workout advice

[MTK]

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.

[SmootSmack]

Let me put you in touch with Sylvester Stallone

[firstdown]

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.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by firstdown

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.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

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

Matty seriously read BODY FOR LIFE. He gives you the best and most efficient workout. I love it! Give me some serious energy.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by mredskins

Matty seriously read BODY FOR LIFE. He gives you the best and most efficient workout. I love it! Give me some serious energy.

I'll check it out, thanks

[saden1]

Originally Posted by mredskins

Matty seriously read BODY FOR LIFE. He gives you the best and most efficient workout. I love it! Give me some serious energy.

Funny, I have it right on my desk. It talks about eating right and exercising, and it gives you a 12 week workout regiment. It's nice but it's geared more towards people trying to lose a bit of weight. If you already have an idea of what you want to do and just need a workout blueprint then Weight Lifting for Dummies is probably a better option.

[Southpaw]

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.

[MTK]

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.

[saden1]

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

[MTK]

Originally Posted by saden1

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

just tone up, stay healthy, maintain my weight

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

just tone up, stay healthy, maintain my weight

If you're eating right then do a little bit more lifting than cardio. If not, a little more cardio than usual but continue lifting the same. You really have find a balance.

[RobH4413]

Playing ball at Catholic, we had UMD's workout program...

It was basically run everyday... do a bunch of sit-ups, then alternate upper and lower body days. I remember that we started out with high reps and low weight and eventually worked up to high weight low reps... it had some formula where the starting weight would be like 15% of your max. The next week you'd be doing 30% etc...


That will do the job. I gotta find that little program I had, I'm getting all fat and out of shape...

I played tennis the other day, and I'm sore as shit. Sore... from TENNIS! F... that.


Side note: Tennis is fun as shit... does anyone know of any amateur tennis summer leagues? I'm either going to do Tennis or Lax this summer and haven't decided.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by RobH4413

Playing ball at Catholic, we had UMD's workout program...

It was basically run everyday... do a bunch of sit-ups, then alternate upper and lower body days. I remember that we started out with high reps and low weight and eventually worked up to high weight low reps... it had some formula where the starting weight would be like 15% of your max. The next week you'd be doing 30% etc...


That will do the job. I gotta find that little program I had, I'm getting all fat and out of shape...

I played tennis the other day, and I'm sore as shit. Sore... from TENNIS! F... that.


Side note: Tennis is fun as shit... does anyone know of any amateur tennis summer leagues? I'm either going to do Tennis or Lax this summer and haven't decided.

I love playing tennis too even though I suck. It's brutal on my knees though.

[Hog1]

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!