Cardio and weights

Lainnee

I'm new ...if this has been asked a zillion times...sorry. I walk every day..3.5 mph for about an hour.,,would like to start working my triceps and biceps....how much weight should I start lifting and how many days per week? I'm old and losing muscle mass as we discuss this! HELP! Lol.

Should I cut back the cardio....I have 40 lbs to lose...oops, 36.....I've lost 4 of those bad boys already!

aproc

Just triceps and biceps? You'd see more benefit out of a good workout routine targeting all the muscles. Lift the heaviest weight you can manage for 8-12 reps. If you get to 12 and you could still do more then bump the weight up. Everybody starts out different on what weight they can use. As far as days, make sure your giving the muscles you work a couple days of rest before your next workout. I split mine up and work a different group everyday. I would suggest finding a good plan and sticking with it.
I've cut back on cardio quite a bit and started noticing more results with weights but everybody trains differently. Play around with it until you find what is working. Maybe cut back on cardio a little first and go from there. Although a good walk never hurts in my opinion. Maybe still walk for 30 minutes or so?

LizHowerton

I would say continue walking, and start at 3 lbs, increase to 5 lbs. and then go to 8 lbs when you can.

There are lots of dvd's out there to help you build muscle.

I don't know how old, is old to you...but I am pushing 50 in August, and I use 5's and 8's.

Lainnee

Well, I was going to start with cardio and arms. I'm 57 and broke both arms 12 years ago....rollerblading. One arm was broken in 12 places and they had to use 7 pins and 4 screws, along with marrow from my hip to smoosh it all back together. I broke the other arms elbow and opted not to have it pinned....I had to have one arm to use!

I just got involved with MFP about 10 days ago.....have to start somewhere and build from here!