HI all...for starters, I have been lifting for 10 years plus some, and I have a lot of muscle and I am very strong. My problem is that I am too chubby right now, and lifting is not changing anything any more. I do a step (turbo sculpt) class on Friday nights which I love, and use cardio machines like the air trainer or stair master at least 3 days a week (usually, sometimes more).
Examples of my level of strength so you know where I'm coming from:
bench press - one rep max 150, usually I use up to 115-125 (no spotter)
bicep curls - 25 and 30 lb dumbbells, up to 65 lb barbell
leg press - high was 300 lbs, these days I don't go higher than 200
tricep pulldowns - high usually 70 lbs
skull crushers (triceps) - high 65 lb barbell
squats - 45 lb barbell with two 45 lb plates (unassisted) - more weight on the machine assisted squats
I try not to go as heavy as I used to since I'm 42 and not trying to kill my joints and stuff - plus my focus is shifting towards getting leaner. So, that being said:
Is pilates a good way to go? Any of you have experience with it? I am really interested in all the stretching exercises we do in turbo sculpt, and the balance moves, too. Want to be more flexible. Do I need a lot of room to do it? I have limited space in my living room and bedroom...help!