I am so confused on workouts!!!! HELP!!

[RWattier]

I have never been this confused before in my life! I read articles and books galore on weightloss, programs on diets and now I am totally lost! I have tweaked the Tank Top Rotation and now am questioning it?? Yiiikes! I read this article that says you must give your muscles a break in order for them to grow - for example if you lift intensely one day it says to do light cardio the next?? How do you know when you are over doing it? I get sore, but not that sore to where its painful, maybe uncomfortable if I don't work it out or stretch..................any advise. Here is my rotation for the next six weeks - just wondering if there is enough of a break between my lifting in order to gain muscle development. I tried to space out at least 48 hours........or work opposite body part the next day . . . (sorry for the long post)

Sunday: PUB and 30 mins of Cardio of choice
Monday: Legs and Glutes
Tuesday: Jog 30 mins and Circuit max/HSTA/C&W
Wednesday: Pilates(I teach) and KPC
Thursday: MIS/ME/PH (one of them)
Friday: Light and slow 3 mile jog and yoga to stretch out
Saturday: Imax/Imax2 (one of them)

Friday is scheduled to be super light to stretch the body.......
x( x(

 

[Timber99]

Well, it looks like you are leaving enough space between weights, but you have a mighty tough workout schedule here. You don't plan to rest at all for 6 weeks? I know you said Friday is "super light" but you are still jogging 3 miles and doing yoga. I'd consider that a workout.

Also, on Tuesday, you might consider just doing the jogging without the circuit b/c you are double working your legs from Monday and about to work them again on Wednesday (and again on Thursday).

 

[nastsm0m]

Reba- I feel for you. I too get overwhelmed by all the info out there. I think for me I just do what seems to work for me. I have great upper body definition and shapely legs but want more definition in them I don't need to loose weight but I am like what is right who is right etc etc. Even when it comes to eating! Anyway I hope someone more knowledgeable will answe this for you. I jusy wanted you to know you are not alone in being confused

Terri

 

[fitxme]

Reba

Are you used to working out at this intensity? Seems like you have a lot going on during the course of a week. What you are doing is not impossible, but I think it all depends on what you are trying to achieve.

What are your specific goals?

FITXME

 

[RWattier]

Sorry it took so long for me to log back on - busy week

My goals are to lose about 8 pounds and really get defintion in my upper body and slim down my upper thighs (you know that problem area).

I am used to working out at that intensity. And I have a German Sheppard that begs to go jogging, so that is why I kept it on my rotation for Friday - instead of taking a total rest day, but that day will either be walk/jog/& yoga to stretch (not power yoga) -

I wonder if I shouldn't do this bc I have lots of time on weekends.

Sunday: PUB and L&G
Monday: Cardio of choice
Tuesday: AM jog and Evening CM/HSTA/BC/C&W
Wednesday: Pilates and KPC
Thursday: ME/PH/MIS
Friday: Rest and light jog or walk with dog
Saturday: Long Run and ABs

Let me know what you guys think of this one

 

[fitxme]

Here's my opinion.

If I were you, I would include some interval type cardio workouts...that could be one of the IMAX videos and/or interval running sessions in addition to your steady-state cardio.

If you are looking for definition, I would consider a bodypart/day split such as the May 05 rotation. Another option would be to do the pyramid upper and lower (separate days of course) and then do a full body on another day of the week. And of course do the cardio as stated above. I know you want to slim your thighs, but you still want to give them a good strength workout, perhaps using lighter weights.

I do feel your pain...just when you think you know what you are going to do, you will sure enough read something contrary and that gets you all confused and then you don't know what to do. You just need to try what does appeal to you first...give it some time and then if you don't get the results you are looking for "tweak" it and then in time you will find the right combination for YOU. (You will have to stick with a rotation for a few weeks before you can see the results of it.) But don't get comfortable because then you will need to change it so that you keep your body challenged and surprised.

I hope this helps you...If you need further explanation, let me know...

 

[amyg]

I'm glad some people have mentioned you should maybe rest in there somewhere... although I know it's really hard to do, especially if you're enjoying working out.

I worked in a podiatry office and we had Nike athletes come in with their coaches. I overheard the coach mention once "race day, then the next day recover" so I try not to think of it as a "rest" day but rather a "recovery" day. We all work our bodies pretty hard- and if you want results without injury, you've got to let them RECOVER!!

Best of luck!

Amy G