What should I do for exercise now? (Not Peleton)

[Anonymous]

So. I’ve been using the Peleton app for several years now and I like(d) it - I do not have a bike. I did the strength, yoga, and stretch workouts. They’ve never done a ton to build muscle that I can see, but I do find I’m stronger when I’m doing them and weaker when I take a break for 1+ weeks.

Well I’ve had mild pain in my hamstrings/hips/glutes for a long time and it’s developed into a real problem now with my hips that I’m in PT for.

I just found out yesterday from my PT that exercises I’ve been doing for a long time (squats, clamshells) I’ve been doing completely wrong. I bet I’ve been doing many completely wrong because I’m all alone in my basement. It’s also very hard to get motivated.

So I think I need to quit Peleton and try something else. I’m 53. I’m not trying to lose weight - just gain strength. I wouldn’t even mind bulking up, I’m very skinny on top. I have one teenager at home. A full time job and outside of work commitments 3x per week for 1.5 hours (essentially volunteering).

What could I do 2-3x per week that would really make a difference? Cross fit? Join a gym? Personal trainer?

I don’t know where to start or how to fit it in. Help.

[Anonymous]

Definitely not Crossfit, which is notorious for poor form and serious injuries, as it's main focus is speed.

I'd work with a trainer to learn how to do the moves correctly and find other moves that work for you. Maybe add in more stretching/yoga to your routine?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely not Crossfit, which is notorious for poor form and serious injuries, as it's main focus is speed.

I'd work with a trainer to learn how to do the moves correctly and find other moves that work for you. Maybe add in more stretching/yoga to your routine?

Agree. If you like yoga, take some in-person beginner/intermediate classes where the instructor is making sure everyone is doing things properly. Find a personal trainer for a few sessions just to teach you proper technique. From there, you can find whatever videos you like or go to gyms and devise your own workouts or whatever.

But learn the proper techniques.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Definitely not Crossfit, which is notorious for poor form and serious injuries, as it's main focus is speed.

I'd work with a trainer to learn how to do the moves correctly and find other moves that work for you. Maybe add in more stretching/yoga to your routine?

Agree. If you like yoga, take some in-person beginner/intermediate classes where the instructor is making sure everyone is doing things properly. Find a personal trainer for a few sessions just to teach you proper technique. From there, you can find whatever videos you like or go to gyms and devise your own workouts or whatever.

But learn the proper techniques.

Thanks. I’ve always sort of poo-poo’d yoga because “focusing on breathing” seems so worthless to me. Is there a type of yoga that really results in (visible) strength? Any recommendations? I’m near Wheaton MD.

[Anonymous]

For "visible" strength, I (mid 40s F) started Orangetheory about 4 months ago and I have noticed a HUGE difference. I have an 8 classes per month membership. It's half cardio / half strength, though they also have classes that a strength only.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For "visible" strength, I (mid 40s F) started Orangetheory about 4 months ago and I have noticed a HUGE difference. I have an 8 classes per month membership. It's half cardio / half strength, though they also have classes that a strength only.

At Orangetheory, do they supervise you, or do you do it on your own?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For "visible" strength, I (mid 40s F) started Orangetheory about 4 months ago and I have noticed a HUGE difference. I have an 8 classes per month membership. It's half cardio / half strength, though they also have classes that a strength only.

At Orangetheory, do they supervise you, or do you do it on your own?

I'd say moderately supervised - there's a "coach" in every class. IME, they regularly correct form during strength exercises. If you want more attention or are particularly worried about form, I'm sure the coach would be receptive to an ask for a bit more close scrutiny, especially when you're a newbie.

[Anonymous]

I live outside the area so can’t give specific recommendations but I started a small group personal training class a couple months ago and it has been great. One on one personal training was too much for me but the small group allows my instructor to give me form corrections, etc. I would recommend that more than CrossFit/otf

[Anonymous]

I would do PT with a fitness-focused trainer once a week for a few months and do video workouts or go to the gym, before trying orangetheory or barre or similar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For "visible" strength, I (mid 40s F) started Orangetheory about 4 months ago and I have noticed a HUGE difference. I have an 8 classes per month membership. It's half cardio / half strength, though they also have classes that a strength only.

At Orangetheory, do they supervise you, or do you do it on your own?

There is minimal to no supervision. If you ask for help they will definitely help you but 9 times out of 10 they will not be paying attention to your form unless it's completely wrong. There are 2-3 areas they are directing so they are not always watching the weight floor.

I would do personal training if only for a few sessions to get your form down on the basic moves then join a class if you want. No class is going to give you the attention to correct form on every single move. A trainer will.

[Anonymous]

I built 12 lbs of lean muscle with orange theory and depends on the coach really for form correcting. I went for three years 3/4 times a week and in my last year only really went to the strength classes. It’s 50 minutes and only strength, no cardio. I loved it when I had the good coach who really did correct form. I quit because I felt ready to go to a gym and keep doing strength for a lot less money a month. I miss it because I liked following a program and not having to come up with motivation for myself but I’m trying at the gym and the weight selection is limited at orange theory. Once you e successfully deadlifted 80lbs, that’s all you can do there. I want to challenge myself a bit more with leg weight.

[Anonymous]

First step is definitely to do something where there are coaches there to help with form.

Maybe on of those T45 places or something similar? I haven't signed up because I have trouble committing to classes, but they look great to me (I do a lot of Peloton strength/cardio stuff too).

[Anonymous]

Peleton hard core on the floor

[Anonymous]

Lagree Pilates. Never gets easier (in a good way), will tone you right up and is a great workout.

[Anonymous]

When I hear Peleton - I think bike or tread - not weights. Please get a trainer for a few sessions at a low cost gym and then continue at home if that's your thing.