Should I focus more on cardio or weight training? or both?

fitpam90x
fitpam90x Posts: 197 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I currently have about 7 more pounds to lose and recently I discovered that I can push myself way harder on cardio than I thought I could. :laugh: So for the past two or so workouts I've been giving it my all on cardio such as on the elliptical or my new fave, the open stride machine.

The thing is afterwards I finish going all out on my cardio sesh, I'm so fatigued and physically/mentally exhausted that I can't hold myself to having a decent ab workout or leg workout. I was wondering if it would be good to start having cardio days and then strength days (for different muscle groups) or should I perhaps do strength first when I go to the gym and finish off with some cardio?

I could only work out 2 times a week cause of school (3 if I'm lucky) but I'm pretty active throughout the day and all and do Yoga in school twice a week as well.

Replies

  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    If you only have two days, I'd focus on strength (unless you are training for something). 5 A good compound program will give better results than body part splits. I recommend Strong Lifts. Do your cardio after if you have time.


    https://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary
  • toddis
    toddis Posts: 941 Member
    I'd recommend doing strength prior to cardio. You can also set up your lifting in a circuit to make it more cardio-like to condense time needed.
  • crawpapa
    crawpapa Posts: 156 Member
    I'd recommend doing strength prior to cardio. You can also set up your lifting in a circuit to make it more cardio-like to condense time needed.

    I second this...or doing a split workout if you have time. Perhaps running in the morning and then weights at lunch or after work. Experimentation is going to be your biggest ally here, and finding what works with your goals and your schedule. An example, I already get up at 5am to go to work; no way in hades I'm getting up earlier to run. So I alternate and do cardio Tues, Thurs and Saturdays and lifting the other days.
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    I do both. 3 days cardio, 3 days weights per week. I alternate so that I give my muscles a break.

    I agree with the poster above....compund lifts are the way to go.

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