Is it okay to do cardio etc. on my weight training off-day?

sarahkittymeow
sarahkittymeow Posts: 146
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I just started doing Crossfit and other lifting exercises because I want to start seeing faster results and more defined muscles. Today is supposed to be my off-day (because as I understand it, you need to have a few off days to let your muscles form and heal) but I am having a hard time with the thought of not working out at all. Can I do pilates or cardio today without hurting my muscles or progress? Honestly my legs are killing me from my Crossfit workout yesterday but not not enough for me to just sit around :p

Is that okay? If so, which one would be better? Because pilates is strength training so it's closer to weight lifting, at least my muscles are moving in the same way...and if I do cardio, should I hit the elliptical instead of the trails in order to keep it low-impact?

Thanks! (I'm a weight training super noob if you can't tell)

Replies

  • sarahkittymeow
    sarahkittymeow Posts: 146
    Bump? lol I really need help
  • sarahkittymeow
    sarahkittymeow Posts: 146
    well fine den
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    1 hour? 2 bumps. seriously?

    Just do it. If it wears you out, cut it back.
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    If you're new to Crossfit, I wouldn't push it with extra stuff, unless it is very low intensity...however, I just don't see the point. The benefits to Crossfit are seen pretty quickly, however, a lot of people burn out quickly, so if I were you, I'd do Crossfit 3 times a week and nothing else for a while.
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    ^^What she said.

    Just take it easy on the cardio if you wanna do it. I'd just do some light walking and stretching personally. Or drag a sled. It's great for leg recovery.
  • KBGirts
    KBGirts Posts: 882 Member
    A short jog may help you loosen up your sore muscles. I wouldn't over do it though.
  • KBGirts
    KBGirts Posts: 882 Member
    well fine den

    Be patient..... and it's "then".
  • sarahkittymeow
    sarahkittymeow Posts: 146
    Thanks for the advice guys. And yes I bumped it already because people get a billion responses over stuff that doesn't even matter and this was a serious fitness question and it seemed like no one was ever going to respond if it just got lost in the forums.

    And I know it's "then" I'm in college but this is the internet.

    Anyway thanks for the suggestions!
  • sarahkittymeow
    sarahkittymeow Posts: 146
    If you're new to Crossfit, I wouldn't push it with extra stuff, unless it is very low intensity...however, I just don't see the point. The benefits to Crossfit are seen pretty quickly, however, a lot of people burn out quickly, so if I were you, I'd do Crossfit 3 times a week and nothing else for a while.

    Yeah, I know, I have seen how fast crossfit shows results, it's crazy! But I think part of it as that I still just LIKE doing cardio, even though my brother in law tells me that it's "basically pointless if you're trying to tone up". I don't know, somehow I feel that might not be true since I still have fat to lose...does weight lifting cause lean muscle growth, the same as running does, or just "bulky" muscle growth? Again, very new to lifting, sorry if my guesses are completely wrong!
  • doubglass
    doubglass Posts: 314 Member
    I do an hour or more of cardio 5-6 days a week and lift 5 days a week. I'm 65. I'd think you can do it. Ease into it.
  • sarahkittymeow
    sarahkittymeow Posts: 146
    I do an hour or more of cardio 5-6 days a week and lift 5 days a week. I'm 65. I'd think you can do it.

    Thanks for the encouragement !
  • missikay1970
    missikay1970 Posts: 588 Member
    i was just about to post this question. i historically have taken a true "DAY OFF" where i do nothing at all, but feel bored and lazy when i do. was hoping to get in a bit of cardio on my days off, but wondered it they would then not be considered days off! LOL

    thx for the responses.
  • lizard053
    lizard053 Posts: 2,344 Member
    Lay off the pilates until you're more used to doing the cross-fit, but nothing wrong with some cardio! In fact, it may help with the aches. No high-intensity intervals or anything, but some moderate intensity steady-state wouldn't do much harm. Do what you can, stop if you're tired. Easy as that! (Listen to your body. If you really hurt, don't do it. If you're a little achy, go for it!)
  • jallen1955
    jallen1955 Posts: 121
    I do an hour or more of cardio 5-6 days a week and lift 5 days a week. I'm 65. I'd think you can do it. Ease into it.

    Um exactly.
  • sarahkittymeow
    sarahkittymeow Posts: 146
    Lay off the pilates until you're more used to doing the cross-fit, but nothing wrong with some cardio! In fact, it may help with the aches. No high-intensity intervals or anything, but some moderate intensity steady-state wouldn't do much harm. Do what you can, stop if you're tired. Easy as that! (Listen to your body. If you really hurt, don't do it. If you're a little achy, go for it!)

    Thanks, and I have to say I feel like I already learned the hard way a little bit...I tried doing one of my pilates videos today and it hurt SO bad. But the type of thing I like to do on an "off day" is just like a half hour or so (although moderate to high effort) on the elliptical. Low impact, and I work up a sweat but I'm not in pain, you know?
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    I do an hour or more of cardio 5-6 days a week and lift 5 days a week. I'm 65. I'd think you can do it. Ease into it.

    Um exactly.

    I respectfully disagree.

    Your goals are to be "toned", in shape, ripped, whatever?

    If they are, stick to the lifting and nix the cardio. Cardio only takes away from your muscle growth. You won't be bulky. I did Crossfit for almost 2 years and I'm 110 pounds. I don't do excess cardio, Crossfit incorporates plenty of cardio.
  • sarahkittymeow
    sarahkittymeow Posts: 146
    I do an hour or more of cardio 5-6 days a week and lift 5 days a week. I'm 65. I'd think you can do it. Ease into it.

    Um exactly.

    I respectfully disagree.

    Your goals are to be "toned", in shape, ripped, whatever?

    If they are, stick to the lifting and nix the cardio. Cardio only takes away from your muscle growth. You won't be bulky. I did Crossfit for almost 2 years and I'm 110 pounds. I don't do excess cardio, Crossfit incorporates plenty of cardio.

    This is true, I did the WOD from two days ago yesterday and that had definitely incorporated plenty of cardio...but I want to be toned AND lean/thin so I'm just getting lots of mixed advice so far
  • adrienne0906
    adrienne0906 Posts: 43 Member


    And I know it's "then" I'm in college but this is the internet.

    lolz
  • Greenrun99
    Greenrun99 Posts: 2,065 Member
    You can do cardio on your days off of lifting if you want to stay active and be at the gym, even on the days of weight lifting you can do cardio.. just make sure your nutrition levels are higher if your doing more cardio that way you wont just be burning away the muscle gain.. if you still feel you got more to give, more energy try to wear yourself out, but you have to replenish yourself as well. Just my opinion I do cardio everyday I lift and cardio on my off days.. you will know when your done.
  • Hawkian
    Hawkian Posts: 87 Member
    Yoga would probably be a good choice for such days.
  • doubglass
    doubglass Posts: 314 Member
    I do an hour or more of cardio 5-6 days a week and lift 5 days a week. I'm 65. I'd think you can do it. Ease into it.

    Um exactly.

    I respectfully disagree.

    Your goals are to be "toned", in shape, ripped, whatever?

    If they are, stick to the lifting and nix the cardio. Cardio only takes away from your muscle growth. You won't be bulky. I did Crossfit for almost 2 years and I'm 110 pounds. I don't do excess cardio, Crossfit incorporates plenty of cardio.

    My goal is to be able to do more than most people my age. I can. I'm strong enough to do what I need to do--don't really need to get stronger and I want to walk for miles on uneven ground carrying a moderate to light load. A lot of cardio works for me.
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