Help me choose an exercise program!
December 2, 2014 9:18 AM   Subscribe

I would really like to get back into shape in the coming months, but I can’t figure out what sport or exercise program would be right for me. I do not need to lose weight. Snowflakes inside.

So me, in a nutshell, 5'4", slight build, your stereotypical 'skinny fat' early thirties woman. I work a desk job and don't get a whole lot of opportunity for spontaneous activity. However, I'm insanely competitive, but my local area's boot camps are for those who want to lose large amounts of weight and it's been indicated that I would not be welcome (by some coworkers who have done them).

I would really like to build tone and flexibility for the most part.

I've tried a few things over the years - I enjoy weight training and hate cardio for cardio's sake. I enjoyed yoga, but the classes were a little too 'woo' for me. Bouncy aerobics classes or Zumba are not really my style either. Tell me what worked for you and help me pick a class!
posted by checkitnice to Health & Fitness (20 answers total) 13 users marked this as a favorite
 
I can't recommend Stronglifts 5x5, er, strongly enough. Simple, no-nonsense, full body workout.
posted by the jam at 9:22 AM on December 2, 2014 [6 favorites]


You might like pilates. Not cardio intensive, definitely not woo. Lots of fun and has given me an awesome body.

I supplement with barre classes. These might be a little too "bouncy aerobics" for you, but they are a good way to get in a bit of cardio and burn some extra calories.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 9:31 AM on December 2, 2014


Not sure it's your cup of tea, but hula hooping has changed my life and my body. You can take it as slow or fast as you'd like. I teach classes now and have yet to meet someone who wasn't capable. Maybe check for a hooping class in your area?

For strength, I do a kettlebell class and joined an outdoor boot camp that's not focused on weight loss, but getting outside and having fun. Keep looking.

Not sure if you're into team sports (I used to think I wasn't), but I joined a women's recreational Ultimate Frisbee league and absolutely love it. Thinking of joining the competitive league for the next round. It's a fantastic sport.
posted by futureisunwritten at 9:40 AM on December 2, 2014 [1 favorite]


Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown video if you're open to exercising at home rather than in classes. It would likely horrify serious yoga practitioners, but it includes a really nice combination of strength and flexibility work. All you need is a yoga mat or carpeted floor to do it, so it's also great if you're traveling and want to work out in your hotel room.
posted by snaw at 9:47 AM on December 2, 2014


It sounds like we have similar physiques and exercise goals (less the competitive part maybe). I asked a somewhat-related question a few years back and have really enjoyed bodyweight circuit training. There's a few programmes around but I use and love Sworkit - you can maybe get their sister app Challenges for the competitive side?
posted by atlantica at 10:02 AM on December 2, 2014


I am loving Pure Barre classes. I mean, loving a LOT. I never thought I would be into such a thing but it's an incredible workout every time - I've been going 3-4x a week for 3 months and at least part of my body is still sore after every class. I haven't lost any weight but it's changed my body in amazing ways. I'm much stronger and more flexible and everything is just a little more tightened up.

Caveat: I have friends who have taken barre classes that weren't Pure Barre (TM) and talk about being bored or not challenged, so I can't vouch for anything besides the branded studios. But the classes I take are consistently extremely difficult and rewarding.
posted by something something at 10:09 AM on December 2, 2014


I like the Body by You book for workouts that are quick to do at home. The increases in exercise difficulty are quite small steps so you feel like you're making a lot of progress.

I also wonder if you would enjoy climbing joining a climbing gym. It's not competitive though, except against yourself.
posted by carolr at 10:09 AM on December 2, 2014


Martial arts of some kind might play to your competitive nature.
posted by sparklemotion at 10:29 AM on December 2, 2014


Can you find a less woo yoga studio? Yoga sounds like a really good option for you; it's just a matter of finding the right teacher (and, sometimes, tuning out the last little bit of woo that does sneak through).

I also second kickboxing. It's not cardio for cardio's sake, it will satisfy your competitive nature even if you never spar, and it will kick your ass in a good way.
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:39 AM on December 2, 2014


I have really liked pilates classes, and at least the ones I took included a lot of yoga-type elements without the woo. (I'm sure it depends on where you go, but many places will let you try a class for free!)

I'm also curious about the boot camp situation. It sounds like in theory that would really appeal to you but you're worried about social pressure or something like that? It might be worth checking out a class or talking to an instructor to see if that would really be the case rather than taking it second hand.
posted by rainbowbrite at 10:42 AM on December 2, 2014 [1 favorite]


Another vote for Pilates. It is way harder than it looks, no woo - and my instructor is so strong and amazing. People compliment her arms all the time. "What did you do to get your arms like that?" "Pilates." Oh yeah, and she's SEVENTY.
posted by rainbaby at 10:53 AM on December 2, 2014 [3 favorites]


Rock climbing or bouldering.
posted by backwards guitar at 10:57 AM on December 2, 2014


Don't like cardio, not looking to lose weight, comfortable with weight training... If you're looking to work alone (with the exception of the occasional spotter), you want Stronglifts 5x5 or maybe Starting Strength.

If you're looking for something with more of a class environment, maybe check out the website Fitocracy.com and see if any of the fitness coaches there appeal to you. (Disclaimer: I am a long-time fitocracy member; if you do decide to join, I would of course love it if you would mention me as a referral [feel free to message me for my username], and if you'd like I'd be happy to follow you and prop your workouts or help you navigate the site. I am not a coach, nor am I invested in the site in any way other than as an ordinary member.)
posted by Urban Winter at 11:08 AM on December 2, 2014 [1 favorite]


I second rock climbing in an indoor gym! I started out similar to you, relatively skinny, but very "soft" with no muscle definition. Climbing gives you great muscle definition across the body (the legs and core are as important as arm strength), and also works your flexibility a great deal, particularly as you work on harder climbs. The routes are graded for difficulty and there's a clear end goal (get to the top!), so you can clearly track your progress, which is great if you're competitive (I am too). Climbing with a rope requires a partner (good way to socialize/make friends while exercising), but bouldering (shorter routes with pads beneath them) does not, so you can do it alone at your local climbing gym. Start-up costs include shoes, a chalk bag (if your hands sweat), and a harness & belay device if you want to climb with a rope (called top-roping).
posted by Gori Girl at 11:50 AM on December 2, 2014


I've done New Rules of Lifting for Women and liked it quite a bit.
posted by mchorn at 11:52 AM on December 2, 2014 [1 favorite]


I love mat Pilates for this. The classes are cheaper than machine Pilates sessions and, depending on the instructor, you can get into cardio fitness heart rate zones. It's fantastic for all-over tone and it makes you strong without bulk.
posted by quince at 12:12 PM on December 2, 2014 [1 favorite]


Response by poster: Thank you all - I've never tried Pilates, but it sounds interesting. There are no classes near me however. Are there any video series that you would recommend?

I'm going to try out the (indoor) rock climbing wall nearest to me as well. I love bouldering but I'm in a pretty flat locale.

TY!
posted by checkitnice at 2:54 PM on December 2, 2014


(Sorry for the funky link -- I'm on my phone!)

pilates.about.com has a lot of good articles, for people of all levels of experience with Pilates, from beginners on up.

They have reviews of Pilates DVDs, too. If you're learning Pilates at home, you'll want a DVD that focuses on mat work. YMMV, but this one has a lot of good reviews on Amazon and has been recommended by my teachers, who really know their stuff: "Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Mat Workout Series."
posted by virago at 4:55 PM on December 2, 2014


What do you mean by "hate cardio for cardio's sake"? I really dislike most exercise machines, but cycling and running (or cross-country skiing in the winter) are a whole different kettle of fish. Road cycling, road running, and trail running are great cardio workouts that take you to interesting places and offer a varied workout that's worlds away from an elliptical machine, treadmill, or exercise cycle.

Do Pilates, Stronglifts 5x5, or some other general conditioning routine for muscular strength, but some enjoyable cardio is good for endurance and long-term health.
posted by brianogilvie at 6:27 PM on December 2, 2014


Re: rock climbing: can easily be competitive. Many gyms run a (casual) bouldering competition series. And you can also play games with your fellow climbers-- like "add on" (each climber does what the previous one did, plus adds one new move at the end) or take out (start with a pre-set climb, remove one hold. keep going until nobody can do it anymore.
posted by nat at 10:58 AM on December 3, 2014


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