Margaret Richard/Classical Stretch/Essentrics rotation ideas?

[Elzabee5]

So.... I love, love, love CS and what it does for how my body feels and functions. But I have to admit that I miss how my body looks when I did the Firm, but I have done them so many times I... just... can't.

SO, I've been reading about Margaret Richard and CS. On a whim, I bought the Margaret Richard Classic DVD, Beauty to the Bone, the Body Bar, and the 10 workout (? does that sound right?).

Anyway, now that I have pretty much all things CS/Essentrics and these new MR DVDs are on their way, I am kind of at a loss as to how to effectively rotate these.

Any suggestions for a rotation?

My goal is to get the most out of both the workouts, I guess.

[superfit41]

Bumping. I don't do CS, but I have done the Firm for years, and I am planning on starting Margaret Richards next month. I have Sculpture, The Classics, and Good 'N Strong, so far. I plan on alternating her workouts with cardio and Pilates.
Sherry

[Elzabee5]

Hi, Sherry!

Thanks for bumping! MR + pilates + cardio sounds like a great rotation, and really similar to the CS idea! After doing some thinking, I am going to alternate one day MR (1 hr) then one day CS (1 hr), with some walking during the day when/if I can.

I began yesterday. The thing I like about this (after trying just one MR video... ) is that since MR has so much floor work, I don't feel sore that day or the next, but they add an extra punch when I start doing the CS exercises the next day, hopefully (?) making them more effective. After starting, so far they seem like complimentary workouts.

Best of luck to you, too!

[ealakey]

Some of her workouts are only 30 minutes and can be done daily because they are chaptered. I have All My Best Vol. 1-2, Muscle and Grace and Sculpture. Yesterday I did All My Best Vol. 1 Part 1 and had forgotten how effective her workouts are. My arms are sore today. I'm currently doing a kettlebell/ Ballet Beautiful rotation and may add in 30 minutes of Margaret if I can make it work.
~Beth

[JackieB]

I used to do a strength type workout with CS/Ess. Usually I'd do the strength earlier in the day and save my CS for late afternoon or evening. In the past, too, I've done strength on one day, and walking/CS on the other.

[Pat58]

My inclination would be something like this:

Monday - A Margaret Richard full body workout

Tuesday - CS/Essentrics and walk

Wednesday - MR upper body workout, walk and stretch

Thursday - CS/Essentrics and/or walk

Thursday - MR lower body workout, stretch

Friday - CS/Essentrics

Saturday - MR full body workout

Sunday - rest

[videofit]

Perfect timing. I start my Pilates class series on Saturday and was wondering how to incorporate Margaret.

I do MR weights every other day and walk outside everyday. Sometimes if I feel I need something more on a walking day I will add in lower body floor work. I was thinking of doing Pilates twice per week after walking.

Have no idea how strenuous Pilates will be. I am mainly concerned with my neck for that since in the past, doing Pilates DVDs, my neck always hurt, one reason I stopped.

Anyone who thinks Margaret is easy needs to increase her poundage, as with any weights work.

I was a Firm girl for years many years ago and never got the definition I got with MR workouts. I was sorting through old photos the other day and found my Before pics from ten years ago. I'd been doing The Firm and many other heavy weights workouts for more than ten years at that point. I assume I was planning to start a new rotation so took the pics. I looked like I didn't work out at all! I was a bit shocked. My thighs and butt look better now. I am an ectomorph.

[superfit41]

Videofit, I think you will find that the stronger your core becomes, the less you will feel the strain in your neck. I used to have the same problem, but much less now.
I haven't decided on a rotation plan for MR, and Pilates yet. I need to start thinking about that!
Sherry

[Pat58]

Videofit your posts inspired me to stick like glue to my new MR rotation. Which isn't a problem since I like her so much.

[ealakey]

Videofit, are you able to increase poundage with all her workouts? I did All My Best vol. 2 today and some of the moves were dancy; I don't want to hit myself in the face so I used 5s and 3s.
~Beth