Needing input on workout schedule

happymommy321

My workout schedule varies depending on the needs of my kids and availability of my mom or husband to watch my kids. In a typical week, I will get to the gym about every other day. When I am there I do a strenuous cardio for about 30 minutes(either running, elliptical, stair climber, or bike at a pace where I am breathing very heavy) and strength training for about 30 minutes. My question is about my "off" days. Most of the time on these days I get in only walking at a slow pace pushing our double stroller. I walk my son to and from school, which adds up to 2 miles a day. Days he doesn't have school and I don't go to the gym we either walk to church or will take a long walk as a family, again, slower pace. We will sometimes walk farther if my kids are up to it, but rarely at a high cardio rate as my kids are, well, kids, therefore slow. My question is- is that enough? I will attempt to fit in a workout video on those days but it gets very tough to make that happen. Do I need the higher intensity cardio more than 3-4 times a week if every off day has low intensity cardio? Hopefully that all makes sense, I am just having trouble wrapping my brain around all that and am hoping to take advantage of the knowledge of all of you!

AJ_G

If all you're concerned with is weight loss, then high intensity cardio isn't a huge deal. Low intensity still burns calories so it's helping your deficit, assuming you're tracking calorie intake. If you'd like to condition your cardiovascular system, then high intensity cardio is very good, but it's just about prioritizing your goals and your time. I would suggest doing your strength training before you do your cardio at the gym, especially if you're lifting heavy. You need that energy to lift, then you can just run after. If you're not lifting heavy for your strength training, I suggest you do so ASAP.