cardio lover looking for strength

[Seymour42]

I have exercised for many years since I was 18. I will be 43 next week. Because I have always had an extra 15 lbs. of fat, I tend to focus on cardio. Big mistake, I know. Don't ask me why; I've known this but not taken it seriously. People have tried to tell me, but still I keep doing massive amounts of cardio and no strength work.

I have decided THIS YEAR is the time I make a change. I have been doing 2 upper body workouts and 2 lower body workouts each week (30 minutes each). Then I do 25 minutes on the treadmill. I do an extra cardio on the 5th and 6th day. I keep reading that I need to do total body weights if I need to lose any weight. I simply cannot do total body at once. So the alternating UB and LB has been very helpful. Here's the question, is this going to prevent me from losing fat? I FAR prefer alternating upper and lower. I've been splitting up Power Hour and Muscle Endurance. What do you guys think? Am I screwing up big time by not doing "total body"?

Thanks.

 

[Stacy]

Hi and no I dont think you're doing anything wrong! I cant make myself do a full total body workout either. You may want to consider adding something more strength oriented like Gym Styles for upper body. GS's have timesaver premixes that are each about 35 min in length.. (one for chest/triceps, the other back/shoulders/biceps). Good Luck and keep us updated on your progress!

 

[morningstar]

I definitely prefer full body strength, but am now trying to force myself to try splits. We'll see...

 

[coloradomama]

Have you ever considered any of Cathe's circuits to 'ease' into weights? I think you might like that because it has cardio in it as well as weights. Do something like that for a month and then it would be easier to do a regular weights workout.

 

[fit44]

This article will help you feel better about your choice and hopefully give you some pointers that will help with your goals

http://www.figureathlete.com/free_online_article/training/bikini_body_system&cr=

Edited to add, there are 2 pages to the article in case you miss it

 

[atiman]

I feel as though total body isn't comprehensive enough and that in order for it to be, it should be done at least 3x's a week.

My favorite way to train is by doing 3 day splits. My second would be the way you prefer. You will still get the results you are looking for. Since weight training is new to you, you will have the greatest changes in just a few short weeks.