Would it be too much to swim and do HIT on my rest days?

740p

I'm trying to lose weight. I just started 5x5 strength training. I decided that M, W, F would be my training days with that program. On Tu and Th I go to my gym for half hour HIT classes. To unwind after that I would like to swim to cool down. Is this too much? Is this alright? I also train every other week with a trainer.

I'm currently 5'6 and 224 lbs.

MelanieCN77

Doubling up workouts can be fine if you are mindful that you aren't fatiguing yourself, and swimming is as gentle as it comes and you can pick your level easily. It'll probably be nice to your body to swim, while doing the other strenuous stuff a couple times a week. Just don't try to add in too much too soon and burn out. If you find yourself tired and dreading a workout, have a good think about the schedule you've set.

NorthCascades

High intensity isn't a type of rest.

BrianSharpe

You may find that you're not leaving yourself enough recovery between lifting days. I'd definitely play that one by ear, if you're feeling unduly tired or you're just not making the strength gains you'd expected you may have to revisit your plan.

GrumpyHeadmistress

I swim Sun, M, W and Fri and a mix of weights and HIIT training Tue and Thurs. works well for me.

AllanMisner

I'd say play it by ear. If you are able to recover, then that volume might be ok.

Allan Misner
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Host - 40+ Fitness Podcast

dwisehart

I think the most important is: are you enjoying it enough to be motivated to continue? Staying with your exercise program is more important than increasing your activity. Give it a try and if you look forward to the swims, keep at it. But never be afraid to skip a swim in order to keep motivated to do the next workout.

cwolfman13

I've never heard of HIIT being a rest day activity...

DancingMoosie

Its probably fine, but its not resting. I think you might just mean, "Is it ok to do other workouts on my off days from lifting?" In that case, yes. But only you will know if it works for you.

740p

Thank you everyone! I just want to do the most that I can to hopefully see some progress. DancingMoosie - That's definitely what I meant but couldn't figure out the phrasing.