workout routines?

[MTK]

I joined my local Y about 6 weeks ago, been going about 3x a week. I'm looking to just firm up, get in better cardio shape, and maybe drop a few pounds but my weight really isn't my biggest concern.

I'm 6-3, 225 pounds, pretty athletic build. Right now I work out on the eliptical machine for at least 30 minutes, sometimes 45 if I'm feeling good. Then I might lift some weights for another 15 minutes or so, then I might jog a few laps on the track to cool down.

I know there are some gym rats here, do you have any recommendations as to what else I could be doing?

[BrudLee]

I've got two words for you.

Anabolic F***ing Steroids.

[724Skinsfan]

Firming up and improving cardio? I'd say 3 sets of 15 reps will help in that regard. There are so many philosophies out there about what's the best workout. It all boils down to resistance. Heavy resistance over shorter period of time will increase your power/mass. Lighter resistance over longer periods of time will increase your endurance. In my opinion, your biggest enemy will be boredom so change your routine a little bit once every 4 -5 weeks. Also, set goals for yourself and keep track of your workouts in a notebook. Sometimes you need these psychological tools to keep focus.

Also, your diet plays a big part in toning muscle, not as much if your bulking up.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

Firming up and improving cardio? I'd say 3 sets of 15 reps will help in that regard. There are so many philosophies out there about what's the best workout. It all boils down to resistance. Heavy resistance over shorter period of time will increase your power/mass. Lighter resistance over longer periods of time will increase your endurance. In my opinion, your biggest enemy will be boredom so change your routine a little bit once every 4 -5 weeks. Also, set goals for yourself and keep track of your workouts in a notebook. Sometimes you need these psychological tools to keep focus.

Also, your diet plays a big part in toning muscle, not as much if your bulking up.

My diet tends to be high protein, low carbs.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by BrudLee

I've got two words for you.

Anabolic F***ing Steroids.

That's 3 words.

In response, I have 2 words for you...

Disappearing testicles!

[Hail2theskins]

if losing weight isnt your biggest concern i would definitley reccommend getting into a swimming routine, you wont lose weight from swimming but its an excellent cardio workout and will get you toned, really any sort of resistance training wont build much muscle but rather help define it

[SmootSmack]

Interestingly enough I was reading this thread the other day

http://www.thewarpath.net/warpath-pa...hlight=workout

[Hail2theskins]

yeah like 724 said not only is changing your workout help with the boredom but its also better for you in general, if you do the same things all the time that means some parts of your muscles are being neglected which makes it important to do all different varieties of lifts

[Hail2theskins]

also if you do try the 3 sets of 15 reps your not looking to kill yourself towards the end of set, it should be more of a cardio type lift, focusing on the motions rather than the weight, so the 3 sets of 15 should should be a weight where you feel a certain level of comfort during all 3 sets ( not too light though, you do need some weight on there )

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I have about 4-5 of those whey protein shakes a day. That gives you enough protein to build some muscle and keep you full while you do your cardio.

A while back I posted by ab routine, which I guarantee gives you a six-pack in 3 months provided you're not incredibly overweight. I make sure I do my 30 minutes of cardio every day. And REAL cardio is when you get your heart rate into the fat burning range. Basically KNOW you are working at it. If you're sweating, you're doing good.

I work different muscle groups each day and take a day off on Wed. If you do a circuit for lifting, you're killing two birds with one stone. You get your cardio AND you are building lean muscle which both help you to lose weight AND firm up. For a circut, find a weight where you can do no less than 10 reps and no more than 15. That's a good medium where you get your maximum workout. Just this month I've put on 4 pounds of muscle thanks to those bad ass shakes.

[FRPLG]

Roids for sure.

You know why people use roids? because they work.

[SmootSmack]

Tell Portis to hook you up with the roids.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by TAFKAS

Tell Portis to hook you up with the roids.

Yeah I tried, but he's off them this year to be lighter and faster for Saunders' O.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Yeah I tried, but he's off them this year to be lighter and faster for Saunders' O.

Trimspa baby.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Trimspa baby.

Very few people in this world can rock the Bob the Builder outfit and still look like a badass pimp.