Better Results using one instructor or system?

[psupam]

I have always been eclectic in my approach, using workouts from a variety of instructors. Lately I have started to look at rotations put together by various instructors (the FIRM, Cathe, Jessica Smith) and I wonder if I would get better results from using one instructor at a time. I am reasonably fit but I don't think what I do ever really changes my body much. I would be interested in others' opinions.

[Gams]

I’m a big believer in variety, partly to keep from getting bored but also because I remember when I was young and taking dance and my teacher encouraged me to take classes from a variety of instructors. She said, “If you only take classes from me, then my strengths will become your strengths and my weaknesses will become your weaknesses.”

[Paula N]

Originally Posted by Gams

She said, “If you only take classes from me, then my strengths will become your strengths and my weaknesses will become your weaknesses.”

This makes so much sense! I have heard something similar said by several coaches I have met over the years - that each coach as a slightly different background and focus, and you can always pick up something new from occasionally training with a new coach, or at least have something explained to you in a new way that 'clicks' with you.

Personally, I don't have the attention span to stick with one instructor or rotation.

[kat999]

That advice from the dance instructor is 100% spot on. If you think about it, you don't take all your HS or college courses from one instructor, and you don't even usually keep the same one for the same subject throughout your time at a particular school (unless it is very small).

However, I will say that because I'm in a weight loss mode right now (aiming to lose 30 lbs., in fact, so not insignificant), I started doing a specific program, and I am seeing results. It may be down to other factors, but I think programs and rotations definitely have their place, if you're trying to "shake things up," so to speak. The benefit of a program is that it may be specifically designed to work particular muscles on particular days, and trying to design that kind of rotation yourself or just do that haphazardly may not achieve specific results.

If you're in maintenance mode or just trying to work as many muscles groups all at once, then I think doing your own thing or designing your own rotation is great and can be quite effective. But for me, I know that I needed to change something and be more deliberate/have someone design something for me in order to drop this weight, and so far so good.

[psupam]

I too am looking to lose weight, which is why I started thinking about rotations. May I ask you for a recommendation?

[Pam61]

"Results" can mean different things, depending on what your goals are.

For weight loss I would combine cardio with strength training, but also watch your food choices and portions. Circuits might be a good option to consider.

You also might be more motivated to try someone new-to-you or change to a different style.

Consistency is also key.

[kat999]

Originally Posted by psupam

I too am looking to lose weight, which is why I started thinking about rotations. May I ask you for a recommendation?

I decided to do Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution, to be followed by BodyShred, because I was noticing I was getting good results doing a loose rotation of her standalone workouts. I also honestly hate HIIT and circuit training so tend to avoid it in favor of steady-state cardio with weights (e.g., longer workouts at a lower intensity) and was seeing zero results, so I took a good hard look at what actually burned a lot of calories for me and had to admit it was HIIT and circuit training. Since JM already designed two programs that focused on that, I figured I'd give 'em a shot. I have a check-in for those if you're interested in my results. I'm also following a very, very strict food plan.

But Pam is right, too, in what tends to be effective, and you have to listen to your body, your needs, your goals, what has worked for you in the past, where your fitness is now, etc. I keep really meticulous records on the calorie burn of all my workouts and so was able to notice some trends and what was actually EFFECTIVE vs. what I tend to emotionally enjoy, and those are not always the same. When I hit my goal weight and re-enter maintenance mode, I'm going to open things back up and just sort of cycle through all my workouts and have fun with it, but I think from now on whenever I need to drop weight, I'm going back to a program (not necessarily one of these two, but definitely a pre-designed program that has a set number of days/workouts, etc.).

[Leonana]

I have better results following a rotation with one instructor, which for me is Jessica Smith. However, I suppose I could do different rotations with different instructors and also have good results. As long as I stick with one rotation for a month or two.

[psupam]

Thanks for the thoughts. Speaking of rotations, I just got an email that Lift and Shift is open again. I am very tempted but the idea that I would not physically have the workouts makes me hesitate.

[Jane P.]

It seems like your body gets used to everything if you keep doing it. However I do think it's a good idea to stick to a rotation for a while to see what results happen or don't happen. You might say that rotation was a waste of time, but keep in mind that you're still exercising which is a good thing.

I remember Charlene Prickett saying that some results are microscopic in nature and don't show up right away.

I do like weight lifting because you can see when you're getting stronger even if you can't see changes on the outside right away.