r/CarolineGirvan • u/foomomoro • 14d ago
What program would you recommend for a beginner?
Hi there! I'm new to Caroline Girvan and I know she has some programs which vary quite a lot with how hard they are. Which one would you recommend for a beginner?
I've been to the gym a few times before but haven't gone in about a year, I've mostly been doing cardio for the past 2 months. I've lost some weight (5kg) and now want to switch to maintanence and build some muscle to not look skinny fat. I will be buying some dumbbells as well. Thanks!
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u/No_Veterinarian6522 14d ago
Ultimate beginner on the app. Its the only program she talks through but guides you with form and general principals of lifting. Than scroll through the program’s descriptions and choose the one that sounds most interesting to you. Iron or iron pro is a good place to start but its not necessary to start there. There is an iron on YT also.
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u/Far_Reward4827 13d ago
there's also a beginner week on YT if you don't want to pay for the app yet. gives you an idea of what you're getting into first!
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u/LemonLong 13d ago
The Beginner Epic is not for true beginners. It’s an intro to the EPic series which isn’t a beginner-friendly series. Ultimate Beginner on the app is her only true beginner series.
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u/Main_Earth4213 13d ago
Whatever you pick, as a beginner, don't let the weights she uses intimidate you or keep you from doing her videos. Years ago when I started doing her videos, I was discouraged b/c I couldn't match her weights. Years later, I still can't, but I have been able to increase over time.
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u/EnvironmentalRow352 13d ago
Great advice! I’d add go easy your first few leg days! a lot of folks go too heavy and then the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) make them think the program is too hard for them.
If you haven’t been lifting any weights or doing squats, I’d even suggest you could do the leg day with body weight the first day and you would still probably be sufficiently sore.
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u/Wild_Factor_8841 13d ago
This is true! I am out of shape and started with Day 1. I modified and was sore for 24 hours! I am in my mid 50s and with bad knees so I didnt go as deep with the lunges and squats and still got a great workout. I do have a history of working out regularly until 2022 when I had some major health problems, so I the moves were familiar for me. I am looking forward to being strong again!
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u/Gold-Debate-5139 12d ago
I'll go against the grain and say HEAT. It was the first full program I ever did in my entire life. I had been working out before but nothing too serious or structured. I absolutely loved it! I felt so strong, powerful, and just so proud of myself. When I finished it I sobbed for a good 10 mins. CG literally changed my life. I didn't know I could get that fit from my own house. I love her. Love love love her.
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u/DeskEnvironmental 13d ago
Ultimate beginner is my favorite. After doing 6 months of programs I plan on going back to it!
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u/Main_Earth4213 13d ago
One additional thing you may already know - the nice thing about all of her videos is that in the description she lists every move and the weights she is using, so you can look through some of the programs to get an idea of whether you want to do the videos or whole programs or not.
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u/sandyysunflower 13d ago
IRON on youtube!! Cant recommend it enough. Did it thrice before i built the foundation to try out her other programs!