Cardio or weights, is cardio a waste of time for me?
bendyourkneekatie
Posts: 696 Member
So as part of my weight loss and fitness journey, I've joined the gym. I've always loved the gym and am very excited to get back into it after a few years' absence.
I used to be a mad les mills fan, and while I've spent plenty of time in the past on the floor of the gym, both on cardio and weights, I've spent much more doing attack, pump, and step.
Whilst I very much enjoy these classes, I feel like they're not going to give me the results I want in the time I have available to workout. Realistically, I'm going to only be able to make it to the gym 3 times a week. I walk on average 10,000 steps a day, pushing a double pram, and spend the rest of it running after a toddler and an almost-walking-baby.
So my plan is to lift. The welcome-to-the-gym guy was useless, doing the opposite of what I asked and setting me up a light-weight routine (words like "bulky" and "feminine" we're used.
I used to be a mad les mills fan, and while I've spent plenty of time in the past on the floor of the gym, both on cardio and weights, I've spent much more doing attack, pump, and step.
Whilst I very much enjoy these classes, I feel like they're not going to give me the results I want in the time I have available to workout. Realistically, I'm going to only be able to make it to the gym 3 times a week. I walk on average 10,000 steps a day, pushing a double pram, and spend the rest of it running after a toddler and an almost-walking-baby.
So my plan is to lift. The welcome-to-the-gym guy was useless, doing the opposite of what I asked and setting me up a light-weight routine (words like "bulky" and "feminine" we're used.
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Replies
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I'm of the opinion that, if you only have X amount of time available to go to the gym, use that time to hit the weights. Cardio's something that can pretty easily be done at or around home in your spare time (like jogging, exercise vids, dancing, etc.) but, unless you have a well-equipped home gym, it's much harder to strength train at home. If I had to choose between the two, that's the route I'd go anyway.
Also, I agree. Bro sounds completely useless- and clueless.0 -
I'm a HUGE les mills fan, but totally +1 on hitting the weights. It does sound like you get plenty of physical activity all day long, thus fulfilling any cardio needs. Great job!0
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why do half my posts keep disappearing when I post??? Grr... And I can't even add anything when I edit...*
I'm seeing a pt later this week to set something up, but in the interim I've done a couple of pump classes, and today I did attack. It was awesome. I remember now why I used to love it so much.
I would really like to go to this class each week, but I don't want to waste my time if a minimum of 3 weight sessions a week is needed to achieve anything worthwhile. I really wish I could go more, but that's not gonna happen for a good while.
wdyt?
To the previous 2 posters, thanks! Yeah, that's what I thought! Drat0 -
I agree. Spend the time you have in the gym hitting the weights. You can do cardio on your own time outside the gym. A great way to do cardio, and not spend a lot of time, is 10-15 second sprints. Go as hard as you can (as long as your knees are alright) with ~1-2 minutes of rest in between. After 4-5 sets, you'll be spent.0
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If you want to do weights...go for it.
Ignore the "bulky" thing
check out these programs which are great for beginners.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary
and
New rules of lifting for women (book)
Starting Strength - similar to SL but it has power cleans eventually as opposed to rows.0 -
I have been having success with doing about 10 mins of cardio to get my heart rate elevated, then hitting the weights hard for the rest of my session. Sometimes I will do a short burst of cardio again if my heart rate gets low, for instance on upper body day.0
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Thanks everyone!0
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Hi just curious....being a gym newbie, what is meant here when people are talking about hitting the weights? Do you mean free weights or the weight/resistance machines? Also, what is meant by "lifting heavy" and "HIIT"?0
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everybody will have their own definition
many will follow structured programmes like stronglifts 5 x 5 .. which is compound exercises and barbells
also Strong Curves, NROLFW and ice cream fitness and more
- deadlifts, bench presses, squats, clean and push
others will do isolation exercises with free weights - barbells / dumb-bells
and some will use the machines ... still beneficial but slightly less so
everybody means, I think, progressive resistance training though .. going heavier and heavier
HIIT - is high intensity interval training like walking on the treadmill interspersed with minutes at high run speed
Lifting heavy means just that ..0 -
why do half my posts keep disappearing when I post??? Grr... And I can't even add anything when I edit...*
I'm seeing a pt later this week to set something up, but in the interim I've done a couple of pump classes, and today I did attack. It was awesome. I remember now why I used to love it so much.
I would really like to go to this class each week, but I don't want to waste my time if a minimum of 3 weight sessions a week is needed to achieve anything worthwhile. I really wish I could go more, but that's not gonna happen for a good while.
wdyt?
To the previous 2 posters, thanks! Yeah, that's what I thought! Drat
This is happening to my posts too! It's infuriating! Also, I love love love les mills classes but i agree, weights will get you the shaping results you want and the rest days in between will be perfect for optimal results0 -
Hi just curious....being a gym newbie, what is meant here when people are talking about hitting the weights? Do you mean free weights or the weight/resistance machines? Also, what is meant by "lifting heavy" and "HIIT"?
rabbitjbrabbitjb has explained most of this but lifting heavy is basically lifting a weight that feels heavy to the point where you can only lift it for a few times (12 times or less, in some cases people would go as heavy as 3-5 times depending on the program they use)
It could be machines, but most prefer free weights for various reasons. Hitting the weights is basically adopting a progressive resistance routine using weights (progressive means that the weight you are lifting keeps increasing with time to build more strength)
OP I also agree with everyone. If your gym time is limited then it's best to do weights. You can do cardo anywhere any times whenever you are free since it does not require equipments.
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why do half my posts keep disappearing when I post??? Grr... And I can't even add anything when I edit...*
I'm seeing a pt later this week to set something up, but in the interim I've done a couple of pump classes, and today I did attack. It was awesome. I remember now why I used to love it so much.
I would really like to go to this class each week, but I don't want to waste my time if a minimum of 3 weight sessions a week is needed to achieve anything worthwhile. I really wish I could go more, but that's not gonna happen for a good while.
wdyt?
To the previous 2 posters, thanks! Yeah, that's what I thought! Drat
How long did you take these classes? Did they have a positive effect on your body? I go as heavy as in can in BodyPump and to be honest that's all the weights I do, plus all the body weight stuff in both classes and other Les Mills ones...0 -
Another vote for weights in the gym ...cardio can be done on the non gym days at home. Tons of workouts on YouTube ...check out fitnessblender as well for HIIT workouts too. Best wishes
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I know I'm going to touch a few nerves here but as a fitness instructor, classes like Pump are more for building muscle endurance than strength, though if you are just coming off the couch, your first 12 weeks of classes, some studies show you may produce some strength gains. Beyond that, IMO and experience, you will need to get out of class, up your weights, lessen your reps. That being said, if you love it and you'd do nothing if you didn't do it, then love and forget the haters. Just educate yourself on what you can truly achieve with it.
http://breakingmuscle.com/strength-conditioning/bodypump-group-exercise-does-it-work-or-not
http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/pump-fiction (LOL that I am referencing Shape Magazine as I feel they put out more misinformation than anything!)
On the cardio vs weights, you will get as many opinions as that as there are people in the fitness business. But here's some sound advice losing fat, getting lean and where cardio and strength fit into that.
http://breakingmuscle.com/strength-conditioning/the-best-research-on-body-fat-losing-fat-and-eating-fat0 -
There were haters here?0
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Do both. Lift, do some cardio, do some classes once in a while. If I had a choice with a small amount of time, I would lift heavy. Cardio can be done anywhere.0
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losingitseattle wrote: »I know I'm going to touch a few nerves here but as a fitness instructor, classes like Pump are more for building muscle endurance than strength, though if you are just coming off the couch, your first 12 weeks of classes, some studies show you may produce some strength gains. Beyond that, IMO and experience, you will need to get out of class, up your weights, lessen your reps. That being said, if you love it and you'd do nothing if you didn't do it, then love and forget the haters. Just educate yourself on what you can truly achieve with it.
http://breakingmuscle.com/strength-conditioning/bodypump-group-exercise-does-it-work-or-not
http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/pump-fiction (LOL that I am referencing Shape Magazine as I feel they put out more misinformation than anything!)
On the cardio vs weights, you will get as many opinions as that as there are people in the fitness business. But here's some sound advice losing fat, getting lean and where cardio and strength fit into that.
http://breakingmuscle.com/strength-conditioning/the-best-research-on-body-fat-losing-fat-and-eating-fat
Agree. Not a fitness instructor or educated in fitness but from personal experience, those classes never helped me meet fat loss goals. High weights, small reps along with good food and some light cardio gave me the best results.0 -
You have a goal and you understand how to get there. Weights. Spend your time at the gym strength training. You can always add in cardio when you have a little free time outside of the gym.
You just reminded me I haven't done cardio in 3 weeks...dang.0 -
dixiewhiskey wrote: »Do both. Lift, do some cardio, do some classes once in a while.
If I could, I would, but I'm incredibly limited time wise. But I do try to fit in as much incidental cardio as I can.
I have no intention of continuing with pump, it was attack that I wished I could continue. Pump, while enjoyable, was also hilarious. I was the youngest person in the room and everyone except my mum had atrocious form. I think pump's great for my mum's demographic, or at least it would be if they focussed more on technique. For me, nope. Fingers crossed the pt I'm seeing tomorrow can help me get started on 5x5.0 -
dixiewhiskey wrote: »Do both. Lift, do some cardio, do some classes once in a while.
If I could, I would, but I'm incredibly limited time wise. But I do try to fit in as much incidental cardio as I can.
I have no intention of continuing with pump, it was attack that I wished I could continue. Pump, while enjoyable, was also hilarious. I was the youngest person in the room and everyone except my mum had atrocious form. I think pump's great for my mum's demographic, or at least it would be if they focussed more on technique. For me, nope. Fingers crossed the pt I'm seeing tomorrow can help me get started on 5x5.
Yeah!0 -
I'm curious but what is your lifestyle like that makes you so time limited? Stronglifts 5x5 is a lifting program you could do at the gym for 25-30 mins three times a week. Cardio can be donein your home with no equipment. Tons of videos out there for frwe online. Thoughts?
Yeah I didn't mean Pump at all.. Lol it sounded like you go to a gym where there are more classes offered. I workout at the Y so I have barbells, ridiculous classes similar to Pump as well as some other classes, swimming and sports to choose from. I mean you know your schedule best but people always use time as an excuse. Even if you're doing cardio for ten mins or walking around instead of bussing or driving everywhere, every bit counts.0 -
@kelziemba If you're new to weightlifting, I'd work with a trainer. Development of proper form is important for safety and for results. The general advantages of using the machines over free weights is that they provide more guidance and support for proper form, especially for your back. That can be very helpful for newbies.
I lift heavy three times per week and run HIIT three times per week. Usually. Weeks vary. The cardio is for improving my endurance and my heart. I don't want to get by on just lifting. And while I used to say "I will only run if being chased," I find running (without being chased) very therapeutic.
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Can anybody please recommend how to start lifting weights. I don't have money for a trainer.
I would like to start lifting but need some sort of schedule of what to lift, how many reps, how heavy and days.
I already do lots of cardio. I run for an hour almost everyday
Thanks0 -
karintalley wrote: »Can anybody please recommend how to start lifting weights. I don't have money for a trainer.
I would like to start lifting but need some sort of schedule of what to lift, how many reps, how heavy and days.
Thanks
Programs to look into: Strong Lifts 5x5, New Rules of Lifting for Women, Starting Strength
Read the books/routines/websites. Watch videos on form. Start light.0 -
Thanks! ^^0
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I heavy weight lift three days a week, run the other two to three.
Find your sweet spot and do whatever works for you. 0 -
dixiewhiskey wrote: »I'm curious but what is your lifestyle like that makes you so time limited? Stronglifts 5x5 is a lifting program you could do at the gym for 25-30 mins three times a week. Cardio can be donein your home with no equipment. Tons of videos out there for frwe online. Thoughts?
Yeah I didn't mean Pump at all.. Lol it sounded like you go to a gym where there are more classes offered. I workout at the Y so I have barbells, ridiculous classes similar to Pump as well as some other classes, swimming and sports to choose from. I mean you know your schedule best but people always use time as an excuse. Even if you're doing cardio for ten mins or walking around instead of bussing or driving everywhere, every bit counts.
I'm really trying not to "excuse" myself; I used to get to the gym for 7-8 hours a week when I worked full time, as well as a lot of walking (we don't have a car). But now I'm home with a 2 year old and a 10 month old and I really have very little in the way of time. My husband works full time and is doing his phd, and apart from my mum who also works full time we have no family nearby, so I'm in charge of the kids almost 24/7, and at this age, there's very little in the way of exercise I can get done with them around, apart from walking, which I do a lot of. The gym I've joined has a crèche so I can go there a couple mornings during the week, and then again once on the weekend.0 -
amyrebeccah wrote: »dixiewhiskey wrote: »I'm curious but what is your lifestyle like that makes you so time limited? Stronglifts 5x5 is a lifting program you could do at the gym for 25-30 mins three times a week.
Question about that--I've done stronglifts and some of my own variations for the last few years, and I've never found that I could do it that quickly, even when I was going light. 2 warmup sets with the bar, plus 5. Three lifts, so that's at least 21 sets on non-dead day (With something like squats or deads, I'd usually be doing at least one or two more warmup sets with gradually progressing weight, but let's leave that aside for now.)
Are people really taking less than a minute between sets? I didn't see that in the program and I'm honestly not trying to grill you, but I've seen this kind of thing posted before and I was wondering if I was missing something that would make this more thinkable.
Stronglifts says to give 90 seconds between sets if they're easy and up to 3 minutes depending on how difficult you find them.0 -
amyrebeccah wrote: »
Right, that's kind of my point. How can people do the program in 25-30 minutes?amyrebeccah wrote: »dixiewhiskey wrote: »I'm curious but what is your lifestyle like that makes you so time limited? Stronglifts 5x5 is a lifting program you could do at the gym for 25-30 mins three times a week.
Question about that--I've done stronglifts and some of my own variations for the last few years, and I've never found that I could do it that quickly, even when I was going light. 2 warmup sets with the bar, plus 5. Three lifts, so that's at least 21 sets on non-dead day (With something like squats or deads, I'd usually be doing at least one or two more warmup sets with gradually progressing weight, but let's leave that aside for now.)
Are people really taking less than a minute between sets? I didn't see that in the program and I'm honestly not trying to grill you, but I've seen this kind of thing posted before and I was wondering if I was missing something that would make this more thinkable.
Stronglifts says to give 90 seconds between sets if they're easy and up to 3 minutes depending on how difficult you find them.
Yeah, I was answering your question. I totally agree, that's too short.0 -
karintalley wrote: »Can anybody please recommend how to start lifting weights. I don't have money for a trainer.
I would like to start lifting but need some sort of schedule of what to lift, how many reps, how heavy and days.
I already do lots of cardio. I run for an hour almost everyday
Thanks
I really like Bodybuilding.com. They have short videos on how to do each exercise that you can watch right on your phone.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womens-strength-training-guide.htm
Also recommend same books listed above and personally own NROLFW.
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