Switching from circuit cardio workouts to weight training

ereckless82
ereckless82 Posts: 85 Member
edited December 1 in Fitness and Exercise
So, I'm working with a friend who is a personal trainer on getting me into Weight training. I've hit a huge plateau after losing 76lbs (still have 10-15 more to go) and even though I strength train, it's time for something way different. My problem is that I feel like I need more cardio and he is telling me to back off of the cardio. Not completely, but do like 15 mins before the weight training session and then 15 mins after. He said I can still spin on saturday mornings, but I should focus on the weight training. I have a hard time going up long cardio sessions, so I'm wondering if I should consider HIIT as my cardio or is that too anaerobic when your weight training? I did my first session this morning and used Jillian Michaels kickboxing level 1 as my pre workout cardio and then 15 mins on my stationary bike at resistance 4 for my after weight training cardio. Thanks for any input in advance!

Replies

  • itsbasschick
    itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
    have you talked to your friend the personal trainer to make sure he has the same goals for you that you do? most of the personal trainers i've dealt with over the years didn't have a clue.
  • ereckless82
    ereckless82 Posts: 85 Member
    Yeah. He understands my goals, and knows that I'm am cardio'd out and thats why I am not seeing results anymore. Im not looking to bulk. Just continue to lean out and build a little lean muscle mass and tone. I'm using 8-10lb hand weights and a 12.5lb curl bar with a 10lb plate on each side for now. Doing the basics. Curls, pull-ups, skull crushers, squats with the bar, pengalum lunges with weights at my side, etc.

    Cardio is still important, but I'm not really sure the type of cardio I should do before and after my weight training, and then on non weight training days if I should do extended cardio sessions. HIIT seems like a good kind of cardio, but it can get pretty anaerobic so is it appropriate when weight training? It's all very confusing and I'm hoping to get some insight from fellow weight training mfp people.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    Idk...I do my own version of stronglifts 5x5 pm Mon/wed, short runs pm Tues/thur and some type of cardio video every morning. Saturday is a longer circuit workout and I try to get a longer run in on Sunday. I'm still improving on my lifts and my running pace is better than last year. If you want to build strength and muscle, you have to lift progressively and make sure to eat enough.
  • itsbasschick
    itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
    if you up your cardio intensity, you'll continue to see more results. there's no cardio wall where it stops being effective. some of the fittest people i know don't lift at all. one guy used to run 5 miles up and down hills every day carrying 5 pounds in each hand, and at 6' 1", he was thin and ate more food than anyone i know. but my husband used to run 45 minutes three times per week - no weights, no hills, but he was slender and very fit.

    as much as i used to be into heavy, heavy lifting for at least 2 hours 6 days per week, usually closer to 4 hours, i always have less body fat and lose more doing cardio. i do best with intense exercise biking or long, intense (fast, some uphill and downhill) walking, although i used to do great with the stairmaster on level 4 for 45 minutes. i can't do the stairmaster any more, alas.

    for me, i lose more and feel better doing all my cardio in one session, so rather than breaking up biking into two sessions, i get better results doing it all in one session and keeping my heart rate up at 70% of max.

    feel free to ignore this post if you feel it doesn't apply to you - i realize i ran on a bit there...
  • ereckless82
    ereckless82 Posts: 85 Member
    My cardio is intense usually, and you can over cardio. It's basically the same as over training. You can't replenish your glycogen stores fast enough and then you are just exhausted 24-7, hungry 24-7, etc. that is me right now. I don't run but I kickbox, spin, do HIIT, etc. walking I reserve for "rest days". I've been doing all Jillian Michaels DVD's, Bob Harper inside out method dvd's, etc. for years. The JM killer buns and thighs is definitely still effective for me. My legs and butt are definitely developing because of that dvd. Other than that, I'm in need of much more toning and lean muscle building. Eating is definitely something I know I need to change now. Having my profile set to lose 1lb per week has me at 1630 calories per day. There is absolutely no way I will see any progress with that calorie reduction. Still having this last 10-15 to go after losing 76lbs over the course of two years is why I'm changing things up so much. This is yet another piece of the puzzle that I need help on.
  • msemotan
    msemotan Posts: 23 Member
    I just read your post, and though this is not an answer to your question, I just wanted to say you are doing so well! I love hearing about people who have been successful with losing weight and getting in shape, creating a healthy lifestyle. Just reading your post was an encouragement to me. I can relate to you plateau issue a lot and I am kind of in the same boat for trying to figure out how to break out, but GREAT JOB on your progress!
  • ereckless82
    ereckless82 Posts: 85 Member
    msemotan wrote: »
    I just read your post, and though this is not an answer to your question, I just wanted to say you are doing so well! I love hearing about people who have been successful with losing weight and getting in shape, creating a healthy lifestyle. Just reading your post was an encouragement to me. I can relate to you plateau issue a lot and I am kind of in the same boat for trying to figure out how to break out, but GREAT JOB on your progress!

    Thank you! It's so much work! I gained an insane amount of weight when I was pregnant with my daughter. It's almost all gone. I just want to be in the best shape of my life now so I can be a good role model for my daughter.
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