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2003/03/15, 04:14 AM
Hey all,
I just started training last week and everything is going okay so far, I'm learning everything as I go pretty much.
My first question deals with my workout routine... so far everyday I've gone into the gym I bike on one of the machines for 24 minutes...it's a fairly intense workout (its a level 9 out of possible 12 on a hill program) and I push pretty hard to finish the 24 mins. I feel great after this, but I'm wondering if it will take away from my weight lifting? I'm trying to lose weight and gain muscle mass at the same time, so I'm not exactly sure how to go about this. Any ideas?
My other question kind of relates. As I choose my custom exercise program on this site I notice it has 3 options, the basic, the muscle building and the losing fat option. I'm kind of in between gaining muscle mass and losing fat, so what program should I choose? I do have excess weight that I want to get rid of mostly on my stomach, so how do I get rid of that and gain the muscle that I want? what program do you recommend?
Thanks for all your help so far! I appreciate it a ton and I hope somebody can help me out with this problem.
-Mike
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2003/03/15, 08:58 AM
Mike..people have mixed opinions on the cardio b4 weights.
If it works for you, don't change it. Personally Ive been doing cardio b4 and after my weights, and I still have good lean gains.
I would start on a beginner program on here, as you said you are just starting out. I would go with the losing fat option first eat good food, then if you want to put on some more mass go for it. You will see your weight in numbers stay the same but actually you will be losing fat, and gaining lean muscle. (don't go by the scale, go by the mirror and your belt)
Don't forget, drink alot of water, eat protien rich foods, good carbs and good fat.
Hope this helps.
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Peace on earth
Ivan Montreal Canada
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2003/03/15, 12:04 PM
Carivan is right, the beginner program would suit you. I happen to be of the opinion that you should do your weights first, due to the fact that cardio will sap your strength...try both and see what I mean. Besides, cardio does its best post weight training due to depleted glycogen levels, forcing your body to bascially "feed" on itself i.e....burn fat to try to restore glycogen levels. So this method you get 2 benefits, more muscle building because of being able to use heavier weights, and more fat burning due to glycogen depletion. Seems like both of what you want to do.
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Failing to plan is like planning to fail!
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2003/03/16, 01:38 AM
Thanks for the help guys :)
I think I will start biking after my exercise, makes a whole lot more sense to me now.
so should I choose the progressive workout, muscle gain workout or fat burning workout? Right now I think im on the progressive one.
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2003/03/16, 07:44 AM
Yes, I would go with the beginner program. It is hard to lose weight and gain muscle mass at the same time. What you could do is lower the intensity of your cardio and seperate the cardio and weight training. If you burn yourself out on the cardio, you will not maximize your weight lifting session. Try doing one in the morning and one in the afternoon. As you build muscle, it will help to burn the fat which in turn will help to lose body fat, but not neccessarily weight.
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Lisa
Just laugh about it....
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2003/03/16, 10:33 AM
I start my workout with light cardio...about 15 minutes with medium intensity, this for me gets the blood pumping.
After the weights i return to the cardio and increase the time and intensity and really go for it.
After heavy cardio, the last thing i want to do is lift weights so it makes sense to leave the cardio untill the back end of the workout.
By the way, i hate friggin cardio but alas its an essential part of the workout which helps to keep me lean.
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2003/03/16, 10:47 AM
well due to my new work schedule i do a very intense cardio in the morning around 5:30 before breakfast, helps with burning stored fat and then lift at night...the cardio will not take away from your lifting time...but then again you need time to work out...workouts are not extremely time consuming but it should take at least an hour out of your day...but stay positive and you will get there...
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2003/03/16, 07:49 PM
Everything everyone said so far is true but its much more difficult to gain muscle mass and lose fat at the same time.
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