Thinking about muscle work outs at a gym?

[CrimsonMama]

I am almost at my healthy weight. I've shrunk from a size 22 to a size 10. I am happy with and accepting of my body size and shape now (including the wobbly bits that will never go!). I love my food, exercise, routines and plans!

I am happy! I really am!

I am just wondering if I should swap two of my exercise time slots for walking with some time working on muscle at the gym?

I am not really a fan of the gym. But then a year ago I would have said I am not a fan of exercise or running! But I love my exercise now!

I have read that muscle gives a bit of shape to the loose skin from weight loss? And also burns more calories just HAVING muscle? Plus at age 40 I think muscle loss is an age-related issue?

I also feel my legs get all the work (running, swimming, walking, cycling) so I would like to work on my arms? But I'm not really sure how or where to begin? I imagine a gym will give advice on that though on initiation?

[lucigret]

One of the trainers at your local gym would be able to advise you CrimsonMama. They should show you around and discuss the equipment and put a programme together for you. I would think that weights would be involved.

[babss 2 stone]

I’m a little older than you but am also aware that I need to strengthen up as well as improving my cardiovascular fitness. I think I’m going to give yoga a go rather than the gym as I’m not a big fan either, may be worth thinking about a class of some sort?

[IndigoBlue61]

There are wrist weights you can wear when walking which work your arms, and also lightweight dumb-bells that are good for arms and upper body (food tins or water bottles work) 😊

Google NHS Strength and Flex for some good ideas

[2718281]

I use an app called bodbot, the free version without subscription. You can plan your days, how long, what areas you want to train... You can choose the equipment so you can select nothing and work at home, the exercises will be done with your bodyweight and things like books, and it has some tests to check your current level so it adapts to you. I find it really useful, I use it for core and arms (I'm also running and do some strength exercises for that, but not through that app)

[CrimsonMama in reply to 2718281]

Interesting! I will look at that app! I do aerobics at home and include some arm stuff. I like the idea of testing current level!

Thanks!

[Goodnessknows]

I joined the gym at 70 and can see a difference in my whole body shape as well as my arms. Learned how to do core exercises, i.e. pulling stomach in under my ribs and breathing from my diaphragm. I have ribs! and definition. Give it a go. See if they can a monthly fee until you're sure it's what you want rather than paying a whole year's subscription.

[CrimsonMama in reply to Goodnessknows]

That's very encouraging Goodnessknows! It would be interesting to see what else I can do with my body shape! As I am on minimum wage I have a council low income card so I think a session is only like £1.50 for me.

[Gizmocat Moderator 13kg Maintainer]

I do lots of walking and like you feel that my legs and bottom get all the benefits and I need to work on my core and arms. I am not a fan of the gym either and I do yoga and Pilates but haven't been for a while due to work and summer holidays. I have been thinking about strength and flex for a while but haven't had time to get started. I will start back again in September. I like the sound of the bod bot app and will look into it. Also there are lots of exercise workouts on YouTube. It s worth a look to see if there is something you like.

[CrimsonMama in reply to Gizmocat]

I downloaded the bodybot app! Haven't had time to look at it yet though lol. I do aerobics which I first learned from YouTube. Most of the exercises work on core strength which I found very useful. A lot less back aches!

[Elisabeth3 Maintainer in reply to Gizmocat]

I suggested to CrimsonMama to try Flexi bar.

You can check on YouTube. Flexi bar workout.

I have been doing the 5-week Strength and Flex program. Am in week 4. Not sure if you find it intense enough.

[lucigret in reply to Elisabeth3]

Flexi bar is great. I did this a few years ago and really enjoyed it, then the gym stopped using them 😔

[Elisabeth3 Maintainer in reply to lucigret]

They seem to have stopped using it. It does improve posture and bingo wings, doesn't it? I had good results.

[lucigret in reply to Elisabeth3]

Such a shame, I though it was great fun, made my arms ache I recall. They seem to stop doing everything I enjoy. I actually don't belong to a gym anymore, but do have a swim pass.

[Elisabeth3 Maintainer in reply to lucigret]

I have the impression that they charge a lot in the gym.

We ceases our membership around one and a half years ago. Recently I went to their website and had little clue about half of the classes.

Maybe the classic word 'aerobic' even changed meaning. 🤔

Great you have a swimming pass.

[Gizmocat Moderator 13kg Maintainer in reply to Elisabeth3]

I haven't heard of this one. I will have a look. Do you need equipment?

[Elisabeth3 Maintainer in reply to Gizmocat]

The equipment is called Flexi bar. If you go to YouTube, search for Flexi bar workout.

I think, before you decide to buy one, watch a few videos. The price starts at £20. There are different lengths, etc.

If you can try one in a fitness club, that would be ideal.

[Dogpal 2 stone]

My local swimming pool runs classes for joint and muscle mobility exercise which I go to. It's a full body workout. Maybe you could look into it at your local pool

[SewMore Restart August 2024]

Hello, in June I made time to work out regularly with a DVD at home 6 days out of 7 for 3 weeks. It definitely toned up my arms - I was surprised and happy at the visible results. It’s a bit dated - but low impact, you can stay at the first workout for as long as you feel comfortable and then move up to level 2. Debbie Siebers Slim in 6. It’s also available via BeachBody.