I have been doing combined cardio/strength workouts 3x per week for the past 4 months and have seen amazing results. I would like to try cardio and strength on different days, but am really afraid that I will not be able to maintain results already achieved. I have been told that doing both at the same time maximizes results. Comments?
cardio/strength combination workout vs separate workouts
- Thread starter nancyg
- Start date
Hi. Just wondering what your workouts have been? For example, are you doing something like Circuit Max three times a week, or something longer ie. a step tape plus a separate strength tape, and how many times a week are you working each body part?? The more we (and Cathe, of course) know about your current workouts, the better advice we can offer. Thanks!!
Stacy
StacyIve done both cardio/strength on the same day and also have done them on different days, and as long as I kept my diet clean, saw no difference in my results. There are a variety of ways to split cardio and strength, depending on what tapes you have and how much time you have each day. A few examples of things I've done in the past...
PS CST + abs
Interval Max
PS BBA
Cardio Kicks
PS LA
Short cardio + MIS Upper body only
Rest day (whatever day you choose)
Power Hour
step of choice + abs
Circuit Max (using it as a leg workout)
Rest day
Cardio Kicks + abs
Power Hour
Interval Max
I plan on alternating the Slow&Heavy series with cardio next month, adding on a shorter cardio on strength days if I have time or feel the need. I think the main goal of any rotation should be variety in both strength and cardio activities. Hope this helps.
Stacy
PS CST + abs
Interval Max
PS BBA
Cardio Kicks
PS LA
Short cardio + MIS Upper body only
Rest day (whatever day you choose)
Power Hour
step of choice + abs
Circuit Max (using it as a leg workout)
Rest day
Cardio Kicks + abs
Power Hour
Interval Max
I plan on alternating the Slow&Heavy series with cardio next month, adding on a shorter cardio on strength days if I have time or feel the need. I think the main goal of any rotation should be variety in both strength and cardio activities. Hope this helps.
StacyHi Nancy,
I just wanted to add my 02.
The only "tried and true" formula there seems to be when it comes to the "cardio/strength together vs separately" debate is what works for you personally. If doing strength and cardio together in the same workout works for you/gives you the results you desire/keeps you motivated, then my humble advice would be to stick with it. As long as you are varying the TYPE of cardio & strength activities you are doing (ie, kickbox, cycling, step, aerobics, "light" endurance strength as well as "heavy" muscle building strength) you will avoid over-use injuries and reap benefits from your routine. Some people get better results from keeping their cardio/strength workouts completely separate, others get better results from combining one with the other. If combining, some people prefer to do the strength work first followed by cardio and some prefer vice-versa. Personally, I find that if I do more than a few weeks of combined cardio and strength sessions, I get over-tired, both physically and mentally. I am the type of person who likes to change my routine regularily in order to keep my motivation up. However, you may be the sort of person who prefers a longer rotation, and this is fine too. Whatever keeps you consistent (and injury free!) is what works.
One thing I have learned on this wonderful Forum (and Cathe says this in many of her replies) is that everyone is different. If you are happy with the results your routine is giving you and it is still motivating you, then stick with it. If you feel ready for a change, then change it. Until you actually try something different you just wont know whether it is more effective for you or not.
Isn't it great that Cathe gives us so many choices!? (or in my case, too many choices, he he!).
Anyway, this is just MHO - sorry to go on so long!!
Kaz.
I just wanted to add my 02.
The only "tried and true" formula there seems to be when it comes to the "cardio/strength together vs separately" debate is what works for you personally. If doing strength and cardio together in the same workout works for you/gives you the results you desire/keeps you motivated, then my humble advice would be to stick with it. As long as you are varying the TYPE of cardio & strength activities you are doing (ie, kickbox, cycling, step, aerobics, "light" endurance strength as well as "heavy" muscle building strength) you will avoid over-use injuries and reap benefits from your routine. Some people get better results from keeping their cardio/strength workouts completely separate, others get better results from combining one with the other. If combining, some people prefer to do the strength work first followed by cardio and some prefer vice-versa. Personally, I find that if I do more than a few weeks of combined cardio and strength sessions, I get over-tired, both physically and mentally. I am the type of person who likes to change my routine regularily in order to keep my motivation up. However, you may be the sort of person who prefers a longer rotation, and this is fine too. Whatever keeps you consistent (and injury free!) is what works.
One thing I have learned on this wonderful Forum (and Cathe says this in many of her replies) is that everyone is different. If you are happy with the results your routine is giving you and it is still motivating you, then stick with it. If you feel ready for a change, then change it. Until you actually try something different you just wont know whether it is more effective for you or not.
Isn't it great that Cathe gives us so many choices!? (or in my case, too many choices, he he!).
Anyway, this is just MHO - sorry to go on so long!!
Kaz.
Thanks Stacy and willowe.
I really do enjoy doing both cardio and strength in 1 workout. I guess my biggest problem is there are not enough videos out there that give me the intensity I am looking for, plus I do need to add some variety. I just received some new tapes from Cathe and will give the separate workouts a try, and maybe combine some as I work through them. It's taken me at least 2 years to find workouts that have allowed me to lose weight and have great muscle tone. I look better now than I did 20 years ago!
I really do enjoy doing both cardio and strength in 1 workout. I guess my biggest problem is there are not enough videos out there that give me the intensity I am looking for, plus I do need to add some variety. I just received some new tapes from Cathe and will give the separate workouts a try, and maybe combine some as I work through them. It's taken me at least 2 years to find workouts that have allowed me to lose weight and have great muscle tone. I look better now than I did 20 years ago!
Do you have the Cross Train Express Series?. If not, this would really be a worthwhile investment for you, as it combines approx 30 minutes of intense cardio with weight/strength training for one upper body part per day. If you have time, you could work 2 upper body parts per day. Sounds like the ideal series for you, if you don't already have it. Also, Bodymax and Circuitmax are combined cardio and weight/endurance tapes.
Have fun!
Kaz.
Have fun!
Kaz.