Cardio & Weights

KA29
KA29 Posts: 54
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
I try to work out 4-5 days a week. I usually do 2-3 days of 30-40 min cardio and 2 days of a DVD, circuit training or weight related activities on average for 30-45 min. Based on my schedule, that is all I can really squeeze in. For some reason I tend to do more cardio.

Does incorporating more weights help with weight loss more than just cardio? Can too much cardio prevent losing weight?

9334018.png
Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

Replies

  • beckycmc79
    beckycmc79 Posts: 2
    I view it as cardio loses the weight, weights tone up the slack
  • mhig011975
    mhig011975 Posts: 181
    I view it as cardio loses the weight, weights tone up the slack

    correct. you burn fat when you do any type of cardio activity (strengthening the heart and lungs). weights are toning up the "lose" areas.
  • mrau719
    mrau719 Posts: 288 Member
    What you've got sounds pretty good. I do weight 30-45 4 times and cardio 3-4 ranging from 30-60.

    Too much cardio doesn't really prevent weight loss but it can stop from muscle building b/c it will burn some of the cals that are needed for muscle growth. Just look at long distance runners compared to sprinters. Weight training is great for fat loss esp once you get to close to a goal weight from what I've heard. It's really just important to mix it up every 4-6 weeks so your body doesn't get to accustomed to one workout.

    And low intensity exercises (such as walking and even strength training) are for fat loss high intensity will burn fat and then some which again goes back to comparing body types of sprinters and long distance runners. But high intensity is great for initial weight loss. Kind of depends on your goals and where you are.
  • Emma1903
    Emma1903 Posts: 195
    In my view I'd do more weights say 3 times a week max of 45 mins each time and do some hit training twice a week say 15 min session. Weights burn fat and build muscle which in turn makes you burn more calories at rest. Make sure your eating high protein too so that you don't encounter muscle wastage.
    You should leave excess cardio to when you need to loose those last few pounds nso then you have another tool to use. Also by weight I mean free weights compound lifts that work the body, so squats and dead lifts should be your main workouts.
  • Buckeyt
    Buckeyt Posts: 473 Member
    Weight training helps maintain muscle mass while on a calorie restricted diet with lots of cardio. Cardio burns calories only while your doing it, muscle needs fuel all day long. Loss of muscle translates into lowered metabolism. Weight training is also a must to help maintain bone density.
  • Wheaticus
    Wheaticus Posts: 1
    I just joined a gym and have had 2 sessions with a personal trainer who has advised me to do my weight training first because if you do then your cardio workout will burn 10 times the calories. that seems a little extreme, but there is a woman at that same gym who started out at my weight and now, less than a year later, she is 85 lbs lighter. which is my goal, so I'm going to trust him :D
    Here's my workout as developed by my trainer.

    *I start out with about 5-10 minutes on a cardio machine (elliptical, bike, treadmill...) to get the heart rate up and going.
    *Then I do 2 sets of 15 reps on each of the leg, arm, ab machines in the gym and on a weight level that is hard for me on the last 2-3 reps in a set. that takes me about 30-45 minutes.
    *last, I do about 30-45 minutes of cardio. (the trainer suggested to do at least 15-20, but I have time for 30-45 so I do that)

    this routine is done 3 days a week, alternating with only 30-45 minutes of cardio on the other days. so... Mon/Wed/Fri are weight and cardio days. Tue/Thurs are only cardio days. On the weekends my trainer recommended doing active leisure exercise, like walking in the park, or bike ride with the family... etc...

    I hope this is helpful. if you have questions about any of the details I'd be happy to help.
    good luck!!!
  • Jolenebib
    Jolenebib Posts: 142 Member
    Really, its about what you want. I know people who only do cardio (runners) and maybe lift weights one to two times a week. They aren't strong. If you want to tone up and build strength, weight related work is the best. Intense cardio will burn fat, you're burning calories; once you burn through your sugar you start burning fat.

    I would recommend doing your weight circuits three non-consecutive days a week - trade one of your cardio days for a weight day. Your weight training is a circuit, so it in itself is a cardio workout (though not the "typical" cardio). You're probably getting your heart rate up and breathing hard while doing it? The added benefit is you're also focusing on building muscle while you do it. Its not only good for muscle tone and definition but its good for your bones.
  • yeroc39
    yeroc39 Posts: 55
    Cardio helps you burn calories, which is obviously a key to losing weight. Adding strength training builds lean muscle mass. When you add lean muscle mass to your body, it raises your metabolism so when you do cardio, you burn more calories. Like stoking your fire. That's why strength training has become more popular among people trying to lose weight.

    Now keep something in mind. If you are adding training that will build muscle, you can't be all caught up on the scale. When you add lean muscle and displace the fat, the muscle weighs more than the fat does. So as time progressing and you start losing more fat and building more muscle, you have to take that into consideration. So its not just about what the scale says, but step in front of the mirror. When you get to that point, you may not see as much weight loss, but you see your body really changing...and ultimately isn't that what we all want to do........

    I always say do first what is most important to you, because you will tend to focus on that and not cut it short like you do sometimes at the end of the workout. If you are focused more on losing the weight, get the cardio in first. Also, don't overlook short bursts of cardio (jumping rope, doing step ups.....) between sets of weight work. I do a workout where I do 2 sets of different exercises, then jump rope for 50-100 turns, then rest. Then start and repeat your 2 exercise series. That really blows the calories out ........Good luck.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories