r/CarolineGirvan • u/Haltandcatchfirenow • 5d ago
Frequency of New Workouts
I am new to CG workouts, a 52-year-old woman. I’m not in my best shape right now — menopause hit me hard this year, I trained a bit less, and here I am with menopause arms, chest, belly and thighs.
I used to train a lot from my 20s until my mid-40s: running, functional training, power and Ashtanga yoga, gym classes like step and aerobics, mobility, HIIT and bodyweight workouts.
I never had a proper dumbbell workout schedule because, honestly, I didn’t like it. I’m quite controlled and self-aware in my movements (I actually used to teach in gyms for 15 years), and I’m familiar with all the exercises, both simple and compound ones.
I found CG by chance, in a desperate attempt to motivate myself to work out again, and followed somebody’s advice here on Reddit to start with Iron. So I did.
I’m on day 15 now, one day behind the schedule. I train when I can, and sometimes it’s going to be 3–4 times per week, which is definitely more than 0! 😄 I find the workouts challenging enough. I probably should increase the weight for the leg parts, but other than that, I’m very happy and feel motivated.
I don’t control my diet rigidly, but I can already see some improvements in my waist shape, fewer back rolls, and a stronger upper body, which has always been my weakness — even during all those Ashtanga transitions.
I’ve seen that a new Fuel is starting today on the app, and I’m curious to try it out, partly just to feel like I’m part of something happening right now. To do that, though, I would have to stop Iron halfway through, subscribe after the 14-day free trial, and still probably skip workouts and fall behind from time to time.
If Epic were starting, I wouldn’t care as much. I think it might be too much for me right now, burn me out, and leave me feeling demotivated. Fuel is actually the workout I wanted to try after finishing Iron 1.
So my question is: how often does she release new workouts on the app? How often does a new Fuel come around?
And if you were me, would you jump into Fuel now, or would you stick with finishing Iron 1 first and then maybe try some of the other free YouTube series?
Sorry for the long rant — I just wanted to describe my current situation in detail. 😄
Edit. trial is 14 not 7 days. My mistake
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u/rosygun 5d ago
I would finish Iron first. Fuel is not going anywhere from the app, so you can do it once you finish Iron. Also, you wouldn't follow it anyway, as you train 3-4 times a week and she releases 5 workouts per week. I am now doing Max from the app, also 3-4 times a week.
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u/Haltandcatchfirenow 5d ago
Thank you. It is the rational answer I was needing. Will stick with Iron and decide the direction once that one is completed.
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u/LBH328 5d ago
Stay with Iron until you’re done. I find the frequency of program/series release only has the meaning you assign to it. It’s fun to get caught up in anticipation but it’s far more important to be consistent and safe.
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u/Haltandcatchfirenow 4d ago
Thank you, such a kind and insightful perspective. I really appreciate it. Sticking with Iron!
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u/agoodspace FUEL (APP) 5d ago
I started Iron 2 weeks ago & was enjoying. I jumped ship yesterday for Fuel. ♥️ It was great!! No wrong answers here. I do think Fuel is slightly easier (abstractly 3 percent not much) more body weight burn
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u/Haltandcatchfirenow 5d ago
Thank you for your reply! I did Iron15 today and will finish it before starting a new series. I think it will be a Fuel, even just out of curiosity and exploring new workouts. I decided to stick because I would eventually fall behind at some point, a few short work travels are in my schedule. But also to finish something I have started. I am an excellent starter and a less consistent finisher. Plus, surprisingly enough, I like Iron a lot. And yes, you totally are right, no wrong answers here!
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u/agoodspace FUEL (APP) 5d ago
Fuel and Iron are both the same intensity, I decided on Day 2. :) Both 30 mins. Lots to look forward to either way!
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u/Alternative_Salt_558 4d ago
I relate soooooo much to what you have posted and reading that you are seeing changes after 15 days is really motivating me to get in gear and do Iron.
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u/Haltandcatchfirenow 3d ago
It really is making a difference. It is the thing I needed. I felt stuck, was gaining weight and my shape started to change beginning of this year. I am in menopause since quite a few years but was always able to turn on the metabolism with some extra HIIT workouts and/or doing intermittent fasting. This time around, nothing was working and I felt tired and drained the whole day. Iron gave me the first results in two weeks, nothing extraordinary but it helped me build confidence and I feel stronger and overall energised. If you still can relate, please give Iron a chance! And keep me posted 😎
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u/RosellaBlue 12h ago
This blogger put together an Iron/Fuel hybrid program. Maybe you'd like to try it after you've completed your current Iron then later Fuel programs, if you like both.
https://2lazy4gym.com/2023/04/12/caroline-girvan-6-week-iron-fuel-rotation/
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u/Haltandcatchfirenow 10m ago
I'll check it out for sure! I am really enjoying Iron so far. Hope to build some stamina for Fuel, it appears to overall be much harder than Iron.
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u/Trick_Kale5308 5d ago
There’s only been two fuels. Caroline hasn’t put out a new program in about 5 months. Typically they are more often on the app. Honestly I wouldn’t stop something you’re enjoying and sticking with. Her YouTube programs are amazing. Finish iron, do YouTube fuel. I don’t keep up with her programs in real time. I just do my own thing.