Have fewer days to work out now...

[janeybz]

Hello,

I have a seasonal job which starts at 5:00 AM - I have to leave my house at 4:00 AM! I can't work out in the morning like I'm used to. I get home at about 3:00, but then the kids and DH get home, there's dinner, homework, sometimes sports to take kids to.... and I'm tired! I usually have three good days a week in which I can work out now. What do you suggest would be the best for me to do on those days? I've been doing circuit workouts on my days off, for the past couple of weeks. Is that the best thing? I feel like I may be losing out on both intense cardio and decent weight training. Would it be better to do a half hour intense cardio and a couple of body parts each day on the days that I have the time and energy to work out? Thank you for any advice you can give me!!

Jane

 

[maddiesmum]

Hello,

Would it be better to do a half hour intense cardio and a couple of body parts each day on the days that I have the time and energy to work out? Thank you for any advice you can give me!!

Jane

Jane:

I usually only work out 3 or 4 times per week, never more, and somehow, I get it all done. I like the idea of a half hour of HiiT, tabata cardio or maybe 2/3 of an Imax cardio, and then weights for several body parts after that. Call this plan type A.

(Look at the 4 Day Split series: it is made for you.)

Or, do the half hour intense cardio and then on 2 days per week, do a total upper body aplit afterwards and on another day do a total lower body split after the cardio. This plan will also cover all the bases. Call this plan type B.

Another week, you might decide to do 3 metabolic conditioning workouts instead to get your cardio and weights and movement in multiple planes. So, you could call this plan type C.

So, what you could do is keep alternating between these workout plan types: this week = plan A, next week = plan B, the week after that = plan C. And keep repeating. This way, you will get everything you need for optimal heart health and muscle conditioning.

You don't need to workout more than 3 times per week to be in super shape. It is what I have practiced for a long time. And there's a famous marathon running program that is based on the same premise: 3 quality runs per week (temp, long run and intervals). People get ready for marathons on 3 days' workout per week. So, there's proof! You can do your work, get your rest, spend time with the kiddies and also stay in good shape and keep your sanity!!!

Clare

 

[Beth-B-Fit]

Clare, those are great ideas!

Beth

 

[janeybz]

Thank you so much Clare! Those are great ideas for me. I just may make it through the holidays without getting out of shape! Thanks!