Want to start lifting, don't want to stop cardio. Advice?

CurlewisHoney
CurlewisHoney Posts: 11 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,

I would like to add strength training to my week, however I don't want to stop my cardio. I walk between 6 and 9 kilometres every morning, with a 10kg baby strapped to my front (ergo carrier), and pushing 23kg of toddler and pram. I walk a 10 minute kilometre on average, as it is not on footpaths, but rather over rocky and uneven terrain. I definitely feel it from my walking - sore calves, quads and butt muscles.

SO - my question is, will walking like this every morning have too big of an impact on my recovery from strength training? Or do people (that are obviously fitter than me!) consider that to be an inconsequential amount of cardio?

I LOVE my morning walk, and can't imagine giving it up.

Thanks

Replies

  • halleymw
    halleymw Posts: 246 Member
    There is no reason to stop your cardio. Cardio and weight lifting are complimentary. I think that true bodybuilders may limit their cardio, but unless you plan on working with weights until u look like ahhhnold, enjoy your walks.
    Mike
  • CurlewisHoney
    CurlewisHoney Posts: 11 Member
    Thanks for your response, Mike.

    I am not concerned with appearance - I am just worried about over stressing my muscles and causing an injury. It probably doesn't sound like a lot of exercise to the properly fit, but to me it sound huge!
  • SenseiCole
    SenseiCole Posts: 429 Member
    I do both cardo and weights, my weight is not coming off so fast, but for me that is fine, I was fit and strenght



    anyone can add me
  • cjs3001
    cjs3001 Posts: 273 Member
    Cardio and weight lifting are complimentary.

    Seconded.
    Just take it easy on the strength to start and build it up at a pace that your body feels comfortable with - you don't want to start 'pumping iron', ache all over and then not be able to do either. :smile:
  • georgina1970
    georgina1970 Posts: 333 Member
    You're already doing your strength training while you're walking (carrying baby+toddler + pram,) easily 20-30kgms in total. I remember how it was, walking to Playcentre, then I moved on the double buggy.
    You could add an upper body strength programme on alternate days.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    I personally find walking (although I don't do as much as you) is a great form of recovery from weight training. So long as you adjust your eating to compensate on lifting days, you should be fine - a protein shake and a banana after your workout or something.
  • brdgt
    brdgt Posts: 20
    You can also combine cardio and strength training in strength training classes that gyms offer - some just keep the pace up and other work in jumping jacks or other more vigorous cardio.
  • nainai0585
    nainai0585 Posts: 199 Member
    Do both.
    I do both cardio and weight training at the gym, then when my son needs to be picked up from school, I put my 2.5 yr old (30 lb) son in my ring sling carrier and walk to and from the school (usually about 20-25 minutes). As your child grows older and you choose to continue to wear him/her (and yes, that is the proper term for people who choose to use carriers), you'll find that you no longer notice the weight, especially if you are using your carrier properly and do not have it around your neck but instead, on your shoulders.

    I've been using my carrier since my son was 2 days old and never purchased a stroller for him and he was never in the car seat unless he was in the car. So continue to wear and build those shoulder, back, and leg muscles :)
  • holothuroidea
    holothuroidea Posts: 772 Member
    Sounds like a pretty well rounded program to me. :)

    Cardio and weight training don't really interfere with each other until you get to specialist/competitive/elite levels. As far as every day fitness goes, it's excellent to do them together.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    you'll be just fine. start lifting
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    I lift one day, cardio the next...on light lifting days (leg day), when i still have time, I do a little cardio. They won't "cancel" each other out.
  • _DaniD_
    _DaniD_ Posts: 2,186 Member
    I do both. I run after I lift to minimize recovery time (and because I love running).

    As someone already mentioned, they do compliment each other.

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