Getting fitter and stronger with Caroline Girvan- all welcome!

Hello all. I've just started with CG after being recommended by @PaminaMozart on a thread where I was moaning about the gym. And it's so far great!

Started with Epic, though not sure whether it's endgame, or beginners or what. First workout was lower body, 45 minutes. Now legs so jelly-like not sure I can get down the stairs. I like her though. No chivvying, and seems to know what she's doing... Like a silent PT.

@Stumpedasatree how long have you been strength training? I'm a runner too and have been following CG programs since January. It's changed my body comp completely from being a slim but saggy runner (I'm 58). I have a lot more muscle definition but haven't put on weight, even though I'm eating more than when I ran every day. It's strange but muscle really does burn more calories.

@PaminaMozart thank you for the reassurance! Tape measure is a good idea. Muscle definitely noticeable in thighs as well! I am a runner and have been the same size and weight for years so it is odd getting used to a difference in body composition!

Yes that's normal dosage not loading which can cause problems. Not everyone supports créatine well, if it's causing you bad gastric issues I'd stop taking it.

Oh yes, but the weight gain is all muscle!!

Why do you think it might be inflammation?

My jeans actually fit looser around the waist. But my skinny jeans are snug around my thighs... And when I'm wearing leggings I can't quite believe the muscle definition.

Am I vain? No no, not at all.......... LOL

It's all good. Use a measuring tape if you need reassurance!

@samthebordercollie I started on 5g but have now gone down to one scoop which is 3.5g

I found creatine gave me muscle fatigue. My husband was fine with it.

Is there any research between male/female response? I’ve been vegetarian for 50 years so perhaps that may be another factor as my body isn’t used to larger doses of creatine?

How much are you taking a day? I took 5g a day from the outset and never had any issues.

Anyone had issues with creatine causing stomach ache?
I've been using it for about a week or so now but the cramps are really bugging me..I've reduced the amount and will see how I go.
Just hoping it will ease off and I can then continue?

Anyone gained weight doing Iron? Eating pretty similarly to before, and have been doing Iron for around 2 months now and noticing strength and muscle gains, mostly quads. Just wondering if this was temporary inflammation and would the best way to see to stop the workouts for a few days?

@ladybranstonpickle New (heavier) dumbbells as a prize!

I haven't done all the Pulse workouts but have used quite a lot as add one to other programs I was following and have quite a few saved to favourites. I really enjoyed them! Lots of variety and different length workouts.
I'm currently doing Beastmode 2 and do 2 sessions back to back so no need for add one at the moment!

Morning! I am into the last week of Iron 2 (on the app). It's taken me a couple of weeks longer than the schedule - I was off for a week with a bad cold, and then last week was away for work and just couldn't squeeze any workouts in.

Two very important questions: What should I get myself as my reward for completing it and what should I do next?

I can't do the hour-long workouts she's releasing until Advent comes out. I have no time or patience for such long sessions. Thought maybe to go back to Beastmode 2 on the app but so many of the sessions are closing in on an hour once you add in the warmup...

Did anyone try the Pulse workouts? Worth going back through them?

Is it possible that you are doing too many crunches, @ellebelli ? I'm always careful with crunches and stop if I feel tension.

To workouts really helped me get my core in shape:

• the Bowflex 3-minute plank (which I still do every day)
• Rebecca Louise's Best Abs

Yep I regularly do the 15min boxing standing ab one.
I struggle with ab exercises hurting my neck(obviously doing something wrong/weak core) so these I enjoy.

I like this one too for a quick workout

5 Min STANDING ABS WORKOUT | Arms + Core with Dumbbells

That should read 15 Min and not 5 Min.😊

I have read there is a website version of the app on the way, anyone else hear that? If that is the case I will stick with the youtube videos and wait for the website.

Iron on the app does sound good. I will probably get it once I've done some more YouTube.
I'm halfway through epic 1. I managed 10 push ups in a row today....progress!

I found this quick youtube one today from 3 years ago. wanted something I could do quckly, really enjoyed it, its mainly boxing moves.

5 Min STANDING ABS WORKOUT | Arms + Core with Dumbbells

@samthebordercollie Thank you, that's good news, excited to sign up and get started.

How much is the app, again?

Just looking at it on the Google store. It has pretty poor reviews, but it looks like those are functionality-related rather than about CG's workouts.

Working!

Forgot to say that CGX are wikkng on a PC version of the App

On my old TV I streamed using Chromecast it worker perfectly I now have a new TV and stream directly from my iPhone using AirPlay which works perfectly too.
I second @BigButtons about the App, I'm doing Beastmode and finding it really effective. I'm looking forward to doing Iron 2 now, I didn't enjoy Iron 1 nearly as much as the Epics but it sounds like Iron 2 will be excellent! CG is a real perfectionist and I love reading her weekly previews of the workouts (even if I'm not doing the program yet!) the meal recipes are excellent, the articles informative and there are some standalone exercises (like the arms end shoulders 55min workout) I have as favourites and do regularly.