Home workout classes instead of running

[Wholetthedogsoutwhowhowho]

Hello!
After completing c25k a few years back, I was running three times per week between 5k and 10k. Injured my knee running and stopped all exercise (had been doing some weight training too).

Anyway, 18 months on and I've put on 2 stone. Past few weeks I've tried to get back into running again and sorted my eating habits. I've managed to lose 8lb in three weeks and ideally want to get rid of another stone.

My issue is, I really really hate running! I find I dread the mornings of my run, can't get into it, look for any excuse not to do it then get in a mood! I actually posted on here last week as I had zero motivation!

This morning it was pouring with rain so in my living room I've done a half an hour BurpeeGirl Kettlebell session, then a half hour cardio dance session, finishing off with 15 mins of yoga with Adrienne to cool down and give muscles a good stretch. I really enjoyed the variety of the classes, not having to cross any roads or see any people either!

My question is, will I still be able to tone up thighs, bum, stomach if I stop the running and just do these home youtube videos instead?

Thanks all!

Have a look at Caroline Girvan on YouTube. She also has a paid-for app, but there’s about a year’s worth of content free on YT before you need to pay for anything.

She has several thoughtfully put together weights programmes on there. You may need to get yourself some dumbbells but aside from that, you’re good to go. I ended up investing in the adjustable ones.

I used to be a real cardio bunny - running, runny-jumpy classes and so on. Since starting with CG just before Christmas that’s changed completely, I only do 1-2 cardio sessions per week. Everything else is weights.

i haven't dieted and haven’t lost a lan ounce, but my clothes are looser and I’m feeling great and looking far better.

I'm glad you've mentioned CG as I've done a few of her Kettlebell and dumbell classes. I've got adjustable ones too! So much easier in a tiny house!

Can I ask, how often should I train? Should I stick to three times a week or change to every day?
Usually, i do about 20 mins running and then half an hour weight training after it, three times a week. If I'm dropping the running, do I need to increase amount of days I exercise?

I resisted CG for months but finally swayed and I am actually considering ditching my gym membership now, I bought weights at home and I love her workouts. I don’t even pay for her app I do them all on YouTube

I do a few long ones per week but try to do the 15/20 min ones if I am pushed for time. I swap arms and legs around then a full body one. I do 4-6 times a week

I did read something that you should not do heavy cardio and weights in the same session, I think it’s not conducive to the best muscle growth. What I read is either do your weights first then cardio later or split them up into different parts of the day.

I don’t do a massive amount of cardio, I have a knee that doesn’t like running and I don’t enjoy it. I walk a lot (fast as I can) and I do indoor step ups but the weights get my heart rate up pretty good . I also do Pilates once a week

I just really don't like running but need to get my legs, bum and tum toned up!! I'm more likely to do a YouTube workout video in the house as I really enjoy them, I feel motivated before I do one k owing that I'm going to enjoy it. I think it's the variety that I like and also countdown timer in the corner pushing me on.

Can I ask about CG, what programme is best to start with? There are quite a few!

Iron (CG) is my fave. No cardio and all weights. She recommends 5xa week..as you rotate the muscle groups across those days (legs, core, tris, back etc) you don't get overworked.

@Boopear do you do any cardio as well then? Or only weights?

I do elliptical and pickleball for cardio, both of which i love. I have also given up on running.. one episode of plantar fasciitis too many! Caroline Girvan does have some programmes with some cardio (heat is a good one) but she does recommend doing another session /week of something else.

I've run on and off for years, but finally have admitted to myself that I mostly hate it. There's about 5 mins in a 45min run where I feel good and am enjoying my music etc. but the rest is mainly just counting down the kilometers to home!

I've very recently got an exercise bike (pretty much the same as Peloton but half the price - Echelon EX3) and along with the Peloton app I am really, really enjoying exercise again! Peloton app also has some strength classes which I'm tempted by, but for now have just stuck to spin sessions and some spin classes that add in some arms too. Already my thighs and bum are more toned. Best thing for me is that I can hop on and do a class whenever I have time, and its not dependent on the weather etc!

I also enjoy doing zumba/dance based classes on Youtube now and again too. Basically, it has to be fun with great music otherwise I give up!

Love this thread. I ran a half marathon early 2020 then kept 5-10ks up, got injured and went to 5ks but now I have decided I’m not enjoying it, park run moved so it’s 30 minutes drive to run around a wet muddy field unlike the stunning previous location and mostly, I keep getting niggles. I did a body conditioning class and loved it but now can’t due to childcare. I’m going to get into YouTube and have a go!

I've also had to stop running because of dodgy knees (and on a lovely spring morning like it was here today, I do miss it) but I exercise almost exclusively at home. I have an Apple Watch so do a lot of workouts from there at home. A mix of HIIT, strength workouts (I have a mix of weights at home) and core. I also try and do YWA every day but have missed a few recently. I did her 30 day challenge in Jan and it made such a difference particularly to my bum and legs.

I have pretty much stopped running now as it is too time consuming plus the bad weather, pressure on joints etc.

I do 5/6 HIIT dumbell workouts a week. I use Bodyfit by Amy on YouTube. All free.

I have a more toned body now than when I was running loads! Weights are so much more effective than endless cardio.

I loathe running, found it really boring and time consuming! I do Pilates (from memory as spent about 20 years doing classes, and will do classes again when I retire soon) plus lots of bodyweight stuff, and some dancey type stuff if I'm in the mood (the latter two from YouTube). Occasionally I'll do weights, but I dislike Caroline Girvan (sorry, I know she's popular on here!) and have done other YouTube weights workouts, Hasfit is one channel, I think

After advice from this thread, this morning I've done day 1 of Iron (CG) and my goodness the sweat was dripping off me! I was really surprised as it's quite slow, but I suppose more controlled. Used 9kg weights.

I still had some energy so then completed a half an hour zumba by burpeegirl then a ten minute yoga with adrienne as my cool down to stretch my muscles.

Really enjoyed today's session with no running, thank you all!! 😊

The slow control is what it’s all about!

Glad you enjoyed Iron! It was my first full programme and I really enjoyed it. I also did a little bit of cardio with Iron - short treadmill runs or some cross trainer.

I try to do the programme according to the timetable (you can get this on the FB page) which is 5 days.

I’m on week 6 of Epic now and reduced cardio to no more than 1-2 per week (there is 1 HIIT session per week), plus dog walking.

I swear I’m never going back from CG! Like @Menora I’m going to give up my gym membership when it expires.

@devildeepbluesea thanks for the timetable advice, I didn't know there was one! Just had a nosey, I'll adjust accordingly as I can't do Tuesdays due to longer work/family commitments, so I will have that as a rest day.

Just been trying clothes on for holiday in 2 weeks and I feel disgusting! I know a miracle isn't going to happen in two weeks but I just need to keep at the exercising and no sugar. When I take out the nightly choc, biscuits and treats that I was having, the rest of the days diet is fine. I've managed 3 weeks with no treats after tea and can honestly say that i do feel the benefits of no sugar. Obviously takes time for that to show on my body!

@Wholetthedogsoutwhowhowho if you need Tuesday as a rest day just move things round a bit. I’m lucky - Thursday is a set “active rest day” and it’s my office day, so works well.

I’m quite sure you will look great for your holiday. We’re always our own worst critics. In all honesty my diet hasn’t changed much, but there’s no doubt I’m looking better. I refuse to deny myself any food any more and guess what - my weight has stayed completely stable. I definitely feel less of an urge to binge when I genuinely eat what I want.

I'm interested in this too, will have a look

All I'm going to say this morning after yesterday's workouts is......my legs, my legs!!!!!!😫 No pain no gain though!

Genuinely looking forward to workout number 2 today!

Good for you OP !

I think workouts and in particular with weights will tone your body a lot quicker than running. I'm the opposite as in I find it easy enough to throw on running gear and out I go, but not self disciplined enough to do home workouts.

I did the legs 2 compound movements, squats and RDL’s and actually couldn’t finish it yesterday as it was too difficult. Had to stop 5 mins before the end!