|
2005/11/21, 11:24 PM
I am very confused over how much cardio needs to be done. Some places I read 3-5 x's a week and others say just 1-2 times per week.
Right now I am working on fat burning so I figure I need to do more cardio and am following the free trainers program for fat loss (therefore cardio min 3 days/wk and weights 3 days/wk). Is this good? Will it make a really big difference to add another day or two of cardio per week? What about once you have lost the weight are are just maintaining?
For those who are at their ideal weight, how much cardio do you do per week?
Thank you for helping me sort this out. :)
|
|
|
|
2005/11/22, 02:50 AM
3 days a week at 45 min is good....you can do 4 days if you're really motivated....try to focus on the intensity...trying to run longer distances, or better pace, or more incline/hills.....etc....
it does take less to maintain weight than to lose extra weight....so you can do 2-3 days a week once you diet down to your ideal weight....
I really suggest you focus on weight training...unlike cardio its effects last for days and extra muscle increases your metabolism so you burn more calories even while sleeping...do big exercises as a circuit....squats, lunges, deadlifts, pull ups, push ups, dips, good mornings, etc....they all burn a lot of calories and doing them as a circuit will seem like cardio in itself...
maintaining weight is more about nutrition...than cardio....but like I said...u can do 2-3 days....fitness is for life...it's not like u get your goal and quit....you should continue to do it for the intrinsic value of cardio/exercise.....
|
|
2005/11/22, 10:20 AM
I totally agree with menace!! I generally do 3 days of cardio and 3 days of wt training regardless of whether I'm trying loose weight or not. If I really want to loose wt, I focus on diet and increase the intesity of my workouts.
--------------
Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.
|
|
2005/11/23, 11:08 PM
Thanks Menace and flyonthewall! I really appreciated your taking time to respond to my post.
I totally agree menace that this is a lifestyle thing. I just wanted to make sure I had it figured out for the best way to reduce body fat.
As it is, I have lost about 5-6lbs (134-135lbs) since starting 2.5wks ago and -4.5" on Sunday when I did my measuring. So, I am doing something right :big_smile:
I have started my HIIT in the mornings before eating and have to say, that is a lot tougher! I will keep at it since I keep hearing it will help me drop my fat 3x faster but it sure challenges me a lot more than an evening workout!
I love the weights so no problem in going hard there! :dumbbell:
Anyhow, thanks for the info. It is nice to be able to ask people with more experience some fine tuning questions.
|
