all I have

[Timbers]

A couple of years ago I was heavy (in my humble opinion) into going to the gym 3x a week. I did the normal routine. I put on 15 lbs - looked great - I was satisfied.
That was in Japan on a small military base. Now, I'm in SC and going to a gym is not an option any longer for various reasons.
I have a pilates machine and a couple of matt pilates videos.
I have 5 pound and 8 pound dumb bells (stop laughing). I also have a bar. I will get a set of 10 and 12 pounds within the next week.
I just got a set of four The Firm sculpting tapes to work with.
Now, with what I have, what are my chances of attaining the look when I had an awesome gym at my fingertips like in Japan?
I really hope someone here can encourage me

[cursor]

Chances of being fit are always good, as long as you are committed to the process and work at it intelligently. What is your current body size (height and weight) and fat level? What does your nutrition plan look like?

Pssst ... are you male or female?

[Steve]

Originally posted by Timbers
Now, with what I have, what are my chances of attaining the look when I had an awesome gym at my fingertips like in Japan?
I really hope someone here can encourage me

If you are really into it and obsessed enough, like most of us are here , I'd say your chances are pretty good.

There were times when all I had was a barbell to work out with, but I managed.


Steve

[hLd9]

it all comes down to how badly u want it

[Timbers]

Originally posted by cursor
Chances of being fit are always good, as long as you are committed to the process and work at it intelligently. What is your current body size (height and weight) and fat level? What does your nutrition plan look like?

Pssst ... are you male or female?

Hi. I'm female - 34. I'm 5'6 and my weight is 120. Body mass index 19.4, I believe. I'm small frame. When I worked out at the gym in Japan I saw results within a couple of months. Of course, I used heavier weights than I have at home. I also finished off each day at the gym with 30 minutes jogging on the treadmill (I have a treadmill at home A nice one too )
Nutrition - I eat healthy. I'm not "in the know" when it comes to nutrition and strength training. I admit, I eat when I'm hungry, and not on a schedule. In Japan, I did the protein whey drinks.
Please ask anything specific if it would be of more help.

[cursor]

Thanks for the feedback.

Best results always come from a smartly moderated plan. Feeding your body on a schedule (paying particular attention to how your exercise fits in) will promise the best results — volume, balance, and timing.

Access to heavier weights will also speed progress along. It's good that you're getting some additional dumbbells. Paying attention to where you are physically, what you're eating, and how you're working out ... then monitoring the effects of small changes in fitness program, will point you down a known path and ensure success.

[Timbers]

Sounds like a plan! Thanks for the great advice and encouragement

[Timbers]

Oh my gosh, I've just finished my new routine with The Firm sculpting tape upper body.
A few years ago when I went to the gym on a regular basis I would have giggled at this tape. I'm not giggling now
I've lost all of my stamina. I'm back at zero. This was a hard workout for me.
I just know I am gonna be painfully sore by tomorrow.
My scedule:
Mon: upper body (Firm tape), abs (Firm tape)
Tues: lower body (Firm tape) abs (Firm tape)
Wed: mat pilates (Anna Coban tape), abs (Firm tape)
Thurs: yoga (Denise Austin tape), abs (Firm tape)
Fri: abs (Firm tape), 3 sets tri kickbacks, 3 sets shoulder raises
3 sets bi curls and 3 sets squats

The Firm abs tapes are meant to be split up for 5 daily ab workouts.

Keep in mind - this is what I have at home. I can't go to a gym.
My hand held weights are 3, 5, 8, and 10 #s. Believe me, this is plenty of weight for me at this time in my life.

I can't believe what a weeny I've let myself go down to

Can a have some encouragement, as I know I'm going to be in pain for a while

[cursor]

Just remember ... the pain is good (as long as it isn't totally immobilizing). Stick with it—develop the pattern. Your metabolism will pick up in no time and you'll be well on your way.