Post: #1

I've been using Convict Conditioning to develop my own workout routine and one of the things I really like about it is that it gives you a clear progression and a sensible outline for a workout routine.

My girlfriend sees me getting really fit and she wants to start working out more regularly so she's been using her exercise bike and stuff but I'm curious if there's a good workout book I could get her. Obviously I don't want her copying my routine and turning into a man but I'd like to be able to supplement the biking with some other light weight-loss/toning exercises so she has some more variety.

I'd really appreciate a book or something she can reference rather than just pointing her to a website or dropping a bunch of notes on her that will overwhelm her. She's just starting out and too much complex info might squander her enthusiasm.

Post: #2

In one of the CC series (or is it C-Mass?), Paul Wade says that calisthenics is appropriate for women as well, because involves only her body weight, so she'll develop proportional strength and aesthetics appropriate for a woman. So, you can do CC together. Of course, you will have a different progression path than she will.

Post: #3

Mr. Nobody, curious what are your gains with CC? I have been using it this last 16 weeks and have noticed big progression regarding strength and I even got muscle. I dare say even better results than my home workout with weights I did in time before CC.

Post: #4

Your girl will never turn into a man or grow any serious muscle mass just doing body weight exercise. I wouldn't worry about it. The worst that will happen is that she will work off some fat and have better body definition. Have her do your workout with you could be a good experience.

Post: #5

https://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Lifting...1583333398

quoted from summary:

In The New Rules of Lifting for Women, authors Lou Schuler, Cassandra Forsythe and Alwyn Cosgrove present a comprehensive strength, conditioning and nutrition plan destined to revolutionize the way women work out. All the latest studies prove that strength training, not aerobics, provides the key to losing fat and building a fit, strong body. This book refutes the misconception that women will "bulk up" if they lift heavy weights. Nonsense! It's tough enough for men to pack on muscle, and they have much more of the hormone necessary to build muscle: natural testosterone. Muscles need to be strengthened to achieve a lean, healthy look. Properly conditioned muscles increase metabolism and promote weight loss -- it's that simple. The program demands that women put down the "Barbie" weights, step away from the treadmill and begin a strength and conditioning regime for the natural athlete in every woman. The New Rules of Lifting for Women will change the way women see fitness, nutrition and their own bodies.

Post: #6

Starting strength.

The same program anyone should start with.

Being a starting strength coach might have me a little biased, but I've seen plenty of women develope a nice body using the SS program. They don't end up looking like men, anymore than you could train to look like a woman

Post: #7

(06-12-2017 09:56 AM)sterling_archer Wrote:  Mr. Nobody, curious what are your gains with CC? I have been using it this last 16 weeks and have noticed big progression regarding strength and I even got muscle. I dare say even better results than my home workout with weights I did in time before CC.

I've been using it for about the same time period and have also made significant gains in strength and muscle. I've never been in bad shape or anything but this is definitely the strongest and best shape I've ever been in. I'm pretty close to being able to do all the exercises one-handed/legged but not to the level of doing proper sets so I'm continuing the series (at around level 7 or 8 for most of them).

I've got better results from other possible options because its something I can do entirely on my own schedule and there was no knowledge barrier. I could possibly get better results in terms of muscular definition by going to a gym and working weights but in terms of building raw strength and enhancing my body shape it's ideal and a strong contender for the best $10 I ever spent.



Seems like introducing her to the lower series and trying to turn it into a team effort is the way to go. I guess I was just thinking about it like a man. The book has 10 levels so obviously I'm going to do it until I'm level 10 in everything. She won't need or want to do that.

I'll look into the other books suggested as well and cover all my bases. Thanks for the responses.

Post: #8

Body weights, but even some strength training, say once or twice a week, would help. As long as she doesn't go ape shit on heavy lifting, she'll just develop some tone.

Focus should be butt and abs. Pure Barre program is great, focuses on those two things. And it'll kick your ass if you do it. I never have, but I have friends who have wives who've done it.

The question is whether she's a self-motivated solo workout girl or if she needs a social group to workout with. Most chicks are socially motivated.

Post: #9

The best and most consistent results I see are when women get into barbell lifting squats/deadlifts and kettle bell Tabata to lose fat and then pilates and yoga for core.

I love a nice shaped neck and shoulders so I also encourage hanging/pullups.