Zumba? Weight Training? How much?

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Germs29
Germs29 Posts: 7
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I love doing Zumba Videos which is my cardio. I'm also aware of the fact that weight training burns calories for a longer time after the workout. How much weight training should I do vs cardio? I'm trying to lose weight (20lbs) especially around my waist and generally tone my body. Any suggestions?

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  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
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    It all depends on what kind of weight lifting routine you want to do and what muscles you work. General guidance is to not work the same muscles 2 days in a row. Since it sounds like you don't really know where to start you should probably get an intro training class at a gym. They should be able to give you a good routine for your experience level and make sure you can do the exercise correctly so you don't hurt yourself.
  • jetlag
    jetlag Posts: 800 Member
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    If you're new to weight training, then any weight training is a good start. You will improve quickly, which is always nice.

    I would personally be wary of gym instruction, simply because a lot of them are still taught that women should lift baby weights and do lots of reps.

    I always point newbies to http://www.stumptuous.com/ or scoobyworkshop.com. You don't need more than that to get started (but start today!).
  • CariS001
    CariS001 Posts: 169 Member
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    I view cardio as an "add on", primarily for fun. I make sure I get in 3 weight sessions a week, and 2 HIIT sessions, then cardio is my fun time on top of that (I LOVE Zumba!)
  • PeaceHappinessBalance
    PeaceHappinessBalance Posts: 75 Member
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    The trainer I met with said weights three times a week, cardio five times a week. It probably depends on the person though. Do weights before cardio if you do them on the same day
  • BeverlyHill
    BeverlyHill Posts: 2
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    I do boxing/kick boxing for my cardio 2x week, then running 2-3 times a week with weights. Honestly, it is how you/your body handles the routine.

    Start out with something small then build it up to what you enjoy.
  • Guamybear
    Guamybear Posts: 1,061 Member
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    I did Zumba almost every day..only because I loved it and did weights 3-4 days a week.. I alternated days for arms,shoulders and legs,back.

    Both did wonders for the 50lbs I lost.
  • Germs29
    Germs29 Posts: 7
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    Thanks for the suggestion about avoiding the same muscle group two days in a row. I think that may have been the reason for some soreness a few weeks ago.
  • Germs29
    Germs29 Posts: 7
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    I am not completely new to weight training but after stopping for 3 years I feel the need to be cautious. I will be checking out that website. Thanks! I think i will try to do two days of weights for now and add another day in 2 weeks or so. My job (teacher) requires a lot of movement especially now that its Sports term. Zumba is my fun time for sure ! So i will definitely listen to my body and continue fighting through for my results!
  • 2bassets
    2bassets Posts: 193 Member
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    I do boxing/kick boxing for my cardio 2x week, then running 2-3 times a week with weights. Honestly, it is how you/your body handles the routine.

    Start out with something small then build it up to what you enjoy.

    I love your profile picture!!!!
  • 2bassets
    2bassets Posts: 193 Member
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    I did Zumba almost every day..only because I loved it and did weights 3-4 days a week.. I alternated days for arms,shoulders and legs,back.

    Both did wonders for the 50lbs I lost.

    I hope this doesn't sound stupid, but what kind of exercises did you do with weights? I do Zumba 4 times a week and would like to add weight training, but don't know where to start. I have 3, 5 & 8 pound weights at home.

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