Five days of Cardio

[Coakieanos]

Dear Cathe and other Catheites,

Thanks for posting an Intermediate workout, a change is always good. I have read in fitness magazines and done a search on this site that for weightloss, especially, if you have lots of weight to lose, it is recommended to do five cardio sessions per week and two total body workouts. Does Circuit training count as both a cardio and total body workout and would it count towards the needed five cardio sessions?

I'm also trying to reincorporate at least three running sessions per week on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Is it overkill to do Drillmax on Tuesdays, Bodymax 2 on Thursdays and an Imax either 1, 2 or 3 on Saturdays? Sunday would be my rest day.

If this is too much, could you recommend a schedule?

Thanks

Yvonne

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Yvonne! I personally don't like to count circuit workouts as a solid cardio or solid weight training session. I think circuit workouts are perfect workouts to build stamina, shock your body, help break through fitness plateus, burn calories and body fat, use when pressed for time and assist as a second "touch up" workout for when you have already met your weight and cardio requirements....

However, if you are looking for a solid cardio workout or a solid weight workout, then circuit workouts will not be your top choice to get the job done.

As for incorporating running 3 times per week as well as the other workouts you mentioned during the other days.....Add workouts in gradual increments rather than slam a whole new routine at you body in one week. If you have never run, add just one a week. If you already do one a week, add one more for a while before adding a third. If the other workouts are all brand new to you, pick one for now and gradually add the other two in over three week increments.

I would also like to suggest that you have at least one weekly workout be non-impact (such as biking) where you can still work hard but without the impact on your joints.

Good Luck

 

[Coakieanos]

Dear Cathe,

Thank you very much for your response. I will follow your advice.

See you at the next Road Trip. I am looking forward to meeting you in person.

LOL

Yvonne:7