strength training & weight training question

fitmama282
fitmama282 Posts: 36 Member
edited November 13 in Fitness and Exercise
I want to do cardio and strength training & weight training for 5 or 6 days a week. I am studying on whether to do strength training and weight training schedule like do upper body & lower body every other day OR alternate it by doing upper body one day, lower body the next?

Replies

  • ajnb88
    ajnb88 Posts: 339 Member
    Whatever works for you. Some find they can get a decent full body workout in one session, some like to spend the whole session focussing on one area. Personally if I were to try and do everything in one go, I'd be there for hours which isn't an option, and the amount of food I'd have to eat afterwards just to keep up would be insane.
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    Assuming you have access to a gym with barbells, full-body lifts (aka, Starting Strength / Stronglifts 5x5 / New Rules of Lifting for Women) would be the approach that would give you the best results starting out. Generally those programs are three days a week (e.g., MWF) with optional cardio on the other days.
  • rick_po
    rick_po Posts: 449 Member
    If you've never lifted before, do a beginner strength program. They are usually 3 days a week, full body routines, about 60 minutes once you get to the heavier weights. The goal is to build a base level of strength, which you then take with you to a more specialized program for your more specific goals.

    Some good beginner programs: Starting Strength, Stronglifts 5x5, all pro beginner, Strong Curves, or New Rules of Lifting.
  • fitmama282
    fitmama282 Posts: 36 Member
    I have a weight bench with barbell and weights, plus dumbbells of all sizes from 1 lb. each to 25 lbs. each. I have a Body by Jake bun & thigh rocker machine, also a magic leg machine. Ab bar., a Elliptical machine. I used to workout & do all of this, but quit & had not done it in a while. It's like i'm starting all over as a beginner again. I have 100 lbs. to lose. I am getting too old to be this overweight. I will be 52 yrs. old next month. I will check out some of the programs that you all have mentioned. Thanks for the advice. Also i am having hip bursitis pain, injured (torn meniscus in knee) pain, plus back pain, and i have gotten some really good stretches & exercises for all of those as well. Helps it feel better & stronger.
  • indyrunning
    indyrunning Posts: 136 Member
    Wait 36 hours between your lifts per body part is a rule of thumb-like arms one day legs next etc...abs you can work everyday
  • foursirius
    foursirius Posts: 321 Member
    I do full body 3 days a week (madcow 5x5), arms specifically 2 days, abs 5 days, and some version of cardio each day. I can add a 6th for volume if I have the time but work travel makes this one really challenging.
  • itsclobberintime
    itsclobberintime Posts: 164 Member
    hill8570 wrote: »
    Assuming you have access to a gym with barbells, full-body lifts (aka, Starting Strength / Stronglifts 5x5 / New Rules of Lifting for Women) would be the approach that would give you the best results starting out. Generally those programs are three days a week (e.g., MWF) with optional cardio on the other days.



    I agree with this. These programs are beginner friendly and there are a ton of resources in case you have questions or need help with form.
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