Which exercise has changed your body?

[DarkDarkNight]

I'm just getting back in to exercise and am currently doing DVDs at home. I am alternating between 30 Day shred, some Davina (15 Minute Fit and Intense) and Charlotte Crosby 3 Minute Belly Blitz. I'm enjoying them and want to stick to HIIT type training but would lie to incorporate something new.

I'm mostly limited to exercise DVDs but my mum has offered to babysit if I find a class I want to do. I'm thinking of Kettlebells as I want to do some weight training and think it might be better to do a class. I would love some kind of Yoga or Pilates, would I need a class for this or would a beginners DVD be ok?

If you go for a class I would recommend body pump - has made a massive difference to my shape, I've really toned up all over but particularly my arms and shoulders. I should imagine kettlebells would be good too.

Body pump is good for toning legs and bum too

Hiit classes and Weights.

Also don't underestimate Pilates. It is slow but encourages toning and building core muscles. I would go for a class as you just cant be sure you're doing it right.

Spinning is good for helping get rid of my cellulite and toning legs and bum. Though I would say Body Pump is a better all-rounder for toning more areas.

The combination of running and body pump has really helped me. I don't run far (or fast) think I average 4-5miles 3times a week and body pump twice.
The biggest difference is in my legs and arms which actually looked toned for once!

Swimming. Arms & shoulders :).

Running and yoga.

Lifting proper weights (not pump)

Iyengar yoga is amazing. Toned and strengthened me so much.

Pilates and yoga - but until you sweat and shake. Running for fat burning.

I do a barre class with a tracey mallet trained teacher and it is hand downs the best body shaping class i have ever done.

Go to a group class with a teacher. They adjust you and show you how to use equipment.

Kettlebells for me.

Kick boxing. When I do it I can see myself shrink week to week.

HIIT (classes not at home) also makes a difference

Crossfit. I'm almost 60 but it hasn't stopped me.

I can't do high impact classes due to various issues I have, so limited to yoga/pilates really. I can't believe what a difference pilates has made to my body for toning and core strength, really pleased and its easy to fit bits in each day at home too.

I have a friend who was doing various exercise methods. Her body shape changed from doing something called "booty barre" within a Pilates class. She looks amazing

I do pilates and you need to go to a good class. Anyone who let's you just join in without doing either a 121 session or a beginner day should certainly be avoided. I have done it for 5 years and even now I get told to move a foot or a position adjusted by the instructor. I also do Kettlebells and it sure makes a difference to the backside. Also I used to have a problem with my knees. The exercises have improved the muscles supporting the knees hugely and I can now do quite deep squats and my knees are pain free

Sorry, just to add that Olympic Weightlifting is a huge part of crossfit and at last I've found my sport.

I've done them all but def find the most effective by far are body pump, ashtanga yoga (i.e. A hardcore one) and barre Pilates

Weights have changed my life. Totally addictive, such a thrill to lift heavier and heavier weights, just fantastic.

DH bought a rowing machine for DD as she is in a rowing club. I started using it and it has thinned down my arms and legs and toned them up nicely, it also exercises my abdomen, back and my heart and lungs. It seems to be having a much better effect than I ever got from ellipticals.

Lifting weights not body pump. Check out bodybuilding.com lots of great beginner programmes and fitness related articles to help you meet your goals.

I too do the Davina dvds fit in 15 and intense. I enjoy doing exercise at home and really dont have time to do classes etc as hubby works shift work and i have 2 kids. I have been doing the dvds and changed my diet since sept and lost 20lbs. Feel so more confident and feel like me again!

Hi thank you for all your replies. I am looking around for classes for when I work up the courage.

The gym near me has a Body Pump class so it's good to hear that's a good option.

I love the idea of Pilates as I've heard wonderful things but I would definitely need a class. There's a few round here but nothing very specialised I don't think.

I'm really pushing myself at home, but I don't think I'll ever be good enough for spinning - stationary bikes are the one thing that kill me. I am so weak that heavy weights are probably a no go for me but I've heard they are so good for losing weight and toning.

The kickboxing sounds really good!

Rowing.