Has anyone tried Matt Roberts book Fit for Your Shape?
I bought it yesterday. It has workout programmes specifically targeted for your shape - tube, apple, pear or hourglass - it looks pretty good. I was about to follow the hourglass plan before my bf told me I was more pear shaped .... hourglass sounds better than pear to me but never mind.
Anyway would be interested in hearing from anyone who has tried it.

Hi,
A friend tried it and found it quite useful but she was very clearly a pear shape and made sure that she kept up a very cardio-based exercise plan at the same time to help shift the pounds. I know she found being so pear-shaped difficult and being told to do arm exercises made her focus less on her thighs and realise she was a whole body and as such should exercise everything. I'm certain that had a positive mental effect on her body image.
If you're trying (like me) to rein in some curves then really cardio has to be the biggest part of your exercise plan but a few focussed exercises could be helpful. My problem with the book is that it's quite expensive to pay for a whole book when only a quarter will be useful to you.
Let me know how it goes though!

Thanks Natalie. Good to hear that it had a positive affect on your friend and that she maintained her cardio work too.
I've recently started a beginners running program after having to stop a few months ago because of an injury. My physical therapist stressed the importance of core/strenghtening exercises so I've been looking for something to supplement the run/walk training I'm doing.
Will let you know how I get on.

What about Pilates? The power walking lot recommend it for the days inbetween walking to elongate muscles.
I've got rubbish core muscles so have just signed up to Pilates at the gym. First sesion last week, and definitely felt it the next day.

Pilates is definitely the way to go. I used to row and despite being 'taught' how to strengthen the core muscles by various coaches I actually only really made any difference to them when I started Pilates classes. Also, my chiropractor recommends specific exercises to help strengthen certain muscles that I damaged during rowing- so I'd definitely recommend it!

I agree having done Pilates for over 5 years I think it makes you stronger in your core area and you are more aware of your posture and alignment. Stick at it Sue R it will get easier and flow more the more you do. I did have a shoulder problem which has almost completely gone after physio and pilates after a car accident and now have much better core strength. I try to practice 10 -30 mins per day. I would definitely recommend it and my class is taken by an osteopath so I know the exercises are ok.

That sounds good! mine is taken by a bimbo who is not particularly good!
Thought I might try spinning next - actually it is boxerspin! Sounds interesting!

Sue R
Gosh have just read my post sorry if it was boring!

On the Littlewoods website, now that Trinny and Susannah are "designers" there, you can do the body shape calculator, which is kinda interesting. They have 12 body shapes, which I think gives a bit more focus... Series of questions, helps to be a bit more objective..

You can then look at clothes to enhance your shape...

http://www.littlewoodsdirect.com/rf/lxd/static.do? page=landingpage21

I do think that exercise targeted to body shape makes sense. Never really thought of it, but perhaps not enough to want to buy the book, unless more encouragement from here!

My therapist recommended pilates too. I bought a DVD to see what it was all about before I signed up for an 8 week course and couldn't get into it Exercising when I'm not distracted by movement - TV, changing scenery, etc - I struggle to get excited about.

I tried Workout 1 from the book after my run/walk session last night and couldn't complete it all I guess because I was knackered from my run and was attempting to use muscles that haven't been used in quite some time. New muscles feel achey today but good achey.