Am I mixing it up enough?

Marcia315

Usual workout schedule:

Monday: Zumba. Really "dancy" type class. 60 minutes
Tuesday: 30 minutes on the elliptical in the morning. Some sprint intervals. In the evening, walk around the rink for 30 minutes while my daughter is at figure skating. About 3.5 mph. I do stairs and bleachers if I'm feeling particularly energetic.
Wednesday: 60 minute dancy Zumba class
Thursday: 60 minutes of Zumba toning
Friday: rest
Saturday: 60 minute Zumba class, very cardio intensive. Some use of weights. Followed by 30 minute turbo kick class
Sunday: 60 minute walk at 3.5 to 4 mph or elliptical, depending on the weather.

If I miss a Zumba class, I try to fit in a walk or time on the elliptical.

I'm considering adding a Tabata class on Friday.

I also do,planks and hand weights at home when the mood strikes.

Any suggestions?

fernmeister

You don't really have to "mix it up" as long as you are progressively adding more intensity to your regimen, as you will be getting stronger. The only reason to change workouts is when you get bored.

catfive1

That's a lot of cardio. If you want to mix it up add some resistance training.

Mia_RagazzaTosta

Weights. Lift them.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

You don't really need to be "mixing it up" as long as your workouts are getting harder.

But you really should add some resistance training. I'd recommend Stronglifts, Starting Strength, or New Rules of Lifting. Or, if you prefer body weight, You Are Your Own Gym.

Marcia315

Weights. Lift them.

That's what Zumba toning is.

PikaKnight

That's a lot of cardio. If you want to mix it up add some resistance training.

^This. And honestly, Zumba toning is more cardio. I would look into a better strength/resistance programming - whether sprinting, bodyweight, dumbbells or barbells.

Mia_RagazzaTosta

Weights. Lift them.

That's what Zumba toning is.

Lol.

No it isn't.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Weights. Lift them.

That's what Zumba toning is.

Do the weights get heavier as you go? If so, how much heavier? You need progressive loading so that your muscles continue to be challenged. From what I see in the video it looks like 1 lb weights.

eta: not saying it isn't good for you, just that I'd add a more challenging resistance program, like the ones I listed above. That will help you preserve your lean mass while you lose weight, which will ensure that you like the way you look when you reach your goal.

Marcia315

Weights. Lift them.

That's what Zumba toning is.

Do the weights get heavier as you go? If so, how much heavier? You need progressive loading so that your muscles continue to be challenged. From what I see in the video it looks like 1 lb weights.

eta: not saying it isn't good for you, just that I'd add a more challenging resistance program, like the ones I listed above. That will help you preserve your lean mass while you lose weight, which will ensure that you like the way you look when you reach your goal.

I started with 3 pounders. I'm up to 4. Plan on moving to 5 next week.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

What are your goals?

Marcia315

What are your goals?

Not be fat, lol.

I was a competitive swimmer in HS and college. I'm now a partner in a lawfirm/soccer mom. I miss my rocking body. I also was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis, so I want to be able to continue to walk in my old age.

catfive1

I started resistance training because I wanted to be fit and healthy in my old age. This summer at age 53 I began Stronglifts. I can squat 90 lbs, Deadlift 140 lbs, OHP 60 lbs and Bench 70 lbs. I believe this is what the ladies above were meaning when they suggested resistance training. Great way to lose weight and maintain lean body mass.

I've also tried "You are your own gym" recently. It is a great body weight routine.

Just a few suggestions. You will find a lot of ladies on mfp that lift heavy with great results.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

What are your goals?

Not be fat, lol.

I was a competitive swimmer in HS and college. I'm now a partner in a lawfirm/soccer mom. I miss my rocking body. I also was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis, so I want to be able to continue to walk in my old age.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22777332

In that case strength training is definitely your friend. It will help to strengthen the muscles around your joints. I have arthritis as well, and nothing has done as much for my pain and fatigue than starting a beginning barbell program. Check with your doctor first.

The problem with Zumba toning is that you're going to reach a point where you can't progress any further, because dancing around with 30 lb dumbbells just isn't going to feasible. At that point, definitely consider implementing a more traditional lifting routine so that your muscles will continue to be challenged.

3foldchord

Weights. Lift them.

That's what Zumba toning is.

Lol.

No it isn't.

3-4 ..or even 10# isn't really lifting weights.
Not saying you have to lift weights, but it doesn't seem accurate to call 4# lifting weights.

(Weight lifting will help with metabolism and strength and body shape, though. And on that note, I know I could stand a bit more cardio)

MB_Positif

What are your goals?

Not be fat, lol.

I was a competitive swimmer in HS and college. I'm now a partner in a lawfirm/soccer mom. I miss my rocking body. I also was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis, so I want to be able to continue to walk in my old age.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22777332

In that case strength training is definitely your friend. It will help to strengthen the muscles around your joints. I have arthritis as well, and nothing has done as much for my pain and fatigue than starting a beginning barbell program. Check with your doctor first.

The problem with Zumba toning is that you're going to reach a point where you can't progress any further, because dancing around with 30 lb dumbbells just isn't going to feasible. At that point, definitely consider implementing a more traditional lifting routine so that your muscles will continue to be challenged.

Good info here

TarynAngeline

Weights. Lift them.

That's what Zumba toning is.

Lol.

No it isn't.

PikaKnight

Weights. Lift them.

That's what Zumba toning is.

Lol.

No it isn't.

3-4 ..or even 10# isn't really lifting weights.
Not saying you have to lift weights, but it doesn't seem accurate to call 4# lifting weights.

(Weight lifting will help with metabolism and strength and body shape, though. And on that note, I know I could stand a bit more cardio)

To put it out there - it's the progression that matters. And there are many forms of resistance training aside from lifting with barbells (for those lurking that may not have access to barbells/gym).

QuietBloom

I'm going to add my voice to those who are advising resistance training (beyond a toning class). You don't have to lift heavy weights, or join a gym. There are good resistance programs out there using your own body that are progressive.

Huffdogg

Weights. Lift them.

That's what Zumba toning is.

Just no. You need a resistance training program with consistent, periodized increases in intensity.

If you can dance and do it at the same time, it's not lifting.