Lifting with Caroline Girvan 2024: What's not to love?!

So on the principle that what doesn't kill you probably really does make you stronger, and also because I'm not sure how I'll be able to fit in a regular program once DH is back home again I'm going to do the beginners epic again. Day 1 done, I think it was generally better than last time. I did some extra hamstring stretches afterwards and intend to do the yoga again this evening.

I also now have trouble with dead stop lunges, I get up badly on one side so as not to put pressure on my back toe. Not ideal and probably not great for that knee. I’ll probably need to limit myself to regular static lunges. Not too sad about that…

I had a bunion removed a year ago and all my toes were broken during the operation- I don't think I'll ever recover full toe mobility and I certainly can't go as low during lunges on that leg as the other when I do lunges, but it's only dead stop lunges that are really difficult. Kneel to squat I manage really well for some reason!

No, agree with you there. My right toe is a bit creaky and hurts sometimes when it’s my back leg. I think it might be worse as I exercise barefoot, maybe using trainers with a more rigid sole will help. I’ll have to try it.

A significant part of my problem with lunges is that my big toes don't bend much nowadays

Lunges really helped with my dodgy knees from running. I think they’re a really useful exercise which seem to cover more if the leg and they do get easier quite quickly. I much prefer them to squats, for instance.

Hip thrusts are evil, although I’m getting to hate them less. I’ve also been doing some of the body weight only callisthenic glute exercises (she has a couple, one is in the Xmas one) which firm up but don’t bulk.

I had a go at iron last year and enjoyed some of it though not the ones heavy on lunges and hip thrusts.*
*
All Caroline's programmes are heavy on lunges and there are hip thrust (glute days) every 2 weeks minimum! Lunges shape your leg so well and get easier the more you do them.

I also like Kassandra, she’s my favourite yoga person. There’s also Sarah Beth who has lots of short and simple programmes. https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=sarahbethyoga. Didn’t get on with Adrienne, she talks far too much.

Burpees are horrible, I only ever manage about 4 a minute myself, no idea how anyone gets off the floor more quickly than that.

I’ve not yet tried the app as it only seems to work on my phone, or on my desktop Mac which is in another room impractical for workouts. I have no TV. I am enticed by the free trial though so might try to yank the computer out into the living room and find somewhere for it, at least for the trial. Or buy a newer iPad. It does seem from all your comments it’s well worth it and if I need to pay for it I might actually stick to
the programmes.

Survived yesterday ok - possibly helped by trying something new yesterday evening, an evening yoga session by Kassandra with lots of stretches. I think I'll try to find more of her stuff - she's got the sort of calm clear verbal instructions and non-intrusive music (I think there was some... it's actually a positive in my book that I'm not sure and certainly not got an irritating earworm).

Day 5 beginners epic HIIT - not too bad though I can't do more than 2 burpees in the 20secs, not sure how many Caroline was doing but seemed to be up and down like a yo-yo.

So now trying to decide what to do next. I had a go at iron last year and enjoyed some of it though not the ones heavy on lunges and hip thrusts. Debating trying the app. DH is away at the moment which gives me total flexibility on time. (When he's here we usually try to do an 8km walk and he usually wants to drive somewhere not just walk out the door so it takes a while and then there's the inevitable delays when you're waiting for another person and also need to make sandwiches and.... it's good but makes it hard to schedule workouts too. )

But I'll probably be away for a few days next week so not sure if starting the app free trial now makes sense - is it a fortnight or a month?

After wrecking myself with days 1-3 of the beginner epic last week, back to day 4 today. Quite enjoyed it, obviously much smaller weights than her 10kgs, hopefully enough to get some benefit without overdoing it. I have a mix of dumbbells acquired over the years so today used 3kgs and 5lbs, with a 10lb pair for the RDLs.

Also a feeble beginner (DP calls me “the weed” 😂 )and I’m using 5kg dumbbells. Just cheap rubber type ones, possibly from Aldi?

We’ve got fancy adjustable ones too but I’m not ready for anything heavier yet.

@MonikerBing the CGX team are working on a PC version but I don't think it's available yet. Can you cast your phone to a TV?

hi all, I was on a previous thread with a different name. I have a question about the app. Is it possible to use it on a laptop rather than a phone? I did subscribe for a bit, but find the phone screen too small!

These are the same brand as mine although the weights are slightly different.

@NCgoingdry I have a set of dumbbells that have metal handles and are rubber at the end and are really comfortable. They range from 2.5 to 12.5kg. I have one kettlebell that is 16kg. I usually manage with these but will probably have to increase a bit soon. Weights are expensive unfortunately but keep an eye on marketplace, Aldi and Argos and you might get a bargain. If you compare the cost of buying weights vs a gym membership it's still a good deal.

Can I ask a question!

What weights are you all using.

I bought some. Very much a pathetic weak beginner but I like Caroline Girvan. My form is probably terrible but my weights don't help. They are clunky and wide.

I don't want to spend the earth but I would love to find some dumbbells that are easy to hold and use.

I’ve just done day 1 of the Iron series on YouTube and really enjoyed it! Hoping to stay motivated.

I started the beginner epic on YouTube last week. Did the first 3 days, extremely sore over the weekend. I had my regular Pilates class today, hopefully will try day 4 tomorrow.

I’ve only ever done the free you tube workouts, is it worth downloading the app?

Thanks for the new thread @BigButtons. I’m sorry to hear about your SIL.

It sounds like I made the right decision in not starting Unleash today - sounds like I need to get my strength up first.

@samthebordercollie I prefer full body workouts too. I hate upper body workouts, probably as I hate push-ups, but HIIT is probably worse. Burpees are evil!