Hi everyone! I have lurked here for some time and am amazed at how knowledgeable and helpful you all are so I finally decided to post!!! I recently ordered Core Secrets by Gunnar Pederson (weight workout on the ball). So far, I am doing the 25 min. workout. Next week, I am going to try the 45 minute workout. I recently also got a book from the library by Joyce Vedral "Bottoms Up!". Excellent book. Now, this is where I am confused. Core Secrets you do each exercise for about 16 reps. Joyce's book suggests the pyramid system and also suggests using lighter weights. From all that I have read and learned in the past, I always thought you should use a weight that you would fatigue that muscle on your last few reps. Is that right? I am not sure what to do know. I have weight trained before so I am familiar with somethings but now - CONFUSED!! What I want to achieve is a nice toned body not necessary build any muscle but tighten and tone. What is your suggestion to achieve this. I still have time to return Core Secrets if I wanted to but I just wanted your opinions first. Sorry about the long post ladies!!!!

Hi Gumby,
I think if you go back and read the "Lifting to Failure" thread you'll find most of the answers to your questions, and how most of us feel about this. Remember, TONE is muscle. With the "girl" added to your name, it's highly unlikely that you have the hormones to build huge muscles.

Mel

Thanks I will check that thread out! LOL, by the way, that was always my nickname my whole life and I am 36 years old - I guess I forgot about the "girl" part!!!

Hi Gumby and welcome! I love your name!

I haven't read either of those books (is Core Secrets a book, or DVD maybe?) but I agree with Mel and say to lift to failure. You'll get that lovely tight toned body that we all want.

I'm, of course , with Mel and Meg ... I have the Joyce Vedral book "Bottoms Up", I liked it back then, 10 years ago when I started, but I much prefer to do less reps and go to failure, than to count to 15 or 20 reps, I get bored very easily with the counting... I count 5 then 5 and I'm done!

See my siggie with L2L's husband's quote...