To tone up should I use the gym or classes?

[Purplerainbow]

I don't need to lose weight but want to tone my stomach, bums and thighs. Should I use a gym or would bums, legs and tums type classes be better?

Tia

[wetcardboard]

Some gyms offer classes like Legs Bums and Tums included with the membership. Mine does, and it's only a mediocre council gym. Worth checking out.

In your position I would rather just find a program I could do by myself at the gym rather than classes. But it's horses for courses. Some people love classes and hate the gym.

[GreenFingersWouldBeHandy]

Agree with wetcardboard. I do a mix of both - I like the sociability of classes and being 'taught' (AKA making sure I'm doing it correctly) but also sometimes use the gym/machines if there is something specific I want to do or just plug into headphones and have a bit of alone time. But your gym should offer you a personalised plan/advice or at least a single free consultation, depending on your membership.

[GrumpyDullard]

If you're not overweight and reasonably fit, you don't need a gym or classes. You can do it at home. Just a few minutes (10-15 will do) a day of weights, squats, tricep dips, planks, etc. will make a big difference in a couple of months. You can get a couple of kettle bells but even they're not essential. Just the floor and a chair for the tricep dips will do.

I must start doing it again. I loved the way I looked when I was doing this and it really takes no time at all. I gave up when I got pg but DD is now 14 months so I should get on with it!

[Clarabell33]

If you're motivated and disciplined, you might be better doing it at home esp if you can fit it in more frequently than you'd be able to get to the gym.

I personally need someone shouting at instructing a class to motivate me to do exercise, and I actually really like exercising! Or at least the results... Also as @GreenFingers said, it's good to have instruction to make sure you're doing it right/safely if you're new to various exercises.

[Purplerainbow]

Ah man see no I'm awful at home.... I would have all the intention but not do it... I'm not fit I just don't need to lose any weight....

[GreenFingersWouldBeHandy]

In that case, if motivation is a problem, definitely try classes. That way you can't bail out/give up after 10 mins. And the banter can make it more fun too.

[GrumpyDullard]

Well, obviously I'm not much good at home either, seeing as I've had no excuse for the best part of a year and yet still haven't lifted my kettle bells once, unless you count moving them so I can hoover.

[Purplerainbow]

Trouble is im a wuss for classes on my own... the whole turning up everyone in their little cliques etc it puts me off! Maybe I should Stacey at the gym first. What machines in the gym would target stomach though?

[hmcAsWas]

Don't let that put you off PurpleRainbow - lots of people go to classes solo without a clique of friends (me included). Nobody pays any attention - too busy getting on with their own thing

[GrumpyDullard]

You should be able to get an induction at the gym and ask the person doing the induction what they recommend. I had a Google and some of these looking pretty terrifying!

[PossumInAPearTree]

Weights and also pump class

[Purplerainbow]

Wow wee that stuff is hard core! I have a bad ache so I have to be careful with sit ups etc but really want to work my stomach so will have to work something out!

I think I would look hilarious lifting weights hopefully the gym will have a nice kind instructor to help me!

[hmcAsWas]

If you get back ache the worst thing you can do is to develop your abs without counterbalancing and working on your lower back muscles too so that you are in balance ....

[Purplerainbow]

Ok good to know, what helps with the lower back?

[wetcardboard]

If you have a twingy back, many standard ab exercises may make your back worse. Look up "Stuart McGill core exercises" on youtube. He is a world renowned kinesiologist, and probably the foremost authority on spine health. He recommends safe exercises for strengthening your core.

Also - if you are looking to strengthen your core, then it's exercises, but if you want visible abs/flat tummy then that is based on your bodyfat percentage, and no amount of ab exercises will bring those results.

The saying goes - "abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym"

[Purplerainbow]

Thanks will have a look at that.

It's actually flat now, first time since before having the dc.... but would like it to be more toned? I don't know what my body fat is?

[HarrietKettleWasHere]

I totally felt the same as you with regards to classes OP.

I nearly walked back home again rather than go into my first one.

But I forced myself. I have to give myself a bloody good talking to in my head. I basically just keep turning up! I do barre, body balance and body conditioning. Barre is cliquey, but it's the one I enjoy the most, so I don't care. 8 weeks in now, 3-5 classes a week (I do cardio at the gym aswell) and I must say I'm looking quite lithe

So I still don't like it exactly but it has become part of my routine, which helps. And really no one is looking at you fuck up. Which you will, at some bits, but so did/does everyone, it's no biggie. People are just concentrating on themselves.

Still too scared to try body pump because I won't know what equipment to get out etc, but I'll get there. I honestly think the weight based parts of my classes are the bits that have made a lot of difference.

[Purplerainbow]

I would LOVE to do barre but there is nothing around near me. I wish I had someone to go with initially... I really struggle with people and can't just strike up a conversation!

[HarrietKettleWasHere]

I've yet to have a single conversation in any of my classes...

I honestly just blunder through it and go home

[Fiona1984]

Have you considered pole fitness? I've been doing classes for a while, I now go twice a week, and I can really see a difference. Like you I don't need to lose weight. My arms are toned and I even have little muscles there. I'm starting to get a line down my stomach too, and I don't do any other exercises either.
It's really good fun and a proper buzz when you nail a new move :)

[Purplerainbow]

Yes fiona I had thought of doing that.... but again I'm scared!!! Do you have to wear shorts? To avoid slippage?

[Fiona1984]

To begin with, leggings or longer shorts should be fine for learning spins, but once you advance to more difficult moves you will need to wear hot pants or short running shorts for your skin to grip the pole properly.
You can get sticky leggings, but they're not cheap. I want some for cold days.

[surfandbeach]

there are loads of classes on //www.fitswarm.com. You can do them in your living room and a trainer can see you and you can see the trainer. They cost £10 or less and you get a full-body workout. Everything from HIIT to yoga and post natal.

[thisgirlrides]

When I was doing insanity 3 x a week & wasn't carrying any extra weight like I am now I had a 6 pack, really toned arms and firm legs plus was pretty fit. I'd honestly try a class if not insanity then some similar sort of body strength or maybe consider cross fit which is meant to be awesome for strength & toning.

Seriously don't worry about the whole not knowing anyone - get there just before it starts & scarper straight after like 90% of us do

[Purplerainbow]

Iv heard of insanity, can you do it from home?