[Cloud9Shopper]

I need to change things up with my workouts. I’m 37 now, and while I’m not “old” I realize, I’ve been doing Daily Burn for a while and I am really tired of spending so much time getting on and off the floor during a workout. I’d rather just stand the whole time or do workouts with a limited floor component, and I don’t want to warm up with planks. I just did one video that was like get on the floor, then get up, back on the floor, up again. I’m too slow anymore and I really don’t care if I can do planks or burpees or jump around killing my body in the name of “intensity.” I can’t even jump anyway because I live on a third floor and I’m sure the neighbors won’t appreciate it. 

I just picked up Barre3 and while yes there is a floor component sometimes they always have a modifier using a chair if you want to hold yourself up on that, and I like that the vibe encourages you to be better but is also more relaxed and casual rather than all about being “pumped up” and “intense.” I still get a good workout without being like oh God a plank for the eleventh time…

Anyone else a fan of Jessica Smith on YouTube? I have always loved her and her DVDs and she’s starting to post more stuff again. She always seems super sweet and chill, and I love that her mother is in her DVDs with her. 

[nokat]

I use a rollator and have hills near me, so I go up and down those. I have one meant for bumpy ground because the sidewalks here are not fit for anything else.

It's improved my balance. Now if only people wouldn't leave aggressive dogs out.

May I also complain about cars. I use the light signals, can you not try and run over me.

Edited August 22, 2022 by nokat

[Dr.OO7]

I've completed NYRR's 9+1 program--including the 5 Borough Series--and have earned a spot in next year's New York City Marathon!

Let's see if the 3rd time is the charm as far as running it straight through.

I can't afford the fancy training plans, so does anyone have any suggestions? Or maybe I'll just double everything I did to train for my half marathons.

Edited December 3, 2022 by Dr.OO7

[PRgal]

I started working with a trainer 2x a week (I did 1x for a very long time) and recently met my goal of leg pressing at above my body weight!!!!!  My goal is to gain more muscle so that I'm not basically...er..."fat and bones" (or lack of fat...I'm okay in terms of fat percentage, but my muscle make-up could be better).  No need to lose weight since I'm light enough already.  

[StatisticalOutlier]

With my health insurance policy, I get free memberships to various gyms.  One of them is Lifetime Fitness, which is a swanky chain.  Memberships at Lifetime's cheapest locations are almost $200/month.

I joined a Lifetime location because it's free for me (I haven't actually gone yet), and am now on their email list.  Apparently paying a lot in dues doesn't mean members will be better behaved than at a random YMCA or $10/month Planet Fitness, if this email is any indication:

To protect your experience, you can expect we will monitor for these issues and take action. Of course, we also welcome you to notify a team member if you witness these behaviors:

-Failure to place used towels in bins and improper disposal of trash.

-Taking photos/video with other members in the background or in prohibited areas.

-Occupying fitness equipment without using it.

-Not allowing others to work in on strength equipment between sets.

-Not sharing pool lap lanes during peak demand periods.

-Neglecting to clean or replace equipment after use, including re-racking weights and dumbbells.

-Rendering the sauna inoperable by pouring liquid on the heater/coals or placing paper towels on sensors.

-Exercising in the sauna or steam room or playing loud music in these areas.

-Engaging in loud, disruptive behavior or groups loitering in specific areas, such as the locker room or fitness floor.

-Disregarding the personal space boundaries of others.

-Proper swimsuit attire in all whirlpools.

-Failing to cover up or wear appropriate attire in all areas of the club, especially the locker room, steam room, pool, whirlpool and fitness floor.

-Bringing large workout bags onto the fitness floor, posing a tripping/safety hazard.

-Shaving in the sauna, steam room or hot tub.

-Vaping in the locker room or any other area of the club.

-Unauthorized parking in reserved spaces.

In my own experience, every locker room I've been in prohibits at least cameras, and most prohibit phone use of any kind.  And yet there's almost always somebody doing some creepy full-length selfie pose in a mirror, sticking her lips and butt out at the same time, or talking on the phone.  What part of "no cell phone use" is unclear? 

As they said on Seinfeld, "People.  They're the worst." 

[PRgal]

@StatisticalOutlier Some people have ZERO RESPECT.  People in my gym tend to be okay, but I'm there at a time when most people my age are at work.  It's relatively quiet, save for a few older people (70+).  

[RealHousewife]

Does anyone here know if there is a fun way to preserve bone density for upper body? I’ve read walking and dancing help with the lower body, but I’m not sure what to do for my upper body. I’ve been meaning to get into lifting for a while, but it just looks so boring to me. 

Is there a form of dance that requires a lot of upper body resistance? I might enjoy something like Pilates more than weights too. I would just rather go to a dance studio and try out any form of dance than spend time at the gym. 

[chitowngirl]

Maybe you could try wrist weights and then it would just be a normal part of your day to have them on…perhaps during lunch break?

[RealHousewife]

6 minutes ago, chitowngirl said:

Maybe you could try wrist weights and then it would just be a normal part of your day to have them on…perhaps during lunch break?

Thank you for the suggestion. I’ve actually been curious about those! Are they pretty foolproof? I was told to get with a trainer before I lifted any regular weights. 

[chitowngirl]

12 minutes ago, RealHousewife said:

Thank you for the suggestion. I’ve actually been curious about those! Are they pretty foolproof? I was told to get with a trainer before I lifted any regular weights. 

I think a personal trainer would be good to get you started. They can make sure you are doing the exercises correctly and not flailing about and hurting yourself. And maybe wrist weights aren’t right for you, which would be good to know before you invest in them.

[StatisticalOutlier]

On 8/14/2024 at 12:13 PM, RealHousewife said:

Is there a form of dance that requires a lot of upper body resistance?

Breakdancing should fit the bill.

[Anela]

I really need to get out of my head, and on the treadmill. Numerous things have sidetracked me, but the one big thing is that I wake up, am hit with the anxiety and depression, or general ugh, and I just want to shower, and wash my hair. Once I'm clean, I don't want to get on there. 

I need to write down three things to focus on, and try to do that. 

[PRgal]

I need to get myself back to in-person classes!  I haven't gone since the before times, even though it's been "safe" for a few years.  The only time I go to the gym now is when I work with my trainer, so I'm still there.  Just not in group classes.

[EtheltoTillie]

I wish they still had step aerobics. It went out of fashion. 

[StatisticalOutlier]

13 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

I wish they still had step aerobics. It went out of fashion. 

This program called Les Mills has step aerobics.  A lot of the YMCAs and city recreation centers I go to have Les Mills group classes.  Never done one myself because I despise step aerobics, but see them in there doing the step stuff.

[EtheltoTillie]

28 minutes ago, StatisticalOutlier said:

This program called Les Mills has step aerobics.  A lot of the YMCAs and city recreation centers I go to have Les Mills group classes.  Never done one myself because I despise step aerobics, but see them in there doing the step stuff.

This appears to be only an on-line program.   Even if they had it live at a Y, I wouldn't be traveling out of my way to go to it.  But it's interesting to know someone still believes in step aerobics. 

I also used to go to spin classes at the local gym, which also disappeared.  .  During the pandemic I purchased a gym quality Schwinn spin bike from a gym that was getting rid of it.  It was barely used and I got a great price.  I do use it several times a week.  It does not take up too much space in my bedroom.  I make up my own workout as I go and watch a TV show or movie on my iPad. 

[PRgal]

I've been loving my strength workouts through my Barre3 subscription.  The benefit is that I can do it whenever I want and can do short work 10 or 15 minute workouts instead of a standard 45 minute or 1 hour class!  They also have 30 minute videos.  

[EtheltoTillie]

On 8/14/2024 at 2:13 PM, RealHousewife said:

Does anyone here know if there is a fun way to preserve bone density for upper body? I’ve read walking and dancing help with the lower body, but I’m not sure what to do for my upper body. I’ve been meaning to get into lifting for a while, but it just looks so boring to me. 

Is there a form of dance that requires a lot of upper body resistance? I might enjoy something like Pilates more than weights too. I would just rather go to a dance studio and try out any form of dance than spend time at the gym. 

Believe it or not, ballet works the arms a lot.  You constantly have to hold the arms up and in certain positions.  Ballet dancers have strong but wiry arms. 

[chitowngirl]

Water aerobics is a great workout! Every movement has resistance both ways.

[StatisticalOutlier]

9 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

This appears to be only an on-line program.  

They have in-person classes.  Zumba also offers some step classes.

Quote

I also used to go to spin classes at the local gym, which also disappeared.

What disappeared, the spin classes or the gym?  Spin classes are still seem to be really popular, to judge from how many are offered at various gyms.  (I have a gym benefit with my Medicare supplement and go to a LOT of different gyms as I travel around.)

7 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Believe it or not, ballet works the arms a lot.  You constantly have to hold the arms up and in certain positions. 

FWIW, the barre classes that are offered these days aren't really ballet.

I took a ballet for adults class a few decades ago (I never took dance lessons as a child) and it was pretty much like what you see in the movies, standing at the barre doing plies and whatnot. 

The barre classes I've taken in the last few years do use the barre, but they're not a ballet workout like that was.  But they did work my arms--they used very light weights and did about a million reps, which is taxing.  However, my impression is that for bone density, lifting heavier weights with fewer repetitions is recommended.

 

[EtheltoTillie]

Both:  One gym actually closed.  The other one nearby stopped offering the spin classes. 

8 hours ago, StatisticalOutlier said:

They have in-person classes.  Zumba also offers some step classes.

Yes, but none of these are conveniently located if they even exist in NYC.  I stick to a two-block radius.   My home spin bike fits that bill. 

Edited November 14 by EtheltoTillie

[EtheltoTillie]

I see that my chain, New York Sports Club, offers Les Mills, but not any step classes.