The HCGers exercise thread - Page 7

minimonkey · 05-19-2011, 01:28 PM

I think this thread is all over the place as it is, and since I started it, I hereby give you permission to jack away! Go for it

Yay for the dermarollers, Shelby -- you do get used to it... I routinely do 2 mm on the face now. Did you get the nano rollers, or the regular ones?

As for hormones... I would not be at all surprised if T levels get raised on the hhcg... the last time I had a hormone panel, my T levels were high-normal ...which is probably why I put on muscle a lot more easily than some women do.

I have noticed a definite ability to put on muscle quickly on the drops, with adequate nutrition.. That, plus my wacked out TOM does point to changes in the hormone levels.

minimonkey · 05-19-2011, 01:31 PM

I heart Bacon -- Yay, another Bar Method lover! I did okay with the basic Bar Methods during p2 -- but the newest ones are a different animal altogether.

I don't know if you have the new ones (Super Sculpting 1 and 2, and Dancer's Body) -- but those kick it up about 5 notches over the previous Bar Methods.... even the Accelerated Workout doesn't hold a candle to them. They are killer

I also love the Core Fusion Body Sculpt, which continues to kick my booty even after months of doing it.

Sorry about your injury... take it slow and work up to what you can manage. Glad you joined our thread!

porkfatrules · 05-19-2011, 01:45 PM

Bierarsch -- I have a bunch of the Classical Stretch DVDs -- Seasons 4 and 6, and the Athletes Stretch, Arms/Abs/Legs/Butt, 30 Minute Express, and some of the Essentrics workouts that her daughter made. I love all of them -- so stretchy and yet toning along with it. Right now I'm just going through Season 4 in order -- I love that the season DVDs are only 30 minutes apiece!

Minimonkey -- I love Bar Method (and all its sisters -- Lotte Berk (well, that's its mother, I guess), P57, Fluidity, Barre3, and on and on. I have Dancer's Body, but I didn't get the latest sculpting ones she just put out -- I really need to use the bajillions of ones I have before getting more. I heard mixed reviews on the two newest ones -- did you like them?

I love Core Fusion too! It kicks my butt, though -- Lean and Toned makes me cry fo my mama!

minimonkey · 05-19-2011, 02:39 PM

OMG... Super Sculpting 1 is the BEST workout I own, in my opinion. It is even better than Core Fusion. I like #2 as well -- I've pretty much retired my old Bar Method workouts at this point, though I am keeping them for my low-energy days -- and I just mailed my Lotte Berk tapes to another of our members here... I've outgrown those.

How does Lean and Toned compare to Body Sculpt? Next on my list is some more of the Exhale Core Fusion dvds.... I am also really wanting to try the the P-57 workouts.

What are your favorites of the ones you own? I could use some real-life recommendations.

mymy3377 · 05-19-2011, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimonkey

OMG... Super Sculpting 1 is the BEST workout I own, in my opinion. It is even better than Core Fusion. I like #2 as well -- I've pretty much retired my old Bar Method workouts at this point, though I am keeping them for my low-energy days -- and I just mailed my Lotte Berk tapes to another of our members here... I've outgrown those.

I'm

reading the highlighted part since I'm dying doing the Muscle Eats Fat Lotte Berk. Btw, do you think it's okay to do these vids everyday to build up good foundation?

nola baxter · 05-19-2011, 07:07 PM

Hiya

Well,
I went and did a hard workout this morning and felt pretty good
I did load food beforehand,
but was still surprised how good I felt considering the calorie depletion I have been under.

I have noticed the last couple of workouts, that although I cant push it too much to the edge of fatigue(there is not the total energy available for that and my body feels exhausted if I try to do that);
my muscles are strong- even a bit stronger than usual.

Based on some peoples comments about testosterone, and Mini saying she feels she builds muscle easier on the drops- I wonder if the drops do in some way facilitate muscle strength/growth.
Either that, or my body is tapping into the liberated fat that is supposed to happen with the hcg..

Either way - I am happy with the state of affairs- I do feel better this week than last week- more energetic and functional- so maybe the drops are kicking in.

Nola

minimonkey · 05-20-2011, 12:58 AM

Nola --- glad your workout went well -- yes, these drops are something of a mystery.. but they definitely do cause some interesting and wonderful changes in the body! I know what you mean about the overall total energy becoming depleted in a deficit... I get it too after a few low calorie days.

Mymy-- you'll be surprised how quickly you acclimate to the isometrics, after doing them for a while. You'll be moving beyond the Lotte Berk dvds sooner than you think! They are challenging at first, until you build some strength, because they use the muscles in a way that is unlike most anything we do in daily life.

As for frequency....I shoot for 4 to 5 workouts a week, with two to three solid rest days in there somewhere.... Burr Leonard recommends 3 days minimum for best results, five days optimally... and two rest days. I do mix it up a bit, so not all of my workouts are isometrics... but most of them are.

minimonkey · 05-20-2011, 01:04 AM

Today was another stability ball day for me -- I like the way this particular workout uses the abs and core -- will ramp up to yet more vigorous exercise over the next few days, until I hit fatigue again.

I also kicked some mighty butt with cleaning and rearranging the house, which meant a constant outpouring of energy all day.... feeling pretty great about that, particularly since I actually fasted today -- all day. I simply wasn't interested in eating, so I ran with it.. and I'm surprised how easy it was, even with all the physical activity. I won't make that a daily habit, but am playing around with intermittent fasting plans, so I gave it a go...

shelbyla · 05-20-2011, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Yay for the dermarollers, Shelby -- you do get used to it... I routinely do 2 mm on the face now. Did you get the nano rollers, or the regular ones?

Yes, I think I had read that you use the 2 on your face. Wow! I believe you but...WOW! I think I did not get nano rollers. Is that a brand? Mine do have 500 needles etc. and they don't actually hurt-hurt just more painful than I anticipated. I do believe that I'll get used to it. I am experimenting with a 2mm on the spider veins in one of my legs and some Vitamin K gel and I THINK I can already see a difference after only a couple of days. That would be fantastic because those anti-vein treatments are EXPENSIVE!

On the exercise front, I started P3 yesterday at LDW-3 so I have a LITTLE wiggle room. I am planning to hit the cardio harder for the next week or so and maybe start weights on the Bowflex late next week sometime. I would like to see some more definition in my legs and back particularly and weights always help with that. You guys may have to talk me off a ledge if I go too far over LDW weight! :blush:

minimonkey · 05-20-2011, 08:43 AM

Shelby -- the nano rollers are the 500 needle ones -- not specifically a brand. I do use lidocaine cream on my face with the 2mm on the sensitive areas... the upper lip in particular... that area just plain hurts without numbing.

Let me know how the spider vein treatment goes!!!

Good luck with your p3 and with the additional exercise!!! We are here to talk you off the ledge if need be

shelbyla · 05-20-2011, 09:50 AM

Ok, going back to the rollers for a mo...

... Mini, do you use these on your lips? I am just wondering about the whole collagen rebuilding thing on the lips. Not that I actually WANT to poke holes in my lips, mind you, but they've always been a bit on the thin side...

I'll keep you posted on the vein thing. Very interesting so far. I am also interested in seeing if the treatment plus some facial hair suppression cream is effective for that. All these new fun beauty toys!

Awesome workout this morning, btw. I am feeling VERY good about my cardio right now. Easily able to do longer and harder, get sweatier, and just generally enjoy it. I walked up a couple flights of stairs yesterday that I remember being really HARD a month or so ago and it didn't even change my breathing. I am also in a better "head-place" about continuing. I DO think it was lack of fat/food that was making me so whacked last week. I don't really see taking a rest day at this point but I am not totally weirded out about it either.

porkfatrules · 05-20-2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimonkey

How does Lean and Toned compare to Body Sculpt? Next on my list is some more of the Exhale Core Fusion dvds.... I am also really wanting to try the the P-57 workouts.

What are your favorites of the ones you own? I could use some real-life recommendations.

I have all the Lotte Berk workouts, and while they have a slow and somewhat dated feel, I love them for their great form pointers. Hip Hugger Abs is a killer ab workout! None of them are the hardest workouts, compared to ones that came later, but they're still solid especially for shorter days.

I also love Pure Barre, which I forgot to mention -- the first one is probably the best, although the production quality is lower (she's alone in this dark room with weird lighting). But, it's a great workout. The later Pure Barre's are all good, but too repetitive -- and they started to focus on gadgets more (rings, bands) which I don't always love. And, some of the workouts are so similar to each other that you really wonder what they were thinking! That said, I love the variety, so I keep them.

I love the vibe of the P57s -- much more upbeat, good music, bright set, some faster moves. You either love or hate Tanya, the instructor -- she's goofy but I like her. Really hard lower body workout -- I can't get through it without taking a little leg break.

The Bar Methods are great, and I hugely admire Burr Leonard, but my main complaint is how much talking she does. Some other instructors are better at getting you set up for the next move and then giving you pointers as you go -- Burr is all, "OK, now the next thing we're going to do is . . . and you have to remember . . . this is really going to help your blah blah blah" and wastes way too much workout time. Do you think so too? I actually like the beginner workout (with Joey) a lot -- great pointers and it's truly not an easy workout! The advanced one I haven't even tried yet -- I'm too skeered!!!

What else? I like Squeeze, but kind of burned out on it. I also like Cardio Barre -- it's not really traditional, but I like it anyway. Fluidity is deathly dull, but still effective for those days you want that style. Barre3 with Sadie Lincoln is fantastic fantastic fantastic -- she does the best ab workout, supported by a ball behind your back! And, I love the Tracy Anderson stuff, even though it's barre-ish but not really barre. OK, this post is embarrassing because it shows how many barre DVDs I've accumulated! I'm going to stop now . . .:blush:

minimonkey · 05-20-2011, 10:20 AM

Shelby -- I DO use the roller on my lips, though it isn't generally recommended to do that.... I want collagen rebuilding there in particular. I've had good results with it... be aware the lips bleed quite a lot.

nola baxter · 05-20-2011, 11:46 AM

hi Mini

Yeah, the drops are interesting.

After I have down this low-calorie cutting cycle, I am going take a week or so off the drops- then go back on them with a higher calorie diet, ( with only a very small deficit under my maintenance calories), and see how I fare.
The idea of this is to see if the drops facilitate muscle building while on the higher intake.
I cant wait- I think it will be very interesting!

I think the whole thing with the depletion, is that the lower the body fat you are, the more quickly you get depleted. It is common bodybuilding wisdom- that the leaner you are the more often you need to do refeeds, cheat meals/days, spike meals - or whatever you want to call them!

And I find this to be so myself; always at a thinner weight- I am closer to the thin edge of the wedge in terms of tiredness and hunger.
The body has less resources to call on.

minimonkey · 05-20-2011, 10:45 PM

Nola

That makes sense -- I haven't been quite this lean in a long, long time... so this is rather new to me. I also haven't trained in this manner before.

I am quite curious to see if you find it easier to build muscle on the drops too -- I am pretty sure I am not imagining that.

Even in a deficit this week, I did a hard workout today, and I was much stronger doing it than I was even last week-- really, notably stronger, and with much greater endurance too.

minimonkey · 05-20-2011, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porkfatrules

I have all the Lotte Berk workouts, and while they have a slow and somewhat dated feel, I love them for their great form pointers. Hip Hugger Abs is a killer ab workout! None of them are the hardest workouts, compared to ones that came later, but they're still solid especially for shorter days.

I also love Pure Barre, which I forgot to mention -- the first one is probably the best, although the production quality is lower (she's alone in this dark room with weird lighting). But, it's a great workout. The later Pure Barre's are all good, but too repetitive -- and they started to focus on gadgets more (rings, bands) which I don't always love. And, some of the workouts are so similar to each other that you really wonder what they were thinking! That said, I love the variety, so I keep them.

I love the vibe of the P57s -- much more upbeat, good music, bright set, some faster moves. You either love or hate Tanya, the instructor -- she's goofy but I like her. Really hard lower body workout -- I can't get through it without taking a little leg break.

The Bar Methods are great, and I hugely admire Burr Leonard, but my main complaint is how much talking she does. Some other instructors are better at getting you set up for the next move and then giving you pointers as you go -- Burr is all, "OK, now the next thing we're going to do is . . . and you have to remember . . . this is really going to help your blah blah blah" and wastes way too much workout time. Do you think so too? I actually like the beginner workout (with Joey) a lot -- great pointers and it's truly not an easy workout! The advanced one I haven't even tried yet -- I'm too skeered!!!

What else? I like Squeeze, but kind of burned out on it. I also like Cardio Barre -- it's not really traditional, but I like it anyway. Fluidity is deathly dull, but still effective for those days you want that style. Barre3 with Sadie Lincoln is fantastic fantastic fantastic -- she does the best ab workout, supported by a ball behind your back! And, I love the Tracy Anderson stuff, even though it's barre-ish but not really barre. OK, this post is embarrassing because it shows how many barre DVDs I've accumulated! I'm going to stop now . . .:blush:

Wow, thanks for such a thorough review!!! Much appreciated!

I do like the Lotte Berk abs, but the pacing on those workouts drives me crazy... and I feel I need to do like three workouts back to back if I am really going to get much out of them now.

I love Burr Leonard....her style doesn't bother me at all, particularly on the later DVDS... though I do feel I've grown beyond all but the newest workouts. I love the three new ones though... Super Sculpting 1 and 2, and Dancer's Body.

SS1 does the abs with the ball behind the back, too -- and done correctly, it really works the abs well. There is also a never-ending pretzel done with the ball that truly, truly burns by the end. If that doesn't lift my seat, nothing ever will!

I'm definitely going to get more of the Exhale Core Fusion workouts, and am wanting some others that are of equal intensity to the ones above... have been curious about the Squeeze, Barre3, etc., but it's hard to get a sense of whether they will be a real challenge, or just something novel.

I do think I am going to pick up the p-57 at some point, if only for variety.

I still also occasionally revisit Callanetics... the original one bores me to tears now, but the Super Callanetics is a good workout, if very slow. You want dated? It doesn't get a lot more dated than the original Callanetics! LOL.

I get a kick out of those old tapes... I love my old early 90s The Firm workouts too... oh, the hair! Make it stop!

minimonkey · 05-20-2011, 11:31 PM

I can't stand gadgety, either... that's been my main complaint with the later Firm workouts... they are always coming out with some silly new gadget, when their real strength is just solid, straight up weights, squats, etc.

I love barre work, but I enjoy other workouts as well.

porkfatrules · 05-21-2011, 06:19 AM

Minimonkey, as much as I love Barre3, don't get it! It's a less advanced workout, and sounds like you wouldn't be challenged. The instruction is fantastic, though, and I really hope she makes more.

Agree on the Callanetics -- such great workouts, but I just look at that purple print leotard and poofy hair and go, wow! And, the male exerciser in his gym socks!

The Core Fusions are good but for some reason I don't reach for them as much -- maybe I need the inspiration of jazzier music (Pure Barre or P57)? The vibe in Core Fusion is all zen/yoga studio. But, top notch workouts, and I aspire to have a lean, flexible body like hers!

I will have to spring for the new Bar Method workouts one of these days!

minimonkey · 05-21-2011, 09:09 AM

Dude, I am in love with the new Bar Method workouts... my glutes are SORE today!

I think we are going for the Core Fusion Body Sculpt later today though... that one has been getting skipped in the rotation in favor of new toys, and it is a seriously good workout.

I'm noticing an interesting change in my body -- my muscles aren't just defined now, but some of them are getting rock hard as well

I mean, like man-muscle hard! I'm assuming, from what I've read, that means greater muscle density and a loss of intramuscular fat...? Maybe one of the bodybuilders can chime in here and confirm that for me....

I can also feel my muscles more when I move -- not soreness, just an awareness of a sort-of tightness/firmness overall -- it's a good feeling, but I haven't really had it like this before.

minimonkey · 05-21-2011, 09:12 AM

So, Porkfatrules -- thanks for the honest review of Barre 3. I watched a clip of it, and I agree that it doesn't look like it would be much of a challenge for me now. How do you think P-57 compares to Core Fusion in terms of intensity?

( I agree about the zen-buddha-om-vibe with the Fusion workouts, btw, but once the burn starts, I really don't much care.)

mymy3377 · 05-21-2011, 01:46 PM

@Mini and Porkfatrules (I love your user name btw, pork fat is my favorite kind of fat

) what is the difference between Lotte Berk and Callanetics? Is one "better" than the other? Or are they different with their own specific benefits? I'm going to keep on doing my Muscle Eats Fat DVD but I was just wondering if their is a greater benefit to sticking with one form if isometrics until you "master" it or is rotating them from the beginning better?

minimonkey · 05-21-2011, 05:05 PM

mymy3377 -- Callantetics and Lotte Berk are similar -- both have strengths. In my experience, Callanetics is great at shaping and tightening, but it won't give you cut, defined muscles on its own. Lotte Berk is a bit better at that. The original Callanetics tape is extremely dated... which I find amusing.

I've enjoyed rotating the isometric trainings from the beginning.

shelbyla · 05-21-2011, 07:14 PM

Uh...yah...nice arms, girl!

minimonkey · 05-21-2011, 07:45 PM

Thanks, Shelby -- here's a detail of the arm muscles....

minimonkey · 05-21-2011, 08:21 PM

So... I did my bodyfat reading today... and my p3-on-drops experiment worked wonders! I've gained 5.2 lbs of lean mass, and lost 2 lbs of fat, for a net gain of 3.2 lbs. That drops my bodyfat to less than 12%, and that makes me very, very happy!

Good workout today (Core Fusion Body Sculpt) and a relatively high day calorically -- maintenance level, anyhow.

I see that Urban Rebounding just released a metabolic extreme training package... its thirteen workouts, incorporating strength, core, and of course (weighted) cardio -- that is definitely going to be my next fitness dvd purchase

The older ones are fun and cheesy, but the new ones look excellent... and I do love my rebounder!

nola baxter · 05-22-2011, 01:56 AM

Hi Mini

Your new body fat testing shows how those old scales dont tell the full story!

Yep- that hardness you have is probably losing the intramuscular fat and also the fat around the muscles..

I read from the other thread that your calorie cycling is going well!
great.. I swear it works best.

Hanging out for tomorrow when I am doing a big load day. Just finished my last two low calorie days on my six-day cycle and have been feeling a lot of hunger/depletion.
Need to eat some food big time!

porkfatrules · 05-22-2011, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mymy3377

@Mini and Porkfatrules (I love your user name btw, pork fat is my favorite kind of fat

) what is the difference between Lotte Berk and Callanetics? Is one "better" than the other? Or are they different with their own specific benefits? I'm going to keep on doing my Muscle Eats Fat DVD but I was just wondering if their is a greater benefit to sticking with one form if isometrics until you "master" it or is rotating them from the beginning better?

Hi there mymy,

The two methods are pretty similar, in that they involve small, isometric movements (imagine moving your leg up and down one inch). They're actually related -- there's a soap opera-ish story about Lotte Berk and Callan Pinckney working together, then Callan splitting off and trademarking her own system -- something like that. Anyway, lots of people swear by the Callanetics 10 inches in 10 workouts DVD, so doing it consistently may give you some nice results. And, she filmed lots of other workouts later -- her abs one is really great.

Lotte Berk is terrific also, but no better -- just a different feeling in the work. I honestly can't say that one would work better than the other, and lots of people mix and match barre-style workouts. For me personally, I enjoy a rotation of one kind of thing, so I'd pick one and go with it for a while and see what happens. Sorry I don't have a definitive answer for you, but I guess that means you can't go wrong!

Izzysdream · 05-22-2011, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Thanks, Shelby -- here's a detail of the arm muscles....

OMIGOD Mini! You look fantastic!

mymy3377 · 05-22-2011, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Thanks, Shelby -- here's a detail of the arm muscles....

You look incredible! The definition in your arms and your back as well is FANTASTIC, I'm jealous

Quote:

Originally Posted by porkfatrules

Lotte Berk is terrific also, but no better -- just a different feeling in the work. I honestly can't say that one would work better than the other, and lots of people mix and match barre-style workouts. For me personally, I enjoy a rotation of one kind of thing, so I'd pick one and go with it for a while and see what happens. Sorry I don't have a definitive answer for you, but I guess that means you can't go wrong!

No this is a great answer, I'm just going to continue with my Lotte Berk through my next round of P2 to build up a really good base and then I'll start varying my isometric workouts. Thanks for the input :highfive:

minimonkey · 05-22-2011, 09:00 AM

Thanks for the compliments, and for the information!

I seem to remember something about the drama between Lotte Berk and Callan... Callan is such a character, it's easy to imaging getting into it with her...lol! She does crack me up. (Her little bio on the 10 in 10 tape is priceless!!)

The Callanetics 10 in 10 is a very good place to start if you are new to isometric work, and her glutes and thigh exercises are really effective, no matter how you slice it! I have done 10 in 10 so many times I have the whole tape memorized, I think... it is a good way to get a strong foundation in isometric work and it does give quick results for most people.

I still like the Super Callanetics workout pretty well, but I am not a big fan of Callan's abs exercises in general. Some of the SuperCallan ones are pretty good... but in general, I find they overwork the upper abs, and neglect the obliques... plus, they strain my neck (despite her protestations to the contrary). I much prefer the other isometrics for abs.

I haven't tried the Callanetics evolution, but I hear that one is good.

The Bar Method also stemmed from Lotte Berk's work originally. These methods have all evolved over time -- the newest Bar Method workouts are a big, big world away from the early ones in terms of intensity.

Callan doesn't do much arm work, at all -- so that is one place that the others are definitely a cut above, if you are looking to build definition in your arms. Iin fact, upper body in general is lacking with Callanetics. (Although I think the Callanetics Evolution added weights, so that should help).

For me, arms and upper body are a big focus, so I love the Fusion/later Bar Method focus on weights and pushups. Those sculpt the arms and back quickly, and well.

05-19-2011, 01:28 PM	#181
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	I think this thread is all over the place as it is, and since I started it, I hereby give you permission to jack away! Go for it Yay for the dermarollers, Shelby -- you do get used to it... I routinely do 2 mm on the face now. Did you get the nano rollers, or the regular ones? As for hormones... I would not be at all surprised if T levels get raised on the hhcg... the last time I had a hormone panel, my T levels were high-normal ...which is probably why I put on muscle a lot more easily than some women do. I have noticed a definite ability to put on muscle quickly on the drops, with adequate nutrition.. That, plus my wacked out TOM does point to changes in the hormone levels. __________________ Rogue p2 cycling: 8/28:128.6 .... 10/7 118.4 ....10/20: 115.8

05-19-2011, 02:39 PM	#184
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	OMG... Super Sculpting 1 is the BEST workout I own, in my opinion. It is even better than Core Fusion. I like #2 as well -- I've pretty much retired my old Bar Method workouts at this point, though I am keeping them for my low-energy days -- and I just mailed my Lotte Berk tapes to another of our members here... I've outgrown those. How does Lean and Toned compare to Body Sculpt? Next on my list is some more of the Exhale Core Fusion dvds.... I am also really wanting to try the the P-57 workouts. What are your favorites of the ones you own? I could use some real-life recommendations. Last edited by minimonkey; 05-19-2011 at 02:39 PM.. Reason: typo

05-19-2011, 07:07 PM	#186
nola baxter Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 917 Gallery: nola baxter	think there is something to HCG Hiya Well, I went and did a hard workout this morning and felt pretty good I did load food beforehand, but was still surprised how good I felt considering the calorie depletion I have been under. I have noticed the last couple of workouts, that although I cant push it too much to the edge of fatigue(there is not the total energy available for that and my body feels exhausted if I try to do that); my muscles are strong- even a bit stronger than usual. Based on some peoples comments about testosterone, and Mini saying she feels she builds muscle easier on the drops- I wonder if the drops do in some way facilitate muscle strength/growth. Either that, or my body is tapping into the liberated fat that is supposed to happen with the hcg.. Either way - I am happy with the state of affairs- I do feel better this week than last week- more energetic and functional- so maybe the drops are kicking in. Nola

05-20-2011, 11:46 AM	#194
nola baxter Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 917 Gallery: nola baxter	hi Mini Yeah, the drops are interesting. After I have down this low-calorie cutting cycle, I am going take a week or so off the drops- then go back on them with a higher calorie diet, ( with only a very small deficit under my maintenance calories), and see how I fare. The idea of this is to see if the drops facilitate muscle building while on the higher intake. I cant wait- I think it will be very interesting! I think the whole thing with the depletion, is that the lower the body fat you are, the more quickly you get depleted. It is common bodybuilding wisdom- that the leaner you are the more often you need to do refeeds, cheat meals/days, spike meals - or whatever you want to call them! And I find this to be so myself; always at a thinner weight- I am closer to the thin edge of the wedge in terms of tiredness and hunger. The body has less resources to call on. Last edited by nola baxter; 05-20-2011 at 11:49 AM.. Reason: left a bit out

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05-19-2011, 01:31 PM	#182
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	I heart Bacon -- Yay, another Bar Method lover! I did okay with the basic Bar Methods during p2 -- but the newest ones are a different animal altogether. I don't know if you have the new ones (Super Sculpting 1 and 2, and Dancer's Body) -- but those kick it up about 5 notches over the previous Bar Methods.... even the Accelerated Workout doesn't hold a candle to them. They are killer I also love the Core Fusion Body Sculpt, which continues to kick my booty even after months of doing it. Sorry about your injury... take it slow and work up to what you can manage. Glad you joined our thread!

05-19-2011, 01:45 PM	#183
porkfatrules Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,506 Gallery: porkfatrules Stats: 223/183.5/110 WOE: HCG R3 Start Date: Re-re-re-start 5/8/11	Bierarsch -- I have a bunch of the Classical Stretch DVDs -- Seasons 4 and 6, and the Athletes Stretch, Arms/Abs/Legs/Butt, 30 Minute Express, and some of the Essentrics workouts that her daughter made. I love all of them -- so stretchy and yet toning along with it. Right now I'm just going through Season 4 in order -- I love that the season DVDs are only 30 minutes apiece! Minimonkey -- I love Bar Method (and all its sisters -- Lotte Berk (well, that's its mother, I guess), P57, Fluidity, Barre3, and on and on. I have Dancer's Body, but I didn't get the latest sculpting ones she just put out -- I really need to use the bajillions of ones I have before getting more. I heard mixed reviews on the two newest ones -- did you like them? I love Core Fusion too! It kicks my butt, though -- Lean and Toned makes me cry fo my mama!

05-20-2011, 12:58 AM	#187
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	Nola --- glad your workout went well -- yes, these drops are something of a mystery.. but they definitely do cause some interesting and wonderful changes in the body! I know what you mean about the overall total energy becoming depleted in a deficit... I get it too after a few low calorie days. Mymy-- you'll be surprised how quickly you acclimate to the isometrics, after doing them for a while. You'll be moving beyond the Lotte Berk dvds sooner than you think! They are challenging at first, until you build some strength, because they use the muscles in a way that is unlike most anything we do in daily life. As for frequency....I shoot for 4 to 5 workouts a week, with two to three solid rest days in there somewhere.... Burr Leonard recommends 3 days minimum for best results, five days optimally... and two rest days. I do mix it up a bit, so not all of my workouts are isometrics... but most of them are.

05-20-2011, 01:04 AM	#188
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	Today was another stability ball day for me -- I like the way this particular workout uses the abs and core -- will ramp up to yet more vigorous exercise over the next few days, until I hit fatigue again. I also kicked some mighty butt with cleaning and rearranging the house, which meant a constant outpouring of energy all day.... feeling pretty great about that, particularly since I actually fasted today -- all day. I simply wasn't interested in eating, so I ran with it.. and I'm surprised how easy it was, even with all the physical activity. I won't make that a daily habit, but am playing around with intermittent fasting plans, so I gave it a go...

05-20-2011, 08:43 AM	#190
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	Shelby -- the nano rollers are the 500 needle ones -- not specifically a brand. I do use lidocaine cream on my face with the 2mm on the sensitive areas... the upper lip in particular... that area just plain hurts without numbing. Let me know how the spider vein treatment goes!!! Good luck with your p3 and with the additional exercise!!! We are here to talk you off the ledge if need be

05-20-2011, 09:50 AM	#191
shelbyla Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,673 Gallery: shelbyla Stats: 210/141/140 WOE: hhCG, rx hCG Start Date: rx hCG R5 start 08/11/12	Ok, going back to the rollers for a mo... ... Mini, do you use these on your lips? I am just wondering about the whole collagen rebuilding thing on the lips. Not that I actually WANT to poke holes in my lips, mind you, but they've always been a bit on the thin side... I'll keep you posted on the vein thing. Very interesting so far. I am also interested in seeing if the treatment plus some facial hair suppression cream is effective for that. All these new fun beauty toys! Awesome workout this morning, btw. I am feeling VERY good about my cardio right now. Easily able to do longer and harder, get sweatier, and just generally enjoy it. I walked up a couple flights of stairs yesterday that I remember being really HARD a month or so ago and it didn't even change my breathing. I am also in a better "head-place" about continuing. I DO think it was lack of fat/food that was making me so whacked last week. I don't really see taking a rest day at this point but I am not totally weirded out about it either.

05-20-2011, 10:20 AM	#193
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	Shelby -- I DO use the roller on my lips, though it isn't generally recommended to do that.... I want collagen rebuilding there in particular. I've had good results with it... be aware the lips bleed quite a lot.

05-20-2011, 10:45 PM	#195
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	Nola That makes sense -- I haven't been quite this lean in a long, long time... so this is rather new to me. I also haven't trained in this manner before. I am quite curious to see if you find it easier to build muscle on the drops too -- I am pretty sure I am not imagining that. Even in a deficit this week, I did a hard workout today, and I was much stronger doing it than I was even last week-- really, notably stronger, and with much greater endurance too.

05-20-2011, 11:31 PM	#197
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	I can't stand gadgety, either... that's been my main complaint with the later Firm workouts... they are always coming out with some silly new gadget, when their real strength is just solid, straight up weights, squats, etc. I love barre work, but I enjoy other workouts as well.

05-21-2011, 06:19 AM	#198
porkfatrules Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,506 Gallery: porkfatrules Stats: 223/183.5/110 WOE: HCG R3 Start Date: Re-re-re-start 5/8/11	Minimonkey, as much as I love Barre3, don't get it! It's a less advanced workout, and sounds like you wouldn't be challenged. The instruction is fantastic, though, and I really hope she makes more. Agree on the Callanetics -- such great workouts, but I just look at that purple print leotard and poofy hair and go, wow! And, the male exerciser in his gym socks! The Core Fusions are good but for some reason I don't reach for them as much -- maybe I need the inspiration of jazzier music (Pure Barre or P57)? The vibe in Core Fusion is all zen/yoga studio. But, top notch workouts, and I aspire to have a lean, flexible body like hers! I will have to spring for the new Bar Method workouts one of these days!

05-21-2011, 09:09 AM	#199
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	Dude, I am in love with the new Bar Method workouts... my glutes are SORE today! I think we are going for the Core Fusion Body Sculpt later today though... that one has been getting skipped in the rotation in favor of new toys, and it is a seriously good workout. I'm noticing an interesting change in my body -- my muscles aren't just defined now, but some of them are getting rock hard as well I mean, like man-muscle hard! I'm assuming, from what I've read, that means greater muscle density and a loss of intramuscular fat...? Maybe one of the bodybuilders can chime in here and confirm that for me.... I can also feel my muscles more when I move -- not soreness, just an awareness of a sort-of tightness/firmness overall -- it's a good feeling, but I haven't really had it like this before.

05-21-2011, 09:12 AM	#200
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	So, Porkfatrules -- thanks for the honest review of Barre 3. I watched a clip of it, and I agree that it doesn't look like it would be much of a challenge for me now. How do you think P-57 compares to Core Fusion in terms of intensity? ( I agree about the zen-buddha-om-vibe with the Fusion workouts, btw, but once the burn starts, I really don't much care.)

05-21-2011, 01:46 PM	#201
mymy3377 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 369 Gallery: mymy3377	@Mini and Porkfatrules (I love your user name btw, pork fat is my favorite kind of fat ) what is the difference between Lotte Berk and Callanetics? Is one "better" than the other? Or are they different with their own specific benefits? I'm going to keep on doing my Muscle Eats Fat DVD but I was just wondering if their is a greater benefit to sticking with one form if isometrics until you "master" it or is rotating them from the beginning better?

05-21-2011, 05:05 PM	#202
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	mymy3377 -- Callantetics and Lotte Berk are similar -- both have strengths. In my experience, Callanetics is great at shaping and tightening, but it won't give you cut, defined muscles on its own. Lotte Berk is a bit better at that. The original Callanetics tape is extremely dated... which I find amusing. I've enjoyed rotating the isometric trainings from the beginning.

05-21-2011, 07:14 PM	#203
shelbyla Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,673 Gallery: shelbyla Stats: 210/141/140 WOE: hhCG, rx hCG Start Date: rx hCG R5 start 08/11/12	Uh...yah...nice arms, girl!

05-21-2011, 08:21 PM	#205
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	So... I did my bodyfat reading today... and my p3-on-drops experiment worked wonders! I've gained 5.2 lbs of lean mass, and lost 2 lbs of fat, for a net gain of 3.2 lbs. That drops my bodyfat to less than 12%, and that makes me very, very happy! Good workout today (Core Fusion Body Sculpt) and a relatively high day calorically -- maintenance level, anyhow. I see that Urban Rebounding just released a metabolic extreme training package... its thirteen workouts, incorporating strength, core, and of course (weighted) cardio -- that is definitely going to be my next fitness dvd purchase The older ones are fun and cheesy, but the new ones look excellent... and I do love my rebounder!

05-22-2011, 01:56 AM	#206
nola baxter Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 917 Gallery: nola baxter	Hi Mini Your new body fat testing shows how those old scales dont tell the full story! Yep- that hardness you have is probably losing the intramuscular fat and also the fat around the muscles.. I read from the other thread that your calorie cycling is going well! great.. I swear it works best. Hanging out for tomorrow when I am doing a big load day. Just finished my last two low calorie days on my six-day cycle and have been feeling a lot of hunger/depletion. Need to eat some food big time!

05-22-2011, 09:00 AM	#210
minimonkey Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8,029 Gallery: minimonkey Stats: 5'0" -- very small frame WOE: Clean eating, whole foods	Thanks for the compliments, and for the information! I seem to remember something about the drama between Lotte Berk and Callan... Callan is such a character, it's easy to imaging getting into it with her...lol! She does crack me up. (Her little bio on the 10 in 10 tape is priceless!!) The Callanetics 10 in 10 is a very good place to start if you are new to isometric work, and her glutes and thigh exercises are really effective, no matter how you slice it! I have done 10 in 10 so many times I have the whole tape memorized, I think... it is a good way to get a strong foundation in isometric work and it does give quick results for most people. I still like the Super Callanetics workout pretty well, but I am not a big fan of Callan's abs exercises in general. Some of the SuperCallan ones are pretty good... but in general, I find they overwork the upper abs, and neglect the obliques... plus, they strain my neck (despite her protestations to the contrary). I much prefer the other isometrics for abs. I haven't tried the Callanetics evolution, but I hear that one is good. The Bar Method also stemmed from Lotte Berk's work originally. These methods have all evolved over time -- the newest Bar Method workouts are a big, big world away from the early ones in terms of intensity. Callan doesn't do much arm work, at all -- so that is one place that the others are definitely a cut above, if you are looking to build definition in your arms. Iin fact, upper body in general is lacking with Callanetics. (Although I think the Callanetics Evolution added weights, so that should help). For me, arms and upper body are a big focus, so I love the Fusion/later Bar Method focus on weights and pushups. Those sculpt the arms and back quickly, and well.