Thread: Secret to shaping up

Thanks Kron, I've just seen your photos -amazing! I half kidded myself that you were not real (as an excuse for why I might not do it, hmmm...). But wow!!
You're right; both diet & exercise are necessary. I am on week 1 of Slimfast, will decide on what exercise to do and get a plan going.
Were u really into fitness before you began 6 months ago? How were you able to stick at it for so long?

Hi Trimlee
I had tried doing aerobics etc beginning of 2010 in preparation for our carribean holiday in june/July
Thought I was eating well, but lost about a stone in 6 months
My daughter started s/w in march and was losing loads, so I said I would go when I got back from holiday
Never dieted before, and due to a back injury put on the weight over a few years
This years holiday I was strutting around all day in my bikini - last year I was covered up in a huge sarong, only taking it off when laying down on the beach lol

Just done my new DVD The Art of Strength, Providence
Sweating and heavy breathing - amazing with no jumping or running about
This workout is a set that lasts 2 mins then a 1 min break, then a 2 min set of a different exercise followed by a 1 min break etc.
For example
2 mins of swings which involved
2handed swing for 30 seconds into right hand swing for 30 seconds, then left hand for 30 then passing from right to left for the last 30 seconds
A minute break
Shoulder press up
Holding bell on right shoulder push arm straight upright, then lower back to shoulder and push it back up
5 on the right, swap do 5 on the left, swap do 4 on right, 4 on left, 3 right, 3 left, 2 right, 2 left, 1 right, 1left
Keep body dead straight, don't lean to the side. You are toning arms and shoulders and also slimming your torso as belly muscles are engaged to stop you leaning over
Triceps/biceps
Holding bell in both hands arms straight down curl bell up to chest, straighten arms above head then ease bell down back behind head at elbows, bring back up, lower back to chest, curl down back to start position for 30 seconds, next 30 seconds just omit the curl, so arms straight above the head lowering behind head, back up straight for 30 seconds, behind head etc, then next 30 seconds just do the curl arms straight down curl up to you chest, back down again, the last 30 seconds do the first 30 seconds a go - was tough! Keep ab muscles tight - every time your arms are above your head you engage your core more

So just a few of the exercises I have done
Will let you know if I am achy tomorrow
Will check out how long the workout was and post

Seeing the results so quickly makes you want to do it again

Hi Kron, Just wanted to let you know that I bought a set of kettle bells on the way home from work today & am looking forward to trying them out. Going to go for a look at some dvds on amazon. I googled some exercises to get me started though. I'm really excited about starting these

I am so happy, I know you will not regret this

I am going to write up a few pointers and will post them shortly

Can we be Bell Buddies

Thanks Kron I really appreciate that. I am soo excited to be starting. Do you know any websites that have a list of exercises to do with them? I found a few on womens health that looked good (well the windmill looked tricky but I'm sure once I get going it'll be ok)

Good form brings quicker results and no injuries

I train bare foot
I lift my toes off the floor to improve technique. Your weight should always be on the heel of your feet, this tip made the exercises more targeted

Squats etc - stick your but out, your knees should be in line with your ankles, your knee should bend at 90 degrees, feet to knee straight up, knee to but horizontal with floor making you lean right forward so your chest is above your knees
Hope I am explaining it ok stick your but right out behind you - keeping your toes up helps you into this position

Use your hips to bend
Practice standing very straight and bend upper body forward at the hips, keeping shoulders back and face looking forward, when straightening up pull with your but, you may have your knees slightly bent

Find your comfy stance, depending on the exercise feet about shoulder width apart, practice swings and squats with no bell moving your feet slightly until you are happy

Use your hips to swing
The power in the swings come from your hips, so thrust. Your hips propel the move

Listen to form provided by instructor on each exercise

Keep body straight, don't lean to the side when working on left or right
Try bell on floor beside one foot, squat and pick up bell, like a suitcase but keep body in line, don't lean to that side, reverse move to put it down

Hope this helps, if I think of more will post
Get swinging

Thanks that all makes sense I think.

Really really want that kettleworx set so am hoping to maybe get that next month when my pay goes in but was wondering if you had tried the 10 minute solution Kettle bell ultimate fat burner?? Thought it might be a cheapy to get me going

Originally Posted by sweet pink

Really really want that kettleworx set so am hoping to maybe get that next month when my pay goes in but was wondering if you had tried the 10 minute solution Kettle bell ultimate fat burner?? Thought it might be a cheapy to get me going

My honest opinion when reading reviews etc, I don't like it as she uses dumbbells and doesn't do the swings
Sorry
It will most probably be alright to fill a gap and give you some moves that will tone you up

I might be better just waiting until I can afford the proper kettleworx one. I tried out some of the exercises from the exercise sheet that came with them & you can definitely feel them working so I hope I'm sore tomorrow (I feel like pain usually means gain on the exercise front!!!)

You can get some step by step exercises and instruction on web just google kettle bell exercises
I watched some on you tube
Key exercises to learn would be
Swings
Windmill
Shoulder press
Ab exercises - crunches, rows, full get up, twists, pullovers
Russian deadlift
Cleans
One legged deadlift

If you can find a few of these exercises and just practice the moves and get used to the bell it will be worth it

Kettleworx is fantastic, but since carrying on I have noticed technique on it not as hot as it could be so you could get quicker results than I did

I picked up loads of tips just ask google lol

Let me know how you feel, and what things you tried

Thank you once again. Off to google now

After my new dvd workout yesterday, I feel my muscles in my shoulders and arms, my butt and thighs have a delicious ache, and my abs feel sucked in

Hi Sweet Pink
I am very new to online forums, so bear with me
i really really want you to be able to start swinging

I sent you a friend request, because I want to offer you support

I would like to send you one of my dvds until you get your kettleworx set.

Not pushing you, but if you want to send me your address in a private mode (not sure how/if this can be done), i will post you a dvd. Once you have your set, just post it back to me

Just an offer, dont feel you have to accept it, i just want everyone to know the quick results you can get using kettlebells