Muscle Recovery for Women - Fitness Tips?

gabbyrojo

I have been working out consistantly for the last 3 weeks and started strength training this week. The first 2 weeks I spent doing lots of cardio like spin class, elliptical or stairclimber for about 45min to 1 hour followed by a 15 min ab workout. Now that I am strength training (30 min cardio + strength training) I'm not sure what the recovery time should be? I want to get lean but not bulk up. I've been on a low carb diet and consuming about 1200-1300 calories (once you include exercise). What should my muscle recovery be 24 hours or 48 hours...I've heard different things? I'm 5'4" and currently weigh 125lbs. I would like to get down to 115lbs by September 15.