Finding the right balance of cardio and weights?

[robyn6002]

Know that Cathe is about to deliver (best of everything with the delivery) but I do have a question on the balance of cardio and weights...

My goal is to loose 3 lbs (though this isn't critical) Definetly to FIRM up (lower body) and to build muscle. I've been working out consistantly for a year and overall one would think I'm in decent shape but want to get to the next level.
I've been eating very clean since February and drinking water.

Would you think this is too much for a week
3 Lower body
3 Upper body
4 cardio
1 rest day (so I double up)
Will the cardio defeat the strength training?

I use a combination of cathe tapes and the gym - am thinking about shaking it up with a little running too.

thx

 

[MadnNatsmom]

No, I don't think it's too much. I have been doing an additional 30-45 minutes of cardio almost every evening for the past 4 weeks and have lost 5 lbs. (My other cardio is running for 30-40 minutes, 3X per week.)

From what I've read, it seems you'd have to be doing LOTS of cardio to lose muscle mass (like in excess of 60 minutes per day, every day). However, I spoke to a bodybuilder and she said she does no more than 30 minutes of intense running 3X per week when she's training to compete (she looked incredible - like Cathe but a bit more bigger muscle-wise).

But, I think you have to experiment - if you find that you are not able to increase your poundage, you're probably doing too much.

 

[robyn6002]

thanks...

I think maybe it works when I'm more in maintenance mode- but I've been upping my pounds 15 bicep curl - 20 chest press - 25 lat row - so that maybe that's the problem - i'm focusing more on the poundage and until i get use to it - maybe taper off on the cardio-

ALso the fact ive been sick, lots of stressful stuff, or that i just started interval max, or that I have definition and only 3 lbs of my goal weight of 10 years ago.... these may all have something to do with it!

we'll see!

 

[[email protected]]

Great job on getting within 3 lbs. of your goal weight!!!! I gained about 15 lbs. when I quit smoking 2years ago, and I am still fighting it. I am about 10 lbs. above my ideal weight. I joined WW's, which I love, but I do good for 10 days, and blow it for a weekend. I feel like I am struggling today, but I am going to make it thru it. I love to read how all of you ladies on this forum are around my age,(2 months till 39), and maintain a great figure, and how everyone is striving to acheive that. In today's overweight society, that is so inspiring. I will manage to get this off, I have a goal set for myself to keeping to program for 30 days without blowing it. Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS ROBYN!!!!
Lori

 

[Shaz]

Hi Lori, if you are 'good' for 10 days then have a couple of days off, I don't think this is necessarily anything to worry about. I read (in Muscle and Fitness) that by having cylces where you increase and decrease caloric intake, this prevents the metabolism from slowing down whilst dieting. Just a thought.
Take care,
Sharon.

 

[[email protected]]

Sharon- I 100% agree with you, but the last time I binged, and bad. I fought the period hungries all week, and I finally lost it. I am afraid it did me more harm than good!! Oh well, I am back on track.
Lori