Cardio vs Strength Training Question...

How would you define your ratios? 50% of the time you spend working out? 50% of the calories you expend? 50% of the weight of the sweat you generate measured in US units (pounds and ounces)?

Let's go with time spent working out. I split out about 50-50 each way. Based on hours spent working out, I would say 50-60% of my time is lifting and 40-50% is spent doing cardio. This is based on working out 6 days a week and approximately 60 minutes per session. 2 cardio sessions per week are martial arts training and one session is a 60 minute group fitness class.

30 day shred is cardio.

Actually, I wouldn't add more cardio to the 30 day shred, that's really more what that program is than strength training. There's not really a ratio, you should do both for health and fitness. Find something you like and stick to it. 30 Day shred is a decent place to start (I've never done it, but I've done the shred it with weights), but it won't add muscle (which is hard at a deficit anyway, but you can do if you're new to lifting), and you'll gain a little strength, but mostly just muscular endurance. After 30DS, I'd definitely try to advance to some heavier weight and free weights.

Flash back to November - weighing almost 230 lbs, with a sedentary desk job, diagnosed with COPD from 30 years of smoking. I was weak, stiff, and in very poor cardiovascular and respiratory condition. Some vacation photos pushed me over the edge. I had dieted before but failed because I was trying to lose weight strictly by controlling my calorie intake. This time I wanted to lose weight AND become more fit and started walking in conjunction with my diet. I learned that the colories burned walking made dieting easier because if I ate too much instead of getting discouraged I could always make up for it by walking more instead of further starving myself. Fast forward 3 months and I am walking an average of 5 miles/day have lost 27 lbs and am in MUCH better cv and resp condition. I can't run due to bad knee so I bought a rowing machine which is a cardiovascular workout using the whole body; but in reality I am now also improving my strength and flexibilty at the same time. I don't worry about specific strength training one bit at this point. The rower (and certainly an eliptical trainer) helps to burn calories at a much higher rate than just walking so I have cut back to 3 miles/day and 20 mins on the rower. Maybe when I reach my goal weight of 185 lbs I will be ready to add some weight lifting and calesthenics. This 'phased approach' so-to-speak has yielded sufficiently rapid progress without constantly struggling against excess weight and generally poor physical condition. I don't have any deadlines, I'm not burned out and haven't pulled any muscles, torn cartilege, or otherwise been injured so IMHO this approach has been rewarding and successful FOR ME. Might work for the OP as well!

Do what you like best. Then you will stick with it and establish the exercise habit. People who try to race out of the box right away often find that exercise is too hard and unpleasant, and they quit. Yes, it is hard at the beginning. So, go easy and do what you like. You can ramp up later once you have the exercise bug.
It won't do you any good to do 50 percent weight lifting and 50 percent running if you stop after three months.

75% strength and 25% cardio. So if you have an hour to work out 45 min weights and 15 min jog/HITT. Start with the weights and end with cardio. Repeat 4-5 days a week. Keep to your macro totals. Stick to this and you will thank me later!

Hmm ok, i'm on 1210 cals a day and eat back some of my exercise calories, not sure if it right or not, how do I work out my macro's? I remember trying before but got confused lol

Okay, your macros consist of carbs, fats, and proteins. Everyone's marcos are computed differently depending on their body type and goals. Low carb, high protein and fats work for my body. Once you understand what your totals are for each one you need to meet them everyday. My totals are 160 carbs, 94 fat, and 160 protein. I hit around those numbers everyday. Cardio helps you with your total calories. If you burn 200 calories will running it allows you to eat an additional 200 calories for that day as long as you dont exceed that number. For example If i dont do any cardio for the day I can eat 1900 calories and still lose weight. If i do my cardio I can eat 2100 calories and still lose that same amount of weight, but can eat more food! Thats a win, win.

75% strength and 25% cardio. So if you have an hour to work out 45 min weights and 15 min jog/HITT. Start with the weights and end with cardio. Repeat 4-5 days a week. Keep to your macro totals. Stick to this and you will thank me later!

Great advice. If you find you're not losing weight you may need to up your calories.. 1200 kcal/day is not a lot if you're intensely working out 4-5 times a week.

This and this....and leave the little pink weights alone. Lift heavy, compound movements like barbell squats. deadlifts, etc.