Help please - 30 day beginner shred - what weights to use?

[TheSunshineSanctuary]

Hi - I decided at the start of July to improve my health and fitness. I need to loose weight but my main focus is on gradual positive lifestyle changes that I can sustain long term.

I've lost half a stone through cutting out drinking and eating more fruit and veg but I ideally need to loose another 4 1/2 I sit at a desk all day and usually don't get any exercise! I do get issues with my lower back and neck so that’s something I need to be careful of.

This week I've started Jillian Michaels 30 day beginners shred - just completed day 4 and actually enjoying it. I've been using 1kg weights for the workout as that's what I happened to already have. I can feel it when I work out but I'm not sore the next day or anything. I certainly feel with some of the exercises in particular that I could push more but I’m struggling to do tricep dips.

I’m not sure what I should be aiming for weights wise without overdoing it so I’m looking for some advice please.

Also, if you have any suggestions for what workout I move to when I finally finish this one that would be great. I was thinking with my back issues that pilates sounds like it would be good to throw in the mix?? Are Jillian's other workouts too full on for an overweight newbie like me??

Sorry that's so long - thanks very much for reading!

Hi I started with 30 day shred 2 years ago and still going with JM but on the my fitness app. Def fine for starting out slowly increase your weights as you get more confident and learn the moves. Message me if you need any more help

Well done! I'm no expert at all (and would actually recommend seeing an expert - or a PT ), but I'd suggest choosing a weight that is ok to begin with, but the last couple of reps are really hard - that's definitely how my PT works me. BUT form is crucial, and if you're using heavy weights, and bad form, you're very likely to injure yourself. I don't use the same weights for each exercise, I mix them up (I've got 1.5kg, 3kg, 5kg dumbells and an 8kg kettlebell).

For the back issues, I'd make sure you were doing back-strengthening exercises regularly, perhaps as part of your warm up, core exercises to strengthen your core (which will also support your back). Googling should help give you pointers.

I like Fitness Blender for online workouts, loads of choice, and they're good about giving form advice (but of course can't actually see what you're doing, so of limited use if you're holding yourself wrong). Given lockdown, there's so much access to online live classes, perhaps explore some of them? I'm a member of Move GB, which gives me access to classes all over the country, it's an excellent resource!