Weights vs. Cardio

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-16-2003
Weights vs. Cardio
30
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 6:14pm
On my program I'm supposed to do cardio and weights on alternate days, as follows:

M: weights

T: cardio

W: weights

Th:cardio

F: weights

S: cardio

But I feel like my progress has slowed down a bit, and I'd like to get an opinion on whether or not I should do a small 20 minute cardio session before I do the weights. Can someone give me some pros and cons? I don't want to tear down my muscle tissue, but I don't feel like my workout is *enough* workout on weights days.

I do intensive 45 minute sessions for weights. Maybe just an increase in time? Help!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 6:34pm

Well if the weight has slowed down a LITTLE...thats good then Sol concidering how much you lost already LOL

  Shawna-- Proud Cl for 100 Pounds or More to Go 

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-16-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 6:48pm
Thanks for the advice, Shawna, as always. :) Sorry if I'm complaining a bit prematurely, but I'm feeling very fat and lumpy today and my size smaller jeans seem a little tighter than they were yesterday, which sucks. I hope it's just psychological.

Of course, I just washed them... But that's not the point!

I'll try throwing in a little bit of cardio tonight before my weights. I'm going back to Texas on Saturday (WOO!) and thankfully I've gotten my gym membership reactivated there, but it's going to be a struggle to keep on task. I'm getting married in June and I'm supposed to do the cake tasting this trip for the wedding cake, so I've arranged for my best friend to be there so she can taste the cake for me. Even so, I'm going to be surrounded by relatives and friends plying with me food (including a bridal shower) and I want to be sure I'm doing all I can.

Right! Cardio!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 7:43pm
Your routine sounds very similar to mine...I alternate a weight workout of about 30-40 minutes with cardio (usually an hour on the stationary bike). I think if you aren't feeling that the weights are "enough" that it would be fine to add a little cardio on that day, but try not to be working the same muscle groups, if you know what I mean. You don't want to tear down anything that you are building. You could also just start adding more weight (rather than more time) to your strength routine, although that won't necessarily show a drop in pounds right away. Also remember that the MORE fit you are, the more WATER you will be holding in your muscles...the reason why professional athletes often weight FAR more than you'd ever imagine by looking at them. I know its really hard, but I'd be tempted to not look at the scale at all, and just go by measurements, how your clothes fit, and how you feel.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-16-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 8:03pm
Well, I'm supposed to do upper body weights tonight, so I feel pretty safe doing the crosstrainer for 20 minutes or so before I hit the weights for 45 minutes. I'll give it a shot. I dunno what I'll do on lower body days...I can't run on my hands!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 8:06pm
LOL - no, I guess not. I'm not too sure what would work on those days for cardio - but good luck tonight. It's my "weights" day, too, and I have to confess that I HATE it :-)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 8:13pm

You should definitely try at least a good 15 minute cardio warmup

Nichole

Biggest Loser Challenge

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 8:21pm

Your not complaining prematurely...your just staying on top things which is always good!

  Shawna-- Proud Cl for 100 Pounds or More to Go 

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 10:45pm
Solenis,

You're doing Body For Life, right? That routine is what I've started. I just reread the book and it does say to only do 20 minutes of cardio 3 days a week. But I was confused about that too! I was just so impressed by your results that I decided to see what this Body For Life thing is about!! I've always thought you should do cardio 5-6 days a week if you could. In the book, though, it says only 3. I'm definitely no expert. I also don't know what your weight is, but you've lost a lot of weight in a month. Chances are you are building a lot of muscle and that's why it's slowing. Plus you're shrinking so it takes more work to lose weight (you need less calories). Like someone else said, are you truly fatiguing your muscles with the weights? Are you using your cardio and making it a full effort as possible?

I'd love to hear what you think of the program. I think it makes a lot of sense, however, I, too, feel strange about only doing cardio 3 days a week.

Shannon

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 5:35am
Its been awhile since I've really done the gym thing routinely. I did ask a trainer about taking days off, etc. and he said your body really doesn't need a day off between weights unless you're doing the real heavy body-building type of lifting and that normal weight stuff just isn't strenous enough to warrant a break if you don't want one. Of course, that was one guy, so it might be good to ask someone knowledgable at your gym.

Other than that, I'd say trust your instincts. If you're just wanting to add more because you think it should be going faster or you think you should be doing more, I would personally try to work on changing the thinking behind that. I know that my quest to always do more & better has back-fired many a time and I ended up quitting because I couldn't live up to my own expectations.

If, on the other hand, you find your body and mind craving more excercise, I'd say go for it. Trust your instincts.

fearlessrose





i love my daughter
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 7:57am

If you're still going to that gym and that guy is still around, I strongly suggest asking if he's certified and if so through what agency.

Nichole

Biggest Loser Challenge

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