The Firm and Margaret Richard

[CrazyNanny]

Ok so I have to admit at almost 56 I'm looking not for easier workouts but less stressful as far as joints etc. It just seems that if I workout like a beast I injure or pull something and then I'm "benched" until it heals. Therefore I've started back doing Firms and Margaret workouts (I feel hers seem very joint friendly to me). I can go heavier with the Firm than with Margaret's so I feel they're two different workouts and if I mix them up I have less of a dread factor and less injuries.

I've also added more a lot more walking due to the fact that I just adopted a dog Te"Bo" (like Tim Tebow he's good looking, physically indimidating and a sweet guy) an 85lb Lab/Shepherd. I've got to say Bo got me off of a plateau and seems to be knocking that last few pounds off of me.

I don't feel old, can probably do more physically than my 36 year old daughter and her friends, but there are definitely limits and precautions I take now that I didn't even think about 20 years ago. Has anyone had the same experience? If so what mix of workouts do you find work best.
Thanks,
Carolyn

[summer breeze]

I haven't been sidelined with any injuries per se, thankfully, but then again I don't ever work out like a beast either . That being said, I am 57 and have had my best results with daily walking and Margaret Richard, Core Fusion, Suzanne Bowen type workouts sprinkled in. No aches, pains, stress free plus fun & effective! Can't beat it.

[MsThistlebottom]

Originally Posted by CrazyNanny

I don't feel old, can probably do more physically than my 36 year old daughter and her friends, but there are definitely limits and precautions I take now that I didn't even think about 20 years ago. Has anyone had the same experience? If so what mix of workouts do you find work best.
Thanks,
Carolyn

You are definitely not alone! I'm 61 and while I've never worked out like a beast, I did sustain a hamstring injury two years ago that took a good six months to heal. Ever since then, my workout mix includes walking (outdoors or with Leslie), rebounding, FitPrimes, Margaret, Gilad, and Joyce V., with some yoga, qi gong, stretching, and Pilates thrown in for flexibility. PS: I don't feel old either, but my feeling is, whatever I do now must be sustainable into my 70s and way beyond.

[dmlarue1]

I have been having joint issues this year, first my knee which Is now better and now my back which is resolving. I find I can do walking, Margaret Richard, Pilates, classical stretch and yoga.
I am staying away from high impact, torque/twisting movement, squats/lunges. And even some fast barre. I am a PT so I know proper form but it's just not worth it to hurt myself.
Plus I feel better when I do these workouts and not so hungry so it helps with weight loss as well.

[donnamp]

Hi,

I'm 47 and feel the same way - sustainability is what it is all about! Margaret Richard has become one of my favorite instructors, I always feel good after I workout w/ her and I get nice definition, too.

I am sort of in the same camp as Summer Breeze with workout choices.

I also like Classical Stretch and Charlene Prickett - particularly her cardio workouts.

Donna

[lizh]

I just turned 55 and I am getting back into regular exercise and have been doing The Firm exclusively along with one LIVE yoga class a week.

I bought some of Margaret's workouts a few months ago during one of her sales and have yet to do one. (mainly because I am on this Firm kick at the moment)

I don't have any advice, just wanted to chime in. The Firm seems to be working for me. For me, I always liked The Firm instructors and I feel like I am sufficiently challenged (but not killing myself). I do need to watch the 'tall box climbs' so that I don't do too many on too many days in a row. You remind me that I need to up my walking.

Keep doing what you are doing!
Liz

[mtngoat]

This certainly describes my experience the past several months. I have used predominantly Margaret Richard workouts while recovering from injuries. Feel great, have lost size, hunger under control.

I'm still not quite ready to give up on my Cathe's and Tony Horton's, but I know that I will be able to thrive with my gentler (but still plenty hard) workouts when that time comes.

BTW, I'm 57. I have been doing the Firm workouts since Vol. 1 - when it first came out! I expect the Firms will always be part of my life.

[Taramisu]

For workouts that are less stressful on the joints Margaret definitely fits the bill. I like her a lot and have an appreciation for her workouts that I didn't years ago. I also have never had much in the way of high rep light weight workouts either so she fills that void. I have always liked Jari Love's Ripped but that is more light-medium weight for me where Margaret is strictly light weight for me. Margaret is very calm and laid back, I just enjoy exercising with her.

I never thought about combining her and the Firm together, I think they would be a good combination though. I have always liked the Firm, I don't use the classics, my favorites are from the BBH era and I like a couple BSS and Pinks too. Now I am adding a few WHFN so I think those will go as well.

Someone else mentioned Charlene Prickett, I see myself combining her and Margaret together. I like her It Figures DVDs a lot as well.

I am 41...I used to be into Cathe and harder workouts, but that was shortlived. By the time I hit 35 I was already slowing down. I enjoy my Firms, Margaret, Charlene and Michelle Dozois workouts, with some others sprinkled in. It just works for me.

[donnamp]

Tara - I love to mix Charlene Prickett, Margaret Richard and Classical Stretch - those just work for me in combination! I use mostly CP's cardio workouts from It Figures or her DVDs or VHS tapes.

Ideallly, I love to do all three on the same day - cardio, Margaret and Classical Stretch, but unfortunately, most days I don't have that kind of time, so I devised this rotation for myself.

MR = Margaret Richard
CS = Classical Stretch

Day 1 – MR/CS
Day 2 – cardio/CS
Day 3 – cardio/MR
Day 4 - MR/CS
Day 5 - Cardio/CS
Day 6 – cardio/MR
Day 7 – Yoga or other stretch/flexibility

*I expect to do a 30 min MR mixed w/ a CS episode or 30 min of cardio.

Cardio can be whatever I feel ike for the day. I also try to get some extra walks in whenever I can.

I did Triple Threat lower today - I will be sore tomorrow. I just love the outdoor scenery for that one!

Donna

[MsThistlebottom]

Originally Posted by donnamp

I did Triple Threat lower today - I will be sore tomorrow. I just love the outdoor scenery for that one!

Donna

Ooh, Triple Threat is perfect for this time of year! Thanks for the reminder--I think I'll pull that one out for tomorrow.