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!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 8:11am
Goodness...this is another area that I need to overcome. My father has passed on his heart defect to me so I have to be careful about increasing my heart rate too much.

I think after a bit more research that I am going to do a very low impact cardio mixed with walking and some tone and weight training. If I do a higher impact, I am going to have to find an instructor that will work with me on that. I have run across those that if you stop in the middle for a rest, they will look at you funny, try to get you moving , or whatever the little sticks can do to make you feel horrid that you stopped. Can you say I'm bitter? :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-1999
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 8:14am
Without reading the replies of others...

You should do a 2-3 minute warmup on any cardio machine. A little bit of light stretching and then go into your weights. If you want to incorporate 20-25 minutes of cardio AFTER your weights then go ahead (this is what I do). You cardio on your "cardio only" days should be more intense and last for a longer period.

The reason why you do cardio AFTER your weights is because you don't need perfect form while doing cardio like you do when lifting weights. If you were to do 25 minutes of cardio, your muscles would be tired and you wouldn't be lifting weights to your full potential (strength & form would be lacking). Why do cardio first on your weights only days? Excluding your 2-3 minute warmup.

Do what you feel is best for your body.

What may work for one, may not work for another.

Good Luck!

~Dana

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2004
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 8:29am
Hi Solenis! I am also on BFL. I read an article written by a physician that said if you main goal is weight loss that you should incorporate more cardio than the reccommended 20 minutes. If you're looking for a primarily upper body cardio for lower body weight days I would suggest the rowing machine. I usually do about 15-20 mins of some type of cardio on my weight days and I have seen my weight loss pick up quite a bit. Hope this helps. Don't forget to measure also, I went 2 weeks without losing a pound but I did lose 7.5 inches in that time.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 8:30am

LOL, awwww...

Nichole

Biggest Loser Challenge

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 8:39am
I think this will be the hardest part for me. I am going to the Y tomorrow and find out if I qualify for the lower fees. Right now with paying off bills and trying to have a normal life is taxing on my income which isn't as high as it used to be. I want to tone my body but I have to be careful since I will get way too body buildish. EWWW!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 9:33am

LOL, please define way too body buildish.

Nichole

Biggest Loser Challenge

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 9:48am
you know girls that have pecs and biceps bigger than most football players, who are named Ursala. OR only by the fact they wear a bikini top do you know they are women. EWWWW!!

I am going to try and see. With the work situtation here it is hard to have the income I did before and I am trying to pay off bills as well so no money for the things I would normally get without thinking.

I hate the machines as well. I get bored too easily and will the jokes must flow. I got intubs once because i was being a goof and not as serious as the arnold wanna be on the next machine.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 10:17am

ROFLOL.

Nichole

Biggest Loser Challenge

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2004
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 10:28am

Lifting is not going to bulk you up unless you are taking some kind of steroids, illegal or otherwise. Those women who look like that didn't get that way "naturally". I lift weights all the time and I don't have any plans of changing my name to Ursula. Plus, my body looks a lot better since I started.


Squats

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 10:52am
My church is very inexpensive but it would be a chore to get down there. And their hours aren't as flexible as the Y is by me. Though I am thinking about it. They have EVERYTHING there.