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Original poster

Caroline Girvan Iron Series

43 replies

BiteyShark · 02/01/2023 10:46

I have done free weights a bit many years ago but really a total novice.

Decided to start this today as I need to tone up whilst losing some fat from sorting my diet out plus I am conscious I need to do weights for my bones/age.

OMG my legs are like jelly. I took the dog for a walk after the 1st session and my legs almost gave way walking down a hill.

Anyone else done this? Did you manage the 6 weeks and did it make a difference?

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Original poster
BiteyShark · 02/02/2023 17:33

Well done everyone for keeping at it. I will finish week three tomorrow.

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florenceandthemac · 02/02/2023 14:45

I've just done Day 7 triceps and shoulders on my lunch, and my arms are a bit weak lifting my cup at my desk now, ha

dueindecember10 · 01/02/2023 18:37

Yes have started thanks and really enjoying it so far!

florenceandthemac · 31/01/2023 11:19

I'm not too far into it @dueindecember10
Did the Day 6 Arms & Abs last night but I'm going to do the Day 4 Circuits one tonight as I had to switch it up a bit for various reasons. Have you started?

dueindecember10 · 29/01/2023 20:35

I think I’m going to start iron tomorrow if anyone wants to join me!

Samkey · 29/01/2023 12:40

Yeah I really need to do the same. Like you said it is only 30 minutes. I think I am going to try some cardio ones next week then start one of the programmes soon 😀

Original poster
BiteyShark · 29/01/2023 09:59

I know what you mean about fitting it into 5 days. I was toying with doing it over three days but then wondered if it is better to raise my heart rate up over 5 sessions more than three longer ones. It is hard to motivate myself but then I think but it's only 30 mins and I need to prioritise my health rather than everything else.

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samthebordercollie · 29/01/2023 09:31

@Samkey the Advent series is only 20mn per session

samthebordercollie · 29/01/2023 09:21

@Samkey the great thing about CH is that there are so many videos available of different lengths.
Why not start with a few full body work outs 20 - 30 minutes to start off with? I have an active rest day today, did a 20 minute arm workout then went for a 7 mile run with the dogs. Will walk them later on. Back on Heat tomorrow.

Samkey · 29/01/2023 07:56

I have done a few CG workouts and love them. I want to restart the Fuel programme. I struggle with fitting 5 workouts in with the little ones and work but I really need to lose some weight. I am thinking of just doing some random CG cardio workouts for a bit then maybe starting fuel again. I need some motivation 😅

Original poster
BiteyShark · 25/01/2023 05:55

Just done day 9 full body. Seemed harder than normal and 'faster'. Ended up as a sweaty mess 😁

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Original poster
BiteyShark · 24/01/2023 15:41

I am using light weights.

5kg each for legs (8kg when only using one for things like squats).

For arms it's anything from 3kg each for Arnold presses then 4/5 kg each for others.

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TheFormidableMrsC · 24/01/2023 15:29

florenceandthemac · 24/01/2023 14:35

Out of interest, what weights does everyone use? (Preferably in kg as I'm lazy crap at converting 😅)

I use 5kg hand weights with 1.5 kg weighted gloves on. For deadlifts, rows and chest presses I've got a barbell which in itself weighs 10kg and I add another 10kg. I sometimes use a 12kg kettlebell for some moves. I need heavier hand weights now but they're so expensive. £50 for 2 x 7.5kg in Decathlon so I'm always looking out on Marketplace.

TheFormidableMrsC · 24/01/2023 15:26

samthebordercollie · 24/01/2023 14:50

@TheFormidableMrsC isn't fuel very cardio based? How does it compare to Heat? I'm doing that now and there is more than enough cardio in that! I found Beastmode is a good one to do after Iron as there is still a lot of lifting.
Re weights it depends on the speed of the workout and rest, but generally only 5kg for above the head lifting (I'm a wimp) unless sitting down Arnold presses 7,5kg, chest presses 7,5kg,
10kg for renegade rows, lunges with weight, goblet squat 15kg RFL & hip thrusts 20kg
Flyers, lateral lifts etc 4kg but sometimes less if it's a really intensive, fast shoulder workout!

I wouldn't have said so, no. There is some
cardio, interspersed but not based. I haven't done Heat or Beastmode so can't compare. I enjoyed Fuel. Not enjoying Iron as much.

samthebordercollie · 24/01/2023 14:50

@TheFormidableMrsC isn't fuel very cardio based? How does it compare to Heat? I'm doing that now and there is more than enough cardio in that! I found Beastmode is a good one to do after Iron as there is still a lot of lifting.
Re weights it depends on the speed of the workout and rest, but generally only 5kg for above the head lifting (I'm a wimp) unless sitting down Arnold presses 7,5kg, chest presses 7,5kg,
10kg for renegade rows, lunges with weight, goblet squat 15kg RFL & hip thrusts 20kg
Flyers, lateral lifts etc 4kg but sometimes less if it's a really intensive, fast shoulder workout!

florenceandthemac · 24/01/2023 14:35

Out of interest, what weights does everyone use? (Preferably in kg as I'm lazy crap at converting 😅)

bluesuitcase · 24/01/2023 14:33

Great, will do - thanks for the recommendation.

TheFormidableMrsC · 24/01/2023 14:27

bluesuitcase · 24/01/2023 14:13

Day 8 complete - luckily my sofa is the perfect height for me.

I don’t think I’ll ever have a body like CG’s as I’m lifting relatively light!

I’m not a fan of workouts with lots of jumping around nowadays. I used to do Jillian workouts - I did the body revolution programme last - and I don’t get any better results from doing that kind of stuff, so I’d rather do something like iron and then do my own preferred cardio.

Iron is my first time with CG and I can’t fault it so far.

Give her Fuel series a go after this. I really enjoyed that

bluesuitcase · 24/01/2023 14:13

Day 8 complete - luckily my sofa is the perfect height for me.

I don’t think I’ll ever have a body like CG’s as I’m lifting relatively light!

I’m not a fan of workouts with lots of jumping around nowadays. I used to do Jillian workouts - I did the body revolution programme last - and I don’t get any better results from doing that kind of stuff, so I’d rather do something like iron and then do my own preferred cardio.

Iron is my first time with CG and I can’t fault it so far.

samthebordercollie · 24/01/2023 13:20

I suppose it depends on where your start point is - for me I'm 57 and did loads of cardio before, mainly long distance runnng, so already very slim: I'm doing the resistance training to gain in strength and muscle but I'm under no illusion that I will ever get CG's body as I'm a long way off the weight she lifts! However I really like the way she gives explanations before every session, there is a detailed description on You tube plus a suggestion for an add onto session to compliment the session: I like her mentality, she isn't a model (like HG!), she doesn't do protein shakes and is passionate about fitness, eating healthily and life in general) and I love her accent!

Ursula82 · 24/01/2023 10:38

I think HG has a beautiful feminine body where CG’s body personally isn’t one I aspire to as seems very “hard” to me

samthebordercollie · 24/01/2023 09:29

It's fine to do glute bridges instead of using a chair, my sofa seat is low enough to use but they aren't my favourite exercise! Am now on Day 5 of Heat, it's lot faster than Iron with more cardio, some moves more complicated as they go so fast:
Heather Robertson seems easier than CG? I don't kid myself I'll ever look like Caroline but I'm definitely getting more muscle definition since following her programmes:

Original poster
BiteyShark · 24/01/2023 08:46

I do them on the floor as I have the same problem as you. She did say somewhere during the Fuel series that it was ok to do that.

Thanks. I'll try that next time.

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TheFormidableMrsC · 24/01/2023 07:01

BiteyShark · 24/01/2023 06:01

Hipthrusts are confusing me. Where she suggests they target isn't the place they impact me and I think my sofa is too high and all my chairs are the same height. I did them hoping that it targets some muscles even if not the right ones 😁

I do them on the floor as I have the same problem as you. She did say somewhere during the Fuel series that it was ok to do that.

lorn195 · 24/01/2023 06:07

Ursula82 · 24/01/2023 06:04

Anyone else here a Heather Robertson fan instead of CG? HG has completely changed my approach to strength home work out over last two years. I found CG so…. I don’t know the word but in terms of whose body I would adore to have. Well, Heather Robertson’s hands down!

Me! I am currently doing the 12 week plan. The last abs session was a killer.

Prefer HR over CG any day.