Strength Training Exercising

MainahGirl

I workout just about everyday at Planet Fitness. I do the Arc Trainer for 30 minutes and take a walk on the treadmill for another 30 minutes. After my cardio workout, I hit the weight machines. Everyday I try to do 3 sets of 15 reps for each machine.

Here is my question. I've heard mixed stories about how you shouldn't do strength training exercises everday. I've heard every other day so your muscles can rest. Otherwise it's a waste of time. Do you think this is true? Some say yes, others no. I always feel great after the strength training exercises, but I don't want to over do it.

Thanks for your input.

November_Fire

It's not 'a waste of time', but your muscles will just get tired and be unable to repair, and the repaired, stronger muscle is the aim of the game. If you're not getting too tired the weights could be too light and you're not working at the maximum you could be. Alternate days is considered average. People who do more than that will be isolating certain muscle groups on different days so on part is resting while another works.

The free weights will work you better than machines. Machines take away the job of all the stabilising muscles you could be working so you get a better workout on the free ones; core, back, etc. Aim for fewer reps of a heavier weight to build strength (high reps of a low weight builds endurance, which has its place, but ramp it up for strength too.)