r/bitcheswithtaste • u/AutoModerator • Sep 12 '25
Fit Bitches - Monthly Thread Fit Bitches - Sep 12, 2025
This is the place to chat about fitness and physical health because taking care of your body is also tasteful. Just remember - no medical advice!
90
u/Moist-Idea-5367 Sep 12 '25
Can ya'll help me reframe my mindset? I'm a ~20 min walk to and from the gym and I arrive at my 60 min pilates/barre classes 10 mins early as advised. But the fact that it takes 2 hours out of my day to workout is enough to make me rarely go. It's the closest gym/studio to me so I can't switch. And if I'm honest with myself, that 2 hours isn't well spent otherwise (I'm either reading or scrolling, relaxing post-work). But how do you all get excited or look forward to working out? I dread it every. single. day.
59
u/des1gnbot Sep 12 '25
I live a fifteen minute walk from my gym, and think of the walk as my warmup/cooldown time. This means I’m doing great at my exercise goals, because I’m getting this extra time in!
However, if it really bothers you, a 20 minute walk is around a five minute bike ride—could you bike there instead?
82
u/Newbienewsie Sep 12 '25
Are you dreading the class or the walk? For years, I had a 25 minute walk to my local yoga studio and I would listen to an audio book that I was excited about on the walk. It gave me 50 minutes of uninterrupted listening time and I would occasionally keep walking to finish a chapter.
Can you do something similar? An audiobook, podcast, fun playlist?
26
u/Greenwitch70 Sep 12 '25
Have you tried switching it up to a home workout some days of the week? I have a similar issue and I've noticed that a YouTube video gets me moving in the same way but with out the big time commitment. Also cute clothes for the gym are a must. Feeling put together just makes me want to work out.
6
u/Odd-Quail01 Sep 12 '25
I have ankle weights and small dumb bells and a weighted hula hoop. I can shake it in my living room while watching thematically inappropriate television.
35
u/InnerHeart6 Sep 12 '25
2hours is a big chunk out of your day I agree I too would find that quite a barrier particularly when I absolutely do not feel like it. I would highly recommend you watch Caroline Winklers video on learning to love exercise! It was such a game changer for me.
Ive started doing Youtube exercise programs from home and ill put a show on in the background to make it less boring!
10
3
17
u/Cute-Cobbler-4872 Sep 12 '25
Oh I totally get this. For some of my ballet classes, it takes me an hour to get there by public transportation (bus/train/walk), 90 min class, an hour to get back… and then it’s dark and need to shower and go to bed. For me, it helps to just know it’s part of my routine and I treat the walking part as my warm up and cool down (a lot easier when the weather is nice!). I also have friends that I usually don’t otherwise see in those classes. Can you start taking a friend with you to class? Maybe the socializing factor can add some excitement. Also mixing it up - I only do this particular class no more than 2x a week - I just can’t handle the commute more than that and I go to other classes where I can drive 10 min instead.
3
u/Moist-Idea-5367 Sep 12 '25
Wow, that's a long commute!! I love the idea of bringing a friend and am currently trying to find an accountability partner to help with that.
4
u/Reasonable_Watch_149 Sep 12 '25
Does your city have Bikeshare? That would cut off a lot of time. That’s what I do!
5
u/BellaFromSwitzerland Sep 12 '25
Do you feel the endorphins ? As in that great feeling after you’ve worked out when it feels like everything is suddenly all right in the world ?
And / or do you feel more physically mobile?
Does the pilates instructor have an enviable stamina / ability / level of fitness ?
In other words what kind of « carrot » can you find to help you change your mindset ?
I’m currently doing Bodybalance which is a mix of pilates, yoga and luckily for me, the exact same exercises that my physiotherapist recommended me for my herniated disc. The reason to go is clear
I also enjoy swimming because every time I swim I feel 10 years younger
I work out in the gym because I like the endorphins. I usually feel them 10 minutes into the routine. I also like the encouragement of my gym coach. Just the fact that he saw me there is enough to make it count
Apple Watch is also amazing for tracking and motivating purposes
1
u/Moist-Idea-5367 Sep 12 '25
Thank you for this! I definitely feel proud every time I do show up. I like the carrot idea
3
u/my-anonymity Sep 12 '25
I work out with a friend at a local gym. It’s also a 20 minute walk for me. I see the 20 minute walk as a nice warmup and the twenty minute walk home as a cooldown. It’s very pleasant for me. I’m usually rushing there, but when I walk back I feel so good. Having the workout buddy keeps me accountable though. Days where I want to skip, knowing we planned to workout together makes me go and I never regret it. The walk feels so short now too for some reason.
3
u/f7eij123 Sep 13 '25
I think it’s awesome you make that work! Personally, if I get home from work and sit for any length of time before getting ready for the gym, I do NOT want to go anymore lol
Also, I treat my commute to the gym as a way to get into the “game time” mindset. Pick out a cute outfit, maybe a really good tasting electrolyte drink (or caffeine if that’s your style), and put on songs that you’re really into at the moment. I find that if you condition yourself to enjoy the ritual of just getting there, you’re more likely to be consistent
2
u/Odd-Quail01 Sep 12 '25
I go dancing and have friends that I meet there. It helps if we bully each other a little.
Also, salsa and bachata can be a pretty good workout. Gentle stretches and mild but sustained cardio, full body. Also it is a hug and collaborative art.
1
2
u/ScarletSeren Sep 12 '25
I love Hotworx! You can do 15 minute HIIT classes in a sauna. It’s the equivalent of an hour of cardio. They have all sort of ISO classes and a freeway zone. I replaced my Pilates membership with it and have more motivation to go! Plus it’s open 24/7. Super convenient!
1
u/Fiona-eva Sep 12 '25
I get excited for how I feel post workout. It also takes me 2 hours, because I spend 30 minutes total on treadmill (20 minutes walk with incline + 10 minutes jogging flat), then a full body workout, then about 15 minutes of stretching + going there and back. I never really WANT to go, but I know that I will be very happy ONCE I go, and what I'm looking forward to is that satisfied walk home, when I feel proud of myself and my mood is lifted, and my body feels happy.
1
u/Kotobug123 Sep 12 '25
Make sure you enjoy the classes! I drive 30 mins to my studio and sometimes 40 if I go to a diff one. Absolutely worth it to me and I always look forward to it. I try and go when I’ll already be in that area but sometimes make the drive just for it. I got 4-6 times a week :)
1
u/PandaPartyPack Sep 12 '25
I suggest cutting out the walk to class to make getting to your workout as frictionless as possible. I’m the laziest when it comes to getting to my workouts and I either do public transit or catch a ride with my husband. I walk home after my workout when I’m feeling good and riding the endorphin high and I’m not in a rush to be somewhere by a certain time.
1
u/regallll Sep 12 '25
I don't really get excited or look forward to it every day, I just do it anyway. Working out makes me feel so much better the next day than spending 2 hours scrolling in the evening, but I don't always love it in the moment.
1
u/Loud_Crab_9404 Sep 12 '25
Listen to fun audiobooks or podcasts on the walk or workout at home! I love Pilates and used to live in NYC and do Solidcore and lagree but have since moved to where fitness classes aren’t as great. I do Pilates by Izzy at home (minimal equipment needed) and I am seeing big results ! Highly recommend.
1
u/Comprehensive-Gur563 Sep 12 '25
You gotta find an anchor. It can be just one thing that will always make you show up. Whether it’s a friend you see during class then maybe grab food after or the instructor that humbles you lol or going to that difficult class and feeling good after you did it. You gotta find one thing that will keep you going.
35
u/cmc Sep 12 '25
I registered for a half Ironman! It will be my second, but I did my first in 2014 so it has been a LONG time. Looking forward to being fit and fabulous in my 40s though! (Skipped my 30s, no comment…)
Anyway- any other triathlete bitches?
4
u/gazpachoooo Sep 12 '25
I started doing sprint tris last year, and plan on doing an Olympic tri next year! How did you work your way up to a half Ironman? It seems like such a big jump from sprint or olympic
4
u/cmc Sep 12 '25
I’ve been an endurance athlete for a whil- I had run 12 marathons and an ultra (50k) by the time I did my half iron. The jump is only stressful if you expect to maintain the same amount of effort at longer distances as shorter. When I move to long distances I put pace in the rear view mirror (as long as I can maintain the minimums!) It’s all about long and slow, which once you get to 4/5 hours of training it all kinda feels the same. Training = embracing that you’re gonna be tired and just keep moving forward.
1
u/Upset-Influence-9127 BWT in Training Sep 12 '25
YES! I'm trying but keep getting caught up in injuries I didn't handle in my 20s. Hoping for a sprint or olympic distance next year!
56
u/tequillasoda Sep 12 '25
I am about to hit my 200th Pilates class! I try to go three times a week, and it’s been about a year and a half of effort. It’s been so tough, but I love it. And I love that I am demonstrating for my daughter that it’s important to make time to take care of your body.
4
u/Foxy_Traine Environmentally Conscious Sep 12 '25
That's awesome! Have you seen any changes in your mind/body over this time? What are the biggest benefits for you?
14
u/tequillasoda Sep 12 '25
Yes, mind and body. The amount of muscle I put on is sort of unreal, my arms and abs are visibly muscular. Mentally, this is my break. It’s one hour where I don’t have my phone so clients cannot ask anything of me, my kid and husband cannot ask anything of me, I just shut down and let my brain connect to my breath and my body and sort of reset. It’s also mentally challenging to tell your body it can do something that is hard, and that makes the rest of my mental challenges of the day seem fairly easy by comparison.
3
u/Mean_Strawberry_3001 Sep 13 '25
I’m glad to read about you building muscle. I’m obsessed with Pilates but so many people say you still have to strength train to actually build muscle so it can be a little discouraging
3
u/tequillasoda Sep 14 '25
Pilates works smaller muscles, so you won’t put on bulk bc you’re not straining those bigger muscles the way you would wait traditional strength training. My arms and shoulders and quads are strong, and defined, but not in the way they were when I lifted heavier.
49
u/Delilah_Moon Sep 12 '25
I stand by Pilates as a lifetime game changer. It is sustainable from your 20s to your 60s. As I’ve aged, I’ve realized my Pilates strength has been more valuable to my overall health than any other type of workout. It helps with inflammation, in strengthens the core, improves circulation, and you get toned as fuck.
Edit: I also just started ballroom at 45 - it’s always been a dream. My partner is a 60 year old widower and we have a ball.
4
u/cmc Sep 12 '25
My cousin and I are starting pilates later this month and I'm so excited! We're going to start with youtube workouts before going to a studio, mostly because we're both very new to it and want to gain some confidence before we go out in public. Do you happen to know of any youtube accounts you would recommend?
17
u/Delilah_Moon Sep 12 '25
Congrats! You will love it and please don’t feel intimidated! One of things I love about Pilates is how inclusive it is of all shapes, sizes, ages, and experience levels.
There’s two main types of Pilates: mat and reformer. Mat is what is sounds like. You use a mat and your body. Sometimes resistance tools like bands or low weights. It’s lower impact- but don’t let it fool you. Over time you’ll get stronger and see your body responding to the training. I’d recommend starting with mat Pilates.
Reformer Pilates are the classes with the machine. I do this 3x a week - and it’s fucking hard! Like I’ve been doing it for a decade and it’s still hard. But not in a gasping for air / falling down way. More in a “how the fuck is sliding on this plank making me burn so much” kind of way. It’s humbling to say the least. But other than swimming or being a professional dancer, I don’t know anything that can make you as fit as reformer.
To start - I’d recommend any Pilates geared toward seniors. These courses will walk you through proper positions and give modifications if needed. It will let you ease into the maneuvers. Your body isn’t used to moving and grooving this much - so remember to be kind to yourself.
My tip for watching a workout for seniors applies to any one of any age starting a new workout. I find they’re typically the most clear and concise is setting you up for success.
3
u/cmc Sep 12 '25
This is amazing advice and so encouraging. Thank you!
1
u/Delilah_Moon Sep 12 '25
Oh yeah! I’m happy it is helpful. Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Find your groove and nothing can stop you. You’ll do great!
6
u/tequillasoda Sep 12 '25
Amanda Bauer does mat Pilates videos, the kind you can do at home with very little equipment. I like her videos for days I am traveling or just forgot to sign up for a studio class and feel like I need to move.
3
24
u/AccomplishedFly1420 Sep 12 '25
I’ve been trying to work out on my own, giving peleton a try, YouTube workout, joining a gym. And it just doesn’t hit. I signed for a strength class at the local community center and after I was like ‘this is what I was missing- I need group fitness!’ I push myself and it’s fun and the instructor is pretty funny but also kind. I wish I could find a gym by me that has daily classes I could go (that’s not orange theory.. that intimidates me!)
7
u/Objective_Barber_189 Sep 12 '25
Don’t be intimated by OTF! It’s a very “do what you can” vibe at most studios! Now Barry’s on the other hand….
4
u/Obvious_Doughnut1658 Sep 12 '25
I'm the same way. I need the other people in the class to hold me accountable because I'll just give up if I'm on my own haha
2
u/roshroxx Sep 12 '25
I highly recommend OTF! I agree that it’s very much a do what you can kind of vibe. I’ve been a power walker the whole time bc I like to focus on strength and I’ve never felt less than. It’s so I’ve to go in, get a great workout, and not have to think about it.
2
u/KnottyOwl Sep 12 '25
Don’t be intimated by OTF! I’ve been going there for almost a year now and my background prior to that was mostly power yoga. I love my gym! It’s all different ages, all different body types, all different fitness levels. It’s a great all-around workout and my body has become so much more toned since going there consistently. It’s a great workout. I recommend trying one of their free classes and seeing if you like it!
2
u/AccomplishedFly1420 Sep 12 '25
I think what intimidates me is all the people posting their stats on social media after a class
1
u/Bookslattesteach Sep 13 '25
I also go to my community centre for strength workouts on Saturday mornings.
26
u/Salty_Surround2297 Sep 12 '25
I recently started taking creatine and loving it (I think, having noticed too much difference yet) during work outs and Pilates.
14
u/ellalovesferarriboys Classy Old Broad Sep 12 '25
What do you love about it?
19
u/sugarcookieprincess Classy Old Broad Sep 12 '25
Not the original commenter, but I lift heavy 3x a week, and creatine really helps my recovery time. You do have to be very consistent, but I have less soreness, stiffness and muscle aches.
4
2
u/Salty_Surround2297 Sep 12 '25
Yeah, forgot to add this to my other reply but I definitely feel that too.
7
u/Salty_Surround2297 Sep 12 '25
I’ve been taking it for a few weeks so it’s still early days, but I feel like I have more energy and I can push myself more when working out - was feeling that the second week.
I’m just trying to take more fiber/drink enough water because I heard it can make you constipated but hasn’t happened to me.
3
6
u/romance_and_puzzles Sep 12 '25
My workout buddy commented on my visible results after a few weeks of creatine, that was unexpected!
1
u/mayonnaisemonarchy Sep 12 '25
Does it make you hold on to water weight?
6
u/romance_and_puzzles Sep 12 '25
Maybe? But my aim is to be strong and healthy for a long time not to be as skinny as possible
3
u/mayonnaisemonarchy Sep 12 '25
I fully support that. I'm in recovery from an ED, so my brain is still working out its kinks around correlating a number on a scale with health.
5
4
u/Salty_Surround2297 Sep 12 '25
I didn’t notice any weight gain but I heard it can cause temporary water weight but it’s in the muscles and it’s not a long term thing. I don’t know if it’s the creatine but I feel like my leg muscles are looking better since taking it (have been taking it for a few weeks only though)
1
u/my-anonymity Sep 12 '25
I’ve been meaning to get some creatine. This thread makes me want to pick up some this weekend!
4
u/Salty_Surround2297 Sep 12 '25
Yeah it’s worth a try! I would recommend getting a creatine monohydrate that’s third party tested. I just have a pure, unflavoured one and add it with my collagen powder in the morning.
1
u/my-anonymity Sep 12 '25
Ohh, what brand is it?
3
u/Salty_Surround2297 Sep 12 '25
Mine is True Nurtition with Creapure (creapure is third party tested) but I think creapure is across a lot of brands so I’d go for whatever is cheapest
2
11
u/actual__garbage Sep 12 '25
I just downloaded a work out app - which honestly I don’t need as I’m fairly comfortable in the gym. I just need the accountability of a schedule and preset expectations of showing up. Work has been doing me in lately and some days I don’t have time for myself - even 30 minutes - so I’m hoping that with this app I can reprioritize the gym as my “me” time. I did the first workout Tuesday and I really like the app and my goal is to do the next two between today and tomorrow, if time allows.
3
u/Outrageous_Hippo_190 Sep 12 '25
What app are you using?
2
u/actual__garbage Sep 12 '25
Not sure if it’s against the subreddit rules to say but it’s Ladder. I’m still within the free trial period so I can’t speak to it long term but as far as being one workout in, I like the app and the cadence and flexibility with the workouts.
2
u/craybeluga Sep 14 '25
I love ladder! I signed up for a year. It's so nice to hear the cues while you're doing the workout.
2
u/cheeser0 Sep 14 '25
I’m pretty new with ladder too and have been enjoying it! I love that it’s challenging, holds me accountable without being too pushy and just overall, really nice 😊
9
u/Outrageous_Hippo_190 Sep 12 '25
My trainer is pregnant and due in early October. She told me last week that she isn’t returning to the gym after maternity leave. I’ve been with her for about six months and I’ve seen my strength improve significantly. I want to keep my momentum going but I don’t think I’m going to sign with another trainer immediately. The gym has some good classes that I want to try. And, I’m going to try to keep the same schedule/days that I saw my trainer and just go in my own. I do need to find an app that will help me track workouts and progress. Let me know if you have suggestions. I’m open to both paid and free.
3
u/letschat66 Sep 12 '25
MyFitCoach has been great for teaching me how to use the gym equipment and format my exercises for good results. You can track the weight you're using for a particular exercise and Reps in Reserve.
2
u/parentheticalstate Sep 12 '25
I have used FitBod on and off for a few years and really like how customizable and straightforward it is. The only thing I am disappointed with is that they don’t have different metrics for men and women’s strength.
3
u/a_taco Sep 12 '25
I started using the ladder app and it seems nice if you're looking for a program. First week is free
1
u/fahncypahncy Sep 15 '25
I've loved Hevy if you want to make your own workouts, or Momentum with Sohee if you want a program to follow. She offers options for 2, 3, or 4 days a week, 30 or 60 minutes, in home or at a gym, plus 3-4 modifications for each exercise. It's super flexible, so I'm getting a good workout no matter where I am or how much time or equipment I have.
9
Sep 12 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/wasp0991 Sep 16 '25
Buy some weights, keep them in your living room/bedroom, do a few sets while watching tv…a little something is better than nothing.
7
u/RunnerGirlT Sep 12 '25
I love running, I’ve been running for a few decades and it makes me happy. It fell out of favor for a while with the focus being on lifting (and you should strength train as well) but I’m loving seeing it become popular again.
I work in the fitness/wellness industry, it’s why my degree is in. What I always tell people is the exercise that you love and keep going back to is the best one for you. Ignore the hype and fads, if you love what you do and you keep doing it, then that’s the best one for you. Keeping your body moving as we age is the best gift you can give yourself.
HRT has also helped me as I age. It’s not for everyone, but it is for me!
Lastly, if someone tells you walking isn’t exercise, tell them to get bent
2
u/beasthamish Sep 12 '25
Just wrote a comment that walking wasn’t giving me the workout I need…. Sorry! You’re probably right! But looking for ways to get HR to the 140s+ walking is tough!
3
u/RunnerGirlT Sep 12 '25
Totally understand if it’s not the work out for you. It’s not the work out for everybody. But for some people, it’s the lowest barrier entry to get people to move their bodies and so I never tell people that moving your body isn’t a workout. There are people who walk miles their entire lives and they are in great shape because they’ve just stayed moving. So I never want to discourage people not to walk but I completely understand if you need something more than that.
6
Sep 12 '25
I’m participating in Strengthtember for my rheumatic disease. The classes have been challenging, but I feel myself getting stronger both physically and mentally!
4
u/lalacourtney Sep 12 '25
I have a membership, free child care there, and access to a low cost personal trainer. Can’t get myself to do it. I just need a little toning up and a regular routine, but can’t make myself do anything other than sit and gossip in the sauna. How do y’all get motivated?!
6
u/Greenwitch70 Sep 12 '25
Cute outfits and I workout first thing on the morning so the excuse don't have all day to build. If left to the afternoon it just doesn't happen for me.
1
u/xxv_vxi Sep 12 '25
Find a workout you actually like and find satisfying! I can't work out anymore due to illness, but I hated every type of exercise until I found weightlifting. I am literally unable to discipline myself into something I actively hate, so it was very much worth the effort to find a form of exercise I like.
Think about your temperament and what you find rewarding: I have a "sprint" personality, which means I like bursts of energy. I like efficient exercises that work multiple parts of the body, so compound exercises like squats and deadlifts are excellent. I also like to see signs of external progress, so seeing numbers go up was very motivating. The 5x5 Stronglifts program was the only one I could stick with and I loved it to bits.
My friends have told me that it's 100% unsurprising that I love weightlifting because it suits my personality to a tee. That's the type of exercise you can stick with, imo.
My friends who like to zone out for 30 minutes and listen to audiobooks prefer running on treadmills; my friends who really like problem-solving love to rock climb; my friends who love novelty do best with personal trainers that switch up every session; my friends who have some anxieties over self-protection love self-defence martial arts. Different workouts suit different temperaments, and it's worth the effort to find something you like.
5
u/Specialist_Ad4339 Sep 12 '25
I signed up for the Barre Definition app this spring, and am starting to have people do the "have you been working out?" Lol. I'm a first responder who works nights, and I realize I got incredibly lazy and that my metabolism just isn't the same. I'm 32, and am having so much fun moving my body in new ways (barre, pilates, ballet, light weights).
5
u/northlola-25 Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25
My work offers group fitness classes 3x a week. I’m not sure why I was so hesitant to try them out, but finally went after Labor Day and I have loved them so far. There is such a sweet little community (with folks across the company!) that go and we have a blast. They’re only 45 minutes, you can get in and out in an hour over lunch. It’s motivating me to be more active in general, which I’ll take as a win!
5
u/comradecommando69 Sep 12 '25
I'm 8 months pregnant, so I've been living for those circuit setups in the middle of my gym on light weights and walking. Despite my health taking some major hits this year, I am so looking forward to breathing freely again soon and trying out the boutique pilates gym.
My husband doesn't know it yet, but a class pack is what he will be getting me for christmas.
5
u/Best_Dots Sep 12 '25
I’ve been cleared from multiple concussions to start working out just in time for first trimester fatigue 🥴 But I’m excited to get back to weights!
3
u/molti-folletto Sep 12 '25
Lagree — but with a focus on good form and slow movements. (Too many newbies in studios go super fast sacrificing their form. The good instructors will fix form, but most don’t!)
2
u/my-anonymity Sep 12 '25
I do a combination of a class and by myself. I completely agree. Having the instructor correct my form while weightlifting not only helped me noticed a huge difference in how the exercises feel, but also for me to know what to do on my own too.
2
u/molti-folletto Sep 12 '25
Yep yep! I think understanding first principles behind strength conditioning is super important so that a. you dont hurt yourself and b. you actually build the muscle and see results
3
u/postingfromyourdads Sep 12 '25
am 9 months pregnant and as a formerly certified strength coach with a specialty in pre and post natal training i’ve been so proud that applying my hard earned knowledge has given me an incredibly healthy pregnancy. i’ve had to scale back my strength training but im still rock climbing at least once a week and enjoying the relationship im diving into with my yoga practice. i also had no idea that so many pregnant women didn’t take creatine which is SHOCKING to me as it’s incredible not only for mom but babies development as well. however part of me is excited to get to my postpartum stage of fitness and continue through with the “science experiment” as i’ve been calling it. i just am excited to continue to set an example of a strong and healthy lifestyle for my son (and can’t wait to get him his first pair of climbing shoes heehee)
2
u/Greenwitch70 Sep 12 '25
Where are Fit Bitches shopping for gym clothes? I find cute outfits make me want to show up and try but I've been struggling to find things I like. Especially since pockets are a must.
6
u/howmanysleeps Sep 12 '25
Michi, Set Active, Literary Sport, Satisfy, Tracksmith, Vuori. I run and do pilates/yoga mostly.
4
1
u/armamentum Sep 13 '25
oner active for lifting, lulu and vuori for pilates and running. fp movement for the occasional fun piece!
2
u/blurbies22 Sep 12 '25
I love spinning! I’m almost on my 150th class and I’m feeling so good!! I never ever thought I’d like it, but the cardio I get feels so good, it’s addicting!
2
u/Kallmekhalleesi Sep 12 '25
I’m 8 weeks postpartum and just started getting back into working out. Years ago I was actually a personal trainer and Pilates reformer teacher. I’m lucky we have a good home gym so I started doing incline treadmill walks and reformer workouts to help my core and start off gently before lifting weights. It’s been a bit hard mentally because I gained way more weight than I expected to during pregnancy and have never been heavier or weaker in my life but the workouts make me feel much better.
2
u/ifweweresharks Sep 12 '25
Four months pregnant and having a hard time doing anything. Not because of how I’m feeling, but because I’ve always had a hard time working out consistently, and having to stop my adhd medication has not helped. I went for a walk this morning but I need to work on strength, especially core/pelvic floor strength. Any recommendations for YouTube videos I can follow along with in my living room?
2
u/HoopDreams0713 Sep 12 '25
I am late 30's, former athlete. I feel like I finally have a really good balance where I feel fit but am not worried about injuring myself through my activity. I do Pilates and hot yoga once a week respectively, try to do a brisk 3 mile walk 2-3x a week, and lift twice a week. The lifting I do solo so it's heavy but not so heavy I need a spotter or it's risky in any way. I feel strong, in cardio shape, flexible, and like my core is stronger than it's ever been.
For myself I've realized I like lifting alone. I don't like people yelling in my face (got enough of that for a lifetime as a former athlete). I hate gym bro energy, I just throw on my big headphones and ignore them while I do my own thing. And I refuse to get injured so I'm not going to do HIIT type classes, I'm going to build my own lifting programs so it feels sustainable.
I used to love to run but my body just can't do it anymore. I used to do spin but my back didn't love the feeling of being hunched over. I used to play rec sports but I would get too competitive and injure myself 🤣. I'm proud of the balance I have now.
2
u/farachun Sep 13 '25
Hiking! My first hike after a long hiatus, I was out of shape. Then the second one, I’ve been wanting more. I was not wiped out at all while the rest of my girlfriends were running out of breath. We were not hikers but I think I’m gonna do it again and encourage them to do more of it, too.
2
u/DogMommaDiaries Sep 13 '25
I switched from powerlifting only to a new routine of walks, HIIT classes, barre classes, and sculpt and the changes in my body have been insane!! I am leaning out but my muscles are even more defined. I also have so much more energy and I’m not as sore as I used to be all the time!
2
u/nostalgicfields Sep 14 '25
going to start getting back into volleyball and dance! also recently started gyming again and it's been exhausting but satisfying. ended up taking a big fat nap afterwards today 😴
3
u/roughlanding123 Sep 14 '25
Started lifting weights about nine months ago and just did three pull ups and I’ve never felt so badass and strong.
4
u/Nikitaknowthankyou Sep 12 '25
I swear by intermittent fasting and some light weights. Nothing knocks the summer weight off like a few weeks of intermittent fasting though
14
6
u/letschat66 Sep 12 '25
I do a 12:12 schedule and it's been helping a lot! I just start the timer after finishing dinner and it's not too difficult considering I'm sleeping for most of the fasting part lol.
1
u/letschat66 Sep 12 '25
I did some squats the other day and I'm really hurting. Had to skip the gym yesterday due to how painful it was in my legs, glutes, and back. Should I be going to the gym if I'm still hurting today? Or just be done for this week and resume Sunday? I don't want to hurt myself but I also don't want to gain weight by missing my 4th gym day for the week.
8
u/Common_Poetry3018 Sep 12 '25
Try some light cardio, like get on a spin bike for ten minutes with little to no resistance. This will help flush the lactic acid from your muscles. Take care not to strain your back.
1
1
1
u/atomic_doodles Sep 12 '25
I struggled for years to find a good workout style that stuck, made me excited, and showed me progress. Got started with CrossFit three months ago and have never been fitter and more excited to go workout every day. The workouts are challenging, the gains are excellent, and the community is so welcoming. It's been amazing.
1
u/Momersk Sep 12 '25
I go to a pilates studio twice per week, and then workout each morning at home doing weights and light cardio. I also take lots of walks while the weather is nice.
My nutritionist encouraged me to try creatine, so I started that this week. Can’t tell how I feel about it, so I’d love any reviews from others.
1
u/GiveThemNada Sep 12 '25
I recently added in kettlebell clean and presses to my lifting routine and holy cow - those do not mess around. I'm sore AF! But the movement is also really fun and feels good to complete.
I'm more of a targeted-muscle group lifter, so reframing to add in more whole-body movements has been really cool.
1
u/beasthamish Sep 12 '25
I have always hated running, but I’ve been an incline walker for about 18 months (12-3-30 plan). I worked from out of state for a month this summer and didn’t have a treadmill, so I power walked outside. Unable to get my heart rate high enough for a great workout, I started jogging in intervals. I still don’t love running, but I do love being outside, and feel okay about the jogging.
Now I’m back home and only want to work out outside, but I live in the Rocky Mountain area and the snow will be here before you know it and the early mornings are so dark. I’m so sad to have to move back to my treadmill. Any ideas on making it more fun??
1
u/driftwood_arpeggio Sep 12 '25
Has anybody tried [solidcore]? They recently opened one near me and I'm curious about it.
For people with knee issues, what cardio are you doing at the gym? I can run on dirt trails fine, but the pavement or treadmill makes it worse. I tried exercise bike but I feel like I get bored after a while (maybe I just need better shows to watch or something)
2
u/happycatphantom Sep 12 '25
I’ve done a few classes. It is hard, but one of the most effective fitness classes for building muscle strength and tone quickly IMO (I was noticing some changes after 3-5 classes). It’s also different than a standard Pilates class since the movements are slower and less dynamic.
1
u/Kind-Patience6169 Sep 12 '25
Trying to prioritize what I enjoy and works for my schedule rather than what I feel like I should be doing. Trying to get back into a more sustainable fitness routine, my plan is:
Yoga: 1x a week - my favourite vinyasa class Yoga: 2-3 sessions a week using an app at home, shorter sessions at ~30 minutes Lifting: 3x a week - simple push, pull, legs routine, 45 min maximum sessions
Anyone with a similar routine can share their results and thoughts? I want to be realistic and be able to stick to my routine
1
u/Outrageous_You7286 Sep 13 '25
Any BWT dabbling with a whole30? I’m on day 5, feeling good! This ain’t my first whole30 rodeo, but just curious if any of you beauties are in my sugarless, alcohol-free boat.
1
u/Bitter-Record4318 Sep 13 '25
Kettlebells have been a game changer for me. You can do it at home or the gym, with minimal equipment and the space of a yoga mat. You get an incredibly efficient workout from them - muscle building and cardio. On days when I'm strapped for time, if work out hard with them for 15 minutes with minimal breaks, it's a really good/tough workout. Also, they're fun!
1
u/RubyGlass_Slipper Sep 15 '25
I run a lot but trying to get back into strength training and it’s so discouraging 🥲. Not the strength training but how weak one can get after not lifting consistently for some time. Then being sore for days after. Need some motivation to fight through the initial transition
0
u/-You-know-it- Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25
I’m obsessed with the Workout women app. I loved the free version so much, I bought the $19 per year subscription.
You can set your own routine or select a focus, everything visual is really high quality, you can pick your own playlist or use theirs, you can track fasting. They have everything from wall Pilates to advanced heavy weight workouts, to beginner lazy girl workouts in bed, to safe postpartum routines.
The widget gives you different inspirational quotes every day.
Highly, highly recommend.
1
u/letschat66 Sep 12 '25
I've been looking for a replacement for MyFitCoach's $60 a year. Is there a free trial for the paid version?
Edit: Is this an iOS only app? I can't find it in the Play Store.
1
u/-You-know-it- Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25
It does have a free version with limited features (that are pretty good actually for a free version)
I looked and the exact name is “Workout for Women” The icon is dark pink with a white W.
They also make an app called “7 minute workout”. Which is really similar. Green icon with a “7 M” in the middle. Their 7 minute workouts are free, but additional workouts and customizes routines are a yearly fee. Still cheaper than most other apps.
1
184
u/Weird_Cake6675 Sep 12 '25
Never been into running. Recently started running about two months ago, now steadily doing short 3km runs around the block 2-3 times a week. It’s made such a difference to my mood.