What order to exercise in?

KeKy4

My husband and I are trying to make a work-out plan because lately I have been slacking more but I'm better when I have a plan, I stick to it!

So plan is 20 minutes treadmill, 20 minutes weights, 20 minutes elliptical. I like to do the treadmill to work my calves and warm-up, I was thinking then of doing weights for a short cardio break and then do the elliptical on an interval setting.

Does this seem like a good order?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

meerkat70

depends what you'retrying to achieve with the weights? what will you be doing?

KeKy4

Not heavy lifting, just some of the weight machines to tone, particularly my arms. I also do the ab machines. I'm new to all this!

dad106

I would personally do cardio and weight lifting on separate days.. and if you do it on the same day, then it's best to do all the cardio after.

Also you can't "tone" anything. You can only retain/build muscle, and lower/increase your bodyfat to make the muscles more prominent/ less prominent.

Look up a total body routines on Google, and do one of them to start...it will be better then just some random weight machines, with a few ab machines thrown in.

DeniseB0711

I tend to agree with the above. Also most gyms do provide a basic curcuit and work out routine for their members. ITs a good place to start as well.

Generally, I do cardio and lifting on different days, and at least one day a week is total core work.

chrisrollins1

I lift 5 days a week and do cardio 6 days a week. The variable is what you're trying to accomplish. As a general rule of thumb, however, any cardio should be done after strength training. There are several theories regarding why this method is more beneficial to fat loss, but more importantly you need to be fairly fresh and recovered to accomplish much in regard to strength training.

I would recommend changing your workout to no more than a 10 minute warmup on the treadmill or elliptical, and then finish your desired cardio after your strength training.

bettyboop573

I lift 5 days a week and do cardio 6 days a week. The variable is what you're trying to accomplish. As a general rule of thumb, however, any cardio should be done after strength training. There are several theories regarding why this method is more beneficial to fat loss, but more importantly you need to be fairly fresh and recovered to accomplish much in regard to strength training.

I would recommend changing your workout to no more than a 10 minute warmup on the treadmill or elliptical, and then finish your desired cardio after your strength training.

yes agree...better do do the weights before the cardio....

billsica

I do cardio after lifting.

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KeKy4

Thanks everyone!! I appreciate it! I knew toning was the wrong word but wasn't sure what to call it, at least you knew what I meant! :P We have about a 100lbs to lose a piece so we need all the help we can get!! Thanks again!!