Most Effective Fitness Plan for Abundant Free Time

alwayspleasant

Hey everyone,

I am looking for some suggestions on what to do fitness wise with all the free time that I have. I run but not a lot lately (recovering from an ankle injury) and attend 2-4 fitness classes weekly like yoga, body pump, Zumba, and Pilates etc. I just signed up for a swimming class too. I want to drop some pounds and I know that is all diet. Any ideas?

randomtai

Progressive strength training program. Stronglifts 5X5, Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting for Women. Strong Curves is also good for glute/lower body work.

JoRocka

Progressive strength training program. Stronglifts 5X5, Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting for Women. Strong Curves is also good for glute/lower body work.

this.

cardio is nice- but you'll need some real weight training too.

and before you say it: no- body pump isn't weight training.

unhgoose

And do what you find fun! If you enjoy it you'll stick with it. Good luck!

karinefitness

Progressive strength training program. Stronglifts 5X5, Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting for Women. Strong Curves is also good for glute/lower body work.

this.

cardio is nice- but you'll need some real weight training too.

and before you say it: no- body pump isn't weight training.

Yep, listen to those ladies!!

I was doing cardio 6x a week and wasn't losing. Then I did the NROLW and I'm now a recovered cardio addict. Best thing I ever did! Weight training will shape you in a way no cardio can.

If you enjoy cardio keep doing it, I do about 60-120 minutes a week (max!! sometimes I don't do any), but I don't do it to lose weight. And of course you're right to say diet is also very important. Good luck!!

ThatMouse

Lift all the things.

Srsly. If you've not yet tried it, it quickly becomes therapy. I've injured myself and can't deadlift or squat (so I've moved to a purely bodyweight routine because just benching makes me feel like a fool), and it frustrates me greatly. I have, however, discovered that I can flip a tire without hurting my knee. So I flip tires now, too.

Aside from that, maybe try a more combat-oriented martial art? Boxing is fun (and I don't mean the "rah rah, ladies, cardio kickboxing, yay!" stuff either), and a new martial art often comes with cultivating discipline and a whole bunch of new friends. It can also suck up your free time relatively quickly.

karinefitness

Boxing is fun (and I don't mean the "rah rah, ladies, cardio kickboxing, yay!" stuff either)

Hahahaha...

Also agree... I've done Kung Fu for a while and it was amazing. Had to stop 'cause I moved in another city and I didn't want to find a new school... but yes to martial arts!