Exercise tips

[IceBergJam]

I'm a short size 8 and use to run and kickbox. I haven't really exercised for 3 years since I became pregnant. I am now very spongy. My thighs rub and look like a sponge, asdo my arms. My calves are getting cellulite. I can pinch a few inches on my stomach.

I work 0800-1700, 1900-2100 Mon - Thur and have a toddler and two teens. It is office type work.

What changes can I make to tone up and stop the horrible cellulite and dimply thighs, calves, upper arms?
I struugle to find time.

30 day shred. All the workouts are 20 mins and it tones you up really fast.

Does it really work? I do have it!

You sound like a similar size/build to me. I did 30DS last year and it really worked at improving my tone and changed my shape better than any other exercise I've done. I used to do kickboxing too, but 30DS was even better than that for improving my legs. Been a bit slack at exercise recently so just started doing it again and can already see results after doing level one. It's short so really easy to fit in - I do it in the morning before my shower to get it out of the way. Go for it :)

Oh, and forgot to say... I didn't have time to do it every day, was more of a 60 day than 30 day shred, but I still saw results quickly.

The 30 Day Shred knackered my knees . Unless you have a sprung floor or floorboards with some flex to them I would avoid.

I use the Tracey Anderson Mat Workout. It is a bitch of a workout, the arms section brings noticeable results after a week. You can pick which section you want to do which means you can tailor it to the time you have available. The only negative is that you have to put up with Tracey's pouting & posing! But it really is a great workout.

As well as the stuff that gives you quick results suggested above, could you look at building in exercise to your daily routine?

Can you walk or cycle to or from work? Go for a run (couch to 5k?) between what looks like split shifts?

Tell us more about your week, childcare responsibilities, what do you do on Friday, Saturday, Sunday - the days when you don't seem to have paid work? With more detail people could maybe suggest where or how to make time or build exercise in.

Would you like to return to running or kickboxing? What other exercise would be interesting to you?

I have DD in the mornings from 0630. DH has her before that. I drop her off to parents or nursery. 16 miles to work. Get back home around 1700. DD time and dinner. Put to bed. Work from home for two hours till 2100ish. DD wakes throught night and up between 0430 - 0530. She has sleep apnea.So tired!

Fridays is mine and DD time. Weekends family time. I could fit runs in at the weekend and Friday evenings but the spacing is bad.

We get out into the fields walking with DD at weekends. Use to hike loads too till cows stampeded us. Kickboxing would be a struggle. Also have a gorgous german shephard with a fatal disease who has become almost rear end parallised, who needs time.

Jilliam Michaels is the way to go, but some workouts can be hard on your knees. She does show you lower impact versions though.

The only issue I have now is that my legs are extremely muscular, I guess that is what she means by getting ripped?

Lookup Talk Mumsnet Exercise for tips

If you've got 30DS give it a go. And join one of the threads for motivation! 20mins a day (plus of course time to shower after) is doable. I've just done day 19 and am definitely feeling fitter and stronger - it really does work the areas you mentioned.

I'm 52 and it hasn't caused me any joint problem at all - actually, my hips are sometimes a bit odd but seem better since I've started this if anything. (on nonflexible but carpeted floor, barefoot since I injured a toe doing something else and can't get trainers on). If you're a size 8 you can't be too heavy so you will have less stress on your joints than me (short 10/12)

I will start tonight. I'm not really heavy, maybe just a pound or two, but I am very very spongy and lose.

IceBergJam - I totally get the "spongy & loose" analogy. I'm a size 8 too but my tone has gone to pot this last year due to illness and like you I have cellulite forming on my calves. It means I always feel a bit bleurgh and as though I don't quite fit my clothes right any more.

Good luck with the exercise programme!

Me too, am size 8 5ft2 but have awful thighs - they are massive. Also my tummy area is a bit of a mess. I love the Jillian Michaels DVDs but tbh whilst I have toned up I still feel that I have a layer of "spongey" fat to get rid of.

I have been told that for getting rid of lower body and belly fat actually cardio outweighs the benefit of even a mixture of strength and cardio training so am thinking of concentrating on just doing the blast fat/boost metabolism DVD. I keep wondering whether I might be better off running but don't know if C25k will help lose that stubborn

I am fairly fit and found the Shred did tone me up a bit but wasn't really sufficient for my fitness level.

Yes my thighs are a mess. I'm under 5 foot. Was wondering about skipping. I have a rope. Anyone tried that?

Tracy anderson changed my shape in 2 weeks - far more than 8 solid weeks of shred and then ripped in 30 ever did (both Jillian Anderson).

knitknack which Tracy Anderson did you use?

What was the difference?

I have Tracy Anderson. It's painful but it works.

30 day shred I have but I don't really like, but I do like 6 week 6 pack and that's great for stomach and also quite good for arms.

I may do Tracey Anderson again as I want to tone my arms more and I think my body has adjusted to 6 week6pack (been using it for a year!)

the leg workout on Tracey Anderson is amazing but soooo boring. My legs looked great though!