workout advice

I recently started a strength training program to go along with the cardio I've been doing for about a year now. What's the best way to balance the two? Should I do cardio and weights on the same day? If I'm working out 3-4 days per week, should I focus on more weights or more on cardio? I'm not looking to get jacked, just looking to tone up a bit and my main focus is on overall health.

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For what your looking to do start with a good 20 to 30 min. cardio first which will give you the best way to burn the calories. Then finish off with some weight lifting while switching from upper body to lower body lifting.

Since health is your main concern, it probably won't hurt to do cardio and weight training in the same day. Heavy cardio works against weight training though, so if you're doing both on the same day, stick to low impact cardio like bikes and elipticals.

Try to stay away from running completely. It's horrible for your knees and it can actually shrink your muscles from the constant impact. If you really like to run, do it on a beach or grass, and not on your weight training days.

I don't run, I've got a bum knee that flares up really easily. I stick to low impact stuff like elliptical trainers and I recently started doing the arc trainer which I think I like even more than the elliptical.

For what your looking to do start with a good 20 to 30 min. cardio first which will give you the best way to burn the calories. Then finish off with some weight lifting while switching from upper body to lower body lifting.

That's pretty much what I've been doing, I just wasn't sure if that was the right way to go.

It all depends on what you are trying to do. Are you trying to lose weight, gain muscles, or just maintain your shape?

If you go to a gym, take some time (while your working out) and observe the personal trainers that work out there. Pick out one that has the body type you would like to emulate (NO not her). Spend a couple of bucks on a few sessions. It will save you years of trial and error, especially with the world of (legitimate) supplements that make a difference. Most of all...take a little time to smell the roses-Good luck. Firstdown's info is good general stuff!

Honestly, you need to do your weight lifting first. If you do your cardio first, that takes away energy from your body overall, therefore you can't lift as much and cannot get as toned or jacked as you want.

Do all your weight lifting first, THEN do your cardio. Cardio isn't dependent on muscle fatigue, so even if you're tired from your weight lifting, as long as you try with the same effort, you'll burn the same amount of calories.

I do weight training at least two to three times a week and cardio EVERY DAY. If you're looking to tone up, doing thirty, preferably sixty minutes of cardio each day is the only way to get that six pack for the wifey. If you have protein shakes a couple times a day on your lifting days, you'll also probably start building a little bit of muscle. Don't do it every day or else you'll gain weight.

Also, what I mean by "it" is don't drink protein shakes every day. Also, make sure you work alternating muscle groups when you work out. If you're doing pushing exercises for shoulders, make sure you also do some pulling exercises. You wouldn't believe how bad your posture can get if you're only building one half of your body.