Newbie (ish) questions-please be gentle! :)

BillyWeaver1234

Hey everyone,

I have lurked these forums for about a year but fonau just decided to post. I've read threads on here and even googled (attempted) answers to some of my questions but there seems to be a variety of answers and broad answers.

I have been working out rather extensively for the past month or so. Usually between 1-3 miles running (11 minute mile) and hit the free weights for about an hour (chest,biceps,triceps,shoulders, back etc)

I am male, 5'8 215 pounds so obviously I have some weight to lose but I also want to build muscle or get "toned" at the same time. I am currently at 1450 calories a day.

My questions (if you kind knowledgeable people will assist) are as follows :

Is this enough calories daily? To little?
Is Cardio a must? Should I continue to do a couple miles every day?
Is it ok to do certain weight exercises every day? For example I am bench pressing 50 pounds 3x10 ...same with bicep curls , etc. since I still relatively low in the weight category is it ok to lift using these muscles daily?

Basically I am just looking for a proper workout routine that will maximize results. I don't mind hard work or daily effort. Just need a bit of guidance !


Thanks to all who respond :-)

neveragain84

Hey everyone,

I have lurked these forums for about a year but fonau just decided to post. I've read threads on here and even googled (attempted) answers to some of my questions but there seems to be a variety of answers and broad answers.

I have been working out rather extensively for the past month or so. Usually between 1-3 miles running (11 minute mile) and hit the free weights for about an hour (chest,biceps,triceps,shoulders, back etc)

I am male, 5'8 215 pounds so obviously I have some weight to lose but I also want to build muscle or get "toned" at the same time. I am currently at 1450 calories a day.

My questions (if you kind knowledgeable people will assist) are as follows :

Is this enough calories daily? To little?
Is Cardio a must? Should I continue to do a couple miles every day?
Is it ok to do certain weight exercises every day? For example I am bench pressing 50 pounds 3x10 ...same with bicep curls , etc. since I still relatively low in the weight category is it ok to lift using these muscles daily?

Basically I am just looking for a proper workout routine that will maximize results. I don't mind hard work or daily effort. Just need a bit of guidance !


Thanks to all who respond :-)

To answer one of your questions. No, cardio is not a must. Many people lift weights, some run, some do the elliptical. Exercise isn't for weight loss. It's for health. The most important thing for weight loss is a caloric deficit, which, by your number of calories, you are doing. Continue exercising with the thought that it will help your strength, endurance, and overall health. If you just want to lose weight, then make sure you stay within your daily goals.

ETA: http://www.acaloriecounter.com/diet/daily-calorie-intake-calories-in-vs-calories-out/

terbusha

Hi Billy,

Is this enough calories daily? To little?
1450 is definitely too few calories for a guy. You should not be eating less than 1800, and if you can eat more and lose weight, that would be better. The problem with eating so low is that eventually you'll hit a plateau and then you'll have nowhere you can cut from. You'll be stuck.

Is Cardio a must? Should I continue to do a couple miles every day?
Cardio is good, but it should not be the only thing. It is important to have variety in your exercises. It keeps you body guessing and keeps you from getting bored.

Is it ok to do certain weight exercises every day? For example I am bench pressing 50 pounds 3x10 ...same with bicep curls , etc. since I still relatively low in the weight category is it ok to lift using these muscles daily?
In general, you don't want to work the same muscle group 2 days in a row. Your muscles need time to recover and repair. Try skipping a day before you work a muscle group again.

Happy to help any time.

Allan