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I dont know if you can answer this but my question is about yoga. Im too busy to make it to a class regularly and wondered if you had any other suggestions? Im not really a dvd workout person but I have trouble remembering the poses and end up doing what feels good.

Thanks MizFit!

Ahh emailer. I can so relate to this. Before I discovered Rodney Yee I, too, had not been a fan of the yoga dvds (Ill spare you the YeeLove since you say you dont like DVDs but if you’re ever so inclined perhaps rent a few and see what you think.).

I, like you, also seemed utterly unable to recall any of the poses on my own (Im getting better—but still only with the basics).

I started with this and actually found that selecting the poses before hand, placing them on front of me on the floor, and removing a card when I finished a pose worked quite well!

It didnt have the flow of a dvd routine (nor did I have an instructor to watch to be certain my body was in proper alignment) but it was far better than Id done with only my memory as a guide.

Recently I stumbled upon this which, while entirely NOT a necessity, sorta piqued my interest. I like the notion of HANGING the routine on the wall/door far better than my old way of plopping the cards on the carpet. (but Im a sucker for accessories that way)

Lastly this is a pretty cool option, too.

I know Im going out on a limb here because it *is* a video yet I thought, perhaps, the computer might be more alluring to you than a dvd.

(and, Im compelled to add, if you’re feeling silly as I oft am check these out. I daresay there may be one in this MizFit’s future.)

There are myriad options out there for non-dvd workouts and these are just a few which Ive tested. MizFits? any better suggestions? help us out in the comments.

Can you weigh in on how much rest is suggested after weight training? I’ve always understood that it is most effective with an alternating schedule – one day on, the next off. Would that hold true for push-ups and sit-ups, as well?
Thanks.

Again MY OPINION.

As in Im not consulting the American Council On Exercise or some such expert to see what they think. Please to make a note of this.

The most important thing is what your definition of weight training is.

When I was a trainer ninety percent of my clients did a full body routine. Those clients never lifted on back-to-back days because they’d (to bottom line it) be working the muscles too often & never offering them a chance to heal and GROW (which is, obviously, the goal).

I did have clients who, due to schedule restrictions, could only lift two days a week and back to back days. With those clients I’d *split* their body parts up into two groups: upper body one day and legs & shoulders the next.

While even doing that there is some overlap (you are working your tricep muscles, for example, when you lift chest and then AGAIN the next day when you exercise triceps) it was far better than the client lifting only one time a week.

Using myself as an example, I tend to lift five days and all in a row. Ill exercise chest, back, biceps, triceps/shoulder, & legs all on different days. Again due to time limitations.

To add one more confusing piece to the puzzle I do think that many fitness organizations (ACE being one of them ) still adhere to the “lift one day and then allow 48 hours to pass before you weight train again” notion (kelly? wanna chime in?).

BOTTOM LINE (without knowing more specifics on your situation): Id not lift the SAME muscle group on back to back days (lift back and then BACK again the following day). As a result, even though you are utilizing your body weight, *I* would not do push ups two days in a row. If Ive pushed to FATIGUE then Im not ready the following day to do it again. If Im ready? I didnt work hard enough (hinthint).

With regards to situps *I* dont do weighted crunches on back to back days — but nonweighted? yes.

MizFits? I know you have some opinions here. It’s all such a personal thing so CHIME IN in the comments!

Lastly a tag. From the Fabulous Fitarella.

I dont typically do tags but Ive gotten a number of “WHO ARE YOU?” type viewer mails (phrased more kindly than that—but that’s the jist). And while I plan to do a detailed ME-POST (including how I realized that processed white carbs did NOT agree with me, W.O. Mommy) this is a good starting point.

What are 4 ways you know you are living your life’s purpose?
When Im working (writing. day job.) time FLIES.

I love my life. I leap out of bed every morning and cannot wait to start the day.

I found my soulmate and together we are better than I was before I met him.

All that said, Im still confident there is far more out there for me to do. To give. So I havent completely found it yet.

What are 4 things you do to take really good care of yourself?
Do cardio even though I dont like it. So I stick around longer 🙂

Lift weights.

Eat MizFit’s Version of Clean.

Try not to fret/stress. Work to be present in all that I do.


What are the 4 events that have most formed how you live your life today?
Reading the book Harriet the Spy (for some reason that book convinced me I wanted to be a spy writer.).

My mom’s unflagging encouragement that anything boys could do girls could do better (Id add a smiley face but Im not joking).

Getting married/our daughter.

Watching people I know who modeled for me living a life of “do unto others” & realizing that is how I would like to be remembered.

What are 4 things you do to keep your motivation up to work out and eat healthy every day?
I just dont make it a choice. Especially during the week. I think of it as just another part of the work week.

I stack the area around my stationary bike with trashy mags.

I keep plenty of good clean foods in the house.

I often dont exercise rather I PLAY with my daughter/take her places where we can run around together.

 

Name 4 people who have been the most influential in motivating you to change your eating and exercise habits.
hmmmm.

For me it’s more people Ive met SINCE Ive changed to a healthy lifestyle who have had an impact on me.

people who have overcome disease or physical challenges.

as far as motivating me to change MY lifestyle? I couldnt fit into any interview suits & had no money to purchase new ones. QUITE MOTIVATING!

What are your top 4 reasons for staying off of refined sugar and white flour?
bloating

moodswings

moodswings

BLOATINGSWELLING

List ways that blogging has helped you either attain or maintain a higher level of health and fitness.
It definitely motivates me to seek answers to questions I might not have otherwise out of sheer laziness.

Im a poster child for nothing (*wink*) but dont wanna become one for backsliding.

Thanks Fitarella for the tag—-here’s hoping I havent bored you all to tears. and, alas, there’s no freebie for making it this far in the post either!

Happy Wednesday.

 

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Comments

  1. Heyy.

    My trainer says to wait at least one day but not more than three between strength sessions. I do total body circuit, and as of last night am adding a second rep. If I’m feeling good, I will wait at least 24-36 hours between sessions of strength training – but my trainer isn’t wise to that yet…I don’t think she’d be for it. It’s not something I do often, but sometimes I feel like I just HAVE to life!

  2. I want a yogamatic mat! But oh, how to choose what to put on it? They are too funny!

  3. Great answers!! I really want to start doing yoga as well. I am not going to TRY but I am going to go to one Yoga class next week! We have an incredible yoga instructor at the gym I work at and I am excited to give her class a try.

  4. YOU are the fabulous one!

    Love the Yogamatic mats, but Nita’s right, how to decide who’s mug gets on there? my hunky neighbor?

    Have been doing alternating full body workouts to fit in more running mileage, but normal I lift back to back alternating parts too.

  5. There are several good yoga podcasts available, some of which have pictures of each of the poses to go along with the commentary. One in particular does a really nice job of describing how the pose should feel, so that even though you can’t see it, you can really tell if you are doing it right. Yogajournal.com also has a good podcast with pictures of the poses.

    I’m glad you answered that strength training question. I’ve recently switched to working a few muscles each day to save on time but still get my lifting in.

  6. Oh so many thoughts today on this post.

    One, “again my opinion” we LOVE your opinions and that is why we are here.

    Mizfits version of clean eating. I have come to do this in my own version at my house. I do not necessarily think it may be all ‘clean’ but it is food that makes me feel good. I went to McDonalds yesterday (used to be my FAVORITE) and lately I order only for my son, well I was over hungry (did not carry snacks —bad move #1) and ordered a hamburger and coke. UGG, felt HORRIBLE, felt greasy all day – brushed my teeth twice and even showered, did I say I Felt horrible! Eating clean (for me) is food that makes me feel energized and …………clean. Thanks MizFit. You ROCK.

    As for this quote “I just dont make it a choice. Especially during the week. I think of it as just another part of the work week.” WOW WOW WOW.

    That is………………..AWESOME and WILL go on my fridge. Not much goes on my fridge but THIS will. I needed to hear this. Did I say YOU ROCK MIZFIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Off to get up my tornado and go for a walk, will report in later. NOT an option, this walk. Period.

    Now for all those people who post on here, thank YOU, I feel like we are family and I need this daily dose. Plus I look at the comments on here and we all get something different from you.

    I think I covered most of my feelings on this post.

    Jules

  7. dang, Jules.

    I think I need to print your comment and post it on MY ‘fridge.

    thanks for brightening my morning as Im off to don my WriterWoman bandanna and wrestle with some words.

    M.

  9. Lots of great information here!

    I’m not very ambitious with my weight training, so I can do a full-body workout all in one session. Two to three times a week seems best-either a day or two of rest between. Hell, sometimes 3 or 4 days rest if it’s a busy week but then I struggle a lot more when I come back.

    I’m actually posting about my Slacky Weight Training techniques tomorrow. Not for the High Achiever, that’s for sure, but i have managed to keep it up year after year.

  11. izzybeth, I don’t exactly get the whole wii yoga – can you explain? I understand the notion of doing yoga, of course, but what does the wii component add? You see a cartoon version of yourself doing the moves? I can see how that could be fun, but just want to check and make sure I’m getting things right;-)

    nice answers, Miz!

  12. Interesting about the weight timing – I’ve tried just about every possible iteration out there. And I’ve found that they all seem to work. It’s just important to pay attention to your results. If you aren’t seeing any muscle growth and/or you feel fatigued and sore all the time then you need more rest. Yeah, i like to state the obvious:) I’m the queen of overtraining…lol!

    Loved reading your tag!

  13. I’ve been wondering about the weight training question myself. I’m working on push-ups right now, and I’ve been doing a set of 10 in the morning and a set of 10 at night–every day. I’m not experiencing overly sore muscles, so I’ll probably keep at it. I’ll definitely back off if I start to feel discomfort. Maybe I’m not doing enough to really injure myself?

  14. izzybeth, you KNOW I, too, want those answers.

    Although perhaps I should getcha to email them to Renaissance Man so Ill get a wii fit for my birthday! (he’s all about the balance thing right now)

    charlotte, I HEARTappreciate your stating the obvious. as, often, it is stuff I havent stated CLEARLY enough 🙂

    Jen, I would say for SURE you arent injuring yourself. maybe add in some more reps? 20 at a time? change around how you are doing the push ups?
    want some ideas?

    M.

  15. Thanks for a great read, all the good information, and for being a special person who makes the world a better place!!

  16. ok.
    now Im suspicious 🙂

    Did Renaissance Man do a super-secret invisible ink post only YOU ALL can see stating that Im having a rough morning?

    thanks Dr. J.

    M.

  17. Helpful info about getting in the yoga. I don’t mind DVDs as they keep me going. 🙂
    Weight training is something I should do more often. I tend to use my own body weight when doing the exercises. I know I would NEED a day or two off if I used more weight and lifted to fatigue. Maybe a stronger person wouldn’t need as much time off.
    Not boring reading your answers to the tag! It’s always great to learn more about and from The Mizfit! 🙂

  18. Oh, Miz – you are having a rough morning? Sorry to hear that. And can definitely relate – the Bag Lady had one of those yesterday…all day!

    Great post today – the Bag Lady needs to get back into her yoga and weight-lifting, but has not yet found time. If that last cow would just have her calf…………..

  19. I tend to follow your mantra on lifting. Right now I have a trainer. We do upper body one session and lower body the next. I also throw in an additional circuit or total body workout at home, but that is at least two days after my training sessions. When I’m not training, I might do a 4-day split routine or supersets but whatever I do I don’t do concentrated work on the same muscle groups two days in a row.

    BTW – Love the bit on working to be present in all that you do. We can miss so much when we go through the motions. Not only in the experiences we have, but in the part of ourselves the we give to others.

  20. Does the same apply to cardio? Should I rest in between workout days, or is it ok if I walk and run a little bit every day?

    I’m not doing weight training YET, but I should…so I’ll keep this in mind!

  21. good question QL Girl!

    I’d say walking even jogging every day is fine. That said, Im thinking NOT to excess. thirty to forty minutes a day.

    (listen to your body, too. For some people even *that* amount is too much & causes over-training symptoms such as a general feeling of fatigue, joint pain, feelings of anxiety, loss of appetite, slowed healing of injuries and sleeplessness. I know– that list is like the side effect listing on a medication commercial (I HAVE THAT!!) but your body will tell you what it can and cannot handle if you (we) just listen.)

    M.

  22. Here, here on NOT working the same muscle group 2 days in a row. That is a no no. And since I’m really working the double words today, here’s another here here for staying away from the sugary sweet sweets.

  23. best line ever:
    Work to be present in all that I do.

    and no, don’t throw the breading on the floor, but would love to see the reaction on my hubbies face if I do!!

    have a great week, love the post today!!

  24. I have absolutely nothing to contribute to the discussion (but somehow that doesn’t stop me from posting a comment). Thanks for being one of my “4 people who have been the most influential in motivating you to change your eating and exercise habits.”

  25. I’ve tried on occasion to work the same muscle groups with weights the following day and DAMN is it difficult. Not happy times. The only thing I like to do on back-to-back days is abs work, and I’ll usually do different abs exercises on the back-to-back days to switch it up a bit. But when it comes to cardio? I go stir-crazy if I don’t do at least half an hour each day:)

    I like the idea of the yoga positions hanging on the wall- even if it IS entirely unnecessary!

    I hope that your morning is getting better as the day goes on!

  26. yay for doing the tag, and why is it that I always feel I’m the only one NOT doing yoga? Oh well.

  27. Like Heather, I have nothing to contribute, except for saying that this morning I am considering dumping a bucket of water on a certain teacher at my son’s school to see if she melts. This site keeps me thinking about fitness which is why I visit every day – thank you MizFit for being web present!

  28. Oh Oh Oh, Wii Fit has a whole section on Yoga (about 12 moves). If you are at all video game oriented (like myself) then Wii Fit can be quite fun. The great thing about the Yoga is it gives you constant feedback about where your center of balance is, and you get more “points” the more stable you are. The only bummer about it is that you cannot do back to back exercises..you have to pick each exercise individually. But, combined with the strength training, aerobic, and balance games, the whole thing is quite fun. I wouldn’t say it should replace your normal workout routine, but it’s a great supplement.

    Mizfit, I so love your positive outlook on life and fitness, very refreshing!!

  29. I think I am the only one here that HATES Yoga. Yes, I know it is good for you, but damn, it is just far too slow for me. How can you be all ZEN-like when you are shouting at the instructor to move away from the head-up-your-butt pose to something a little easier?

    Miz–bad day? I don’t think I have ever heard that from you…

  30. I know, Meribeth, and how sad that it wasnt a bad morning just a rough one.

    (if by rough you mean up at the CRACK (before the crack. Pre-CRACK if you will) to write/hit a deadline so youre kinda tired before the Toddler Tornado awakens—which I do)

    not to be too, too Suzy Sunshine but I already heard that my boss liked my article (cue confetti shaped like caffeinated ANYTHING) and I had an amazing morning with the TT.

    Im beyond spoiled.

    M.

  31. Miz, I follow a lifting schedule similar to yours — different body part on different days — chest & biceps / legs / back & triceps / shoulders — 45 mins of different styles of cardio 6 days a week. If you’re working your muscles to fatigue, you need at the very least 2 days recovery time to prevent overtraining and possible injury.

    Loved reading your tag. The way you live your life out loud for all to see is soooo inspiring. I’m super glad I stumbled upon your page a few weeks ago and now I start every morning looking for your sage wisdom, awesome links, and snarky social commentary. I think I feel a bit of a girl crush comin’ on….I heart Mizfit…yeah, I said it….off to become an official member of the Bumbling Band.

    BTW, I managed to place a respectable 2nd place in my “fitness” competition, went IMMEDIATELY to sodium/sugar heaven, and now I’m back on track. Sugar detox — Day 1.

  32. KELLIE!

    Ive been wondering about you/your show & am so glad youre back!

    CONGRATS on the second placing—nice job & better than I ever did!

    Girl crush? Im honored.

    love & sugar detoxing days,

    M.

  33. Long–yes..hard to stop reading –yes! This is a great post MizFit. Great tips and ideas, as well as insights.

    I do want to start yoga and just might have to put it on my calendar and make it a date. We have so many great classes at my gym. On my own I know I wont follow much because my mind will wonder into the “I should be doing something else…” world.

    Great read. Thanks.

  34. oh, i miss yoga so much, it really added definition to my arms. I might have to get that hanging thing, it looks very handy!

    I don’t have much else to add, just that I too love coming here for all the comments and ‘friendship’! 🙂

  35. Mallory and Meribeth – you are not the only ones not doing yoga! Although I have tried many times, I can’t stick with it. I may be incredibly weird, and maybe someone can explain this to me, but yoga makes me nauseated and light headed. So I stopped doing it.

  36. Confetti it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!oh wait, that doesn’t look like confetti.
    Suzy Sunshine works! “Little Mizfit Sunshine” can be the name of your film.
    Gena, my only explanation is, I just don’t like it. I get bored.

  37. Am I the only one who loves the day-after muscle soreness of a good weight workout? Is that weird? I couldn’t do two days in a row because I’m too sore from the first day.

    MizFit, I loved your tag — nice to learn more about you!

  38. your reasons for giving up refined sugar are ones that are enough to make me think before biting into my beloved chocolate bar. Great post!

  39. always late too the partay…but i had to say:
    U ROCK!!! thanks for keepin’ it real!
    what an inspiring interview…no wonder you have this awesome group of mizfits chiming in daily!
    love all the yoga info…especially the mats!
    i’ve been on a weight training hiatus but would love some ideas on the best ways to incorporate/rotate push ups, abs and triceps dips on a daily basis.

  40. they still adhere by 48 hours, but if you think about it, its the one day on, one day off thing. but that applies to body parts, not sessions, so you can do upper body one day, lower body the next and technically get strength training in everyday.

    so long story short: Mizfit’s opinion is correct by the ACE standards.

    and continues to exceed mine.

    im a cornball.

  43. Hmmmmm….having thought about it…I don’t go Yoga, but I do do yogurt.

    ~~it’s late and I’m punchy~~~

  44. Love all those yoga cards, mats, etc…I’ve always wanted something similiar for weight training. Cards to grab on the way to the garage. I always forget some body part and the cards would be super. So, you got some prepared for me? Some fantastic web/weight training guru that has already thought of that?

  45. Mizfit…I don’t get over to your blog often enough. That’s about to change:)…Thanks for all the insight!!

  46. I LOVE yoga, I mean I am absolutely all about yoga. I hate DVDs, but Gaiam has got some very calming and soothing ones that don’t “feel” like a DVD, if that makes any sense. (And you can play them on the computer, hehe!) Mine is led by Suzanne Deason, who initially seems a bit different but I have grown to completely >(listen to your body, too. For some people even *that* amount is too much & causes over-training symptoms such as a general feeling of fatigue, joint pain, feelings of anxiety, loss of appetite, slowed healing of injuries and sleeplessness. I know– that list is like the side effect listing on a medication commercial (I HAVE THAT!!) but your body will tell you what it can and cannot handle if you (we) just listen.)<<

    I just absolutely HEART you, M. You are the best. I wish all trainers would tell people that we are NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL and we have to pay attention to what is right for us individually. (Personally, I can’t handle marathon cardio sessions more than once or twice a week without turning into Cruella DeBitch. 30 minutes is my limit, with a one to two hour session once a week. Other than that, I’m ALL about the circuits. And my yoga, of course.)

    You are officially the bomb. But I knew that. 🙂

    V.

  47. Okay, that comment got sort of mangled. But the gist of it is there. 🙂 With the omission of the fact that I now love Suzanne Deason, and the rambling part about my circuit training that was very disconnected anyway. Heh. Shocking, eh?

    v.

  48. I really like your answers. Especially the one about how you stay motivated: “I just dont make it a choice. Especially during the week. I think of it as just another part of the work week.”

    That’s what I do, too. Weights three times a week, without fail. Some form of cardio on the other days, and sometimes on weight days, too. If I’m tired after work, I still go out for a walk. Gotta do something.

  49. When I wake up early enough Oxygen channel has yoga every week day (usually 6 am. which is really too early to be doing it). While I kind of like yoga, I also really suck at balance stuff. Which means yoga is hard. And the classes at the gym are always so crowded.

    I vary my lifting according to my schedule. Oddly, if I can get time to go the gym it’s almost unlimited time. I try for 3 full-body or 2 two-day workouts (upper one day/lower the next). And with the price of gas? I’m aiming for the 3!

    With a lab and border collie, the walking every day thing is hardly a choice.. but it’s not necessarily challenging enough to be considered cardio either. Still I do it and they love it.

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