What are you doing for exercise?

I posted this on the May board as well but would like your input too! Ok...here is the story.  I have been working with a personal trainer 3 x per week for 11 months now...love the results...built lots of muscle mass etc...the problem is that my contract runs out next month and I am TERRIFIED of going it alone.  To be honest with you I just show up...they kick my #@* and I go home, I don't really think about it too much. I never have done the same routine twice this entire time so when people tell me to just mimick what they have me do, it's impossible.  It varies so much!

So, what are you guys doing?  Deanne, I know you are an avid exerciser so how did you put together your workout?  Andi, I know you belly dance and I am gonna look into that.  Does anyone know a a good website where you can create a program that includes, cardio, weights, circuit and stretching?  That is the routine I am use to.  I am really afraid that I will just park myself on some cardio machine and veg., like I use to and lose all the muscles that I have built up. 

I have started (by starting I mean 1 class) taking a spin class in addition and although I can't say I enjoy it, I will keep it up cause I think it is a good workout.

Thanks,

Trish

I flat don't do enough.. I take several walks a week. I walked an 8-mile trail the other day and it was the first time I've challenged myself the least little bit since I quit working with my trainer (and that was pre-op). I do some stuff with resistance bands, some crunches, some butt-tuck things, I lift my legs up and down a little. But when it starts to hurt, or if I get bored with it, I sort of quit. I don't think I'll go back to a trainer, but my daughter (who is 25) is losing weight and working out, and I'm hopeful we can do more things together. I wish I had a reliable buddy who would keep me going. Everybody's got kids or responsibilities, and it's so hard to find the time. I'll be curious to see your responses.

Well, after I posted that, I figured I should do a little something, so I jumped on my treadmill and did a little thinking. I do tend to do a little better with a tape. I have some of The Firm tapes and do the ab work-outs (to the best of my ability). My treadmill also has some programs on it that work me a little harder than I do on my own. I was doing pretty good tonight, and my son and his wife showed up and showed me a little onesie with a Georgia Bulldog on it. Another grandbaby is coming!!! So I got a little sidetracked.

Good for you for getting on the treadmill...I totally agree with you re: the buddy but I found that you really can't rely on anyone else.   Congrats on the upcoming grandbaby!!!   Totally good excuse to stop working out.

Hi Trish, Why don't you ask your trainer to make you up a schedule of the activities that you have been doing that way  you can still do them but on your own.   As for me....I do 5 differant classes a week.   Monday is Yoga.....tuesday is a pilates class using weights only.....wednesday is core and that is a killer class to take......thursday is Zumba and that gives me lots and lots of cardio,.....friday is another Pilates ( differant instructor ) using wieghts, balance ball, bar, rings.   I love what I am doing now.   SOmetimes I walk in addition to all those classes. Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

It sounds like you've actually got a couple things going on, but perhaps I'm reading something into your post that you don't intend.  First, the easy part - figuring out a good workout routine that you can manage on your own.  Your personal trainer should be willing to help you set up a schedule.  You know that you need a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility work (stretching).  Ask your PT what they would recommend in terms of a weekly mix, and if they would help you set up a rotation that you can handle on your own.   Second, and perhaps the hardest part, is whether you are concerned that you will not actually stick to a program if you don't have the appointments with the PT?  People use PTs for different reasons.  Some use them to learn proper form and technique, then just do the exercises on their own.  Others use them to force themselves to stay on track; something along the mindset of "I've paid for this and I'm not going to lose my money."  If your that kind of person, perhaps you need to stick with the PT, but cut back on your number of weekly sessions so it's more affordable.  You may want to try doing your cardio sessions on your own, 2 strength training sessions with the PT, and one strength training session on your own.  If you stick with that for a few months, cut back to 1 weekly strength training session with the PT, and do 2 sessions on your own.  Just a thought... Good luck on your continuing journey! Kellie

I probably don't do enough, but I walk an average of 30 minutes a day (morning) 5-6 days a week.  I keep saying that I am going to start some other sort of excercise in the evening to help out, but I haven't started yet. 

I do~ Cardio M/W/F either 8mile walk w/ neighbor or 5mile WATP dvd. Occasionall pop in The Firm 55min workout for something different. T/T weight training days, but luckily I have a full free weight gym in the basement b/c of dh. Ask your PT to set up a routine for you.That shouldn't be a problem. Just keep moving and you'll be fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I ended my 3x a week workout with my trainer about a month ago. I had been writing down everything we did so I would have some kind of reference. I was getting promoted at work and had a lot going on so I stopped running or doing anything for about a month after I was done with my trainer. Not a good idea.

 

 It is really hard for me to get back to running and I can tell I am not doing 4 minutes of crunches 3x a week anymore. I did take out my exercise ball and my weights and I have done a couple of small work outs and finally I am back to running at least 3 miles 4 times a week.

 

 My advice would be don't stop going to the gym keep going the same days you are going now, write stuff down  since you are still working out with the trainer. We worked out with free weight so the machines at the gym are kind of scary for me not sure if I know how to use them right.  I understand being TERRIFIED but you can do it. I know I will never make myself work out as hard as the trainer did but you still have to get up and move to keep the weight off. Good luck,

 

I do at least an hour of cardio at the gym 6 days a week.  On three of those days, I add 1-2 hours of weight training.  I had a trainer for a while and he helped me set up my routine.  I do enough different things to keep from getting bored.  Your trainer should be able to help you come up with something.