Muscle Endurance

orphylea

orphylea

Cathlete
So, I'll admit it- I am a cardio junkie. I have always been focused on losing weight- after college, after a stressful job, after two babies and now I'm done. I need to admit that- I'm at a healthy weight. Now that I am working out regularly (for the past year or so) I still have a bit of a cardio fix, probably more than I want or need. I haven't even done any straight strength videos with Cathe- I only do interval ones (Body Max 2, Drill Max, Bootcamp, High Step Challenge) on "strength" days (MWF)and then cardio the other two days (T/TH).

I want to build more lean muscle and switch my focus from weight loss to muscle building. I am going to try Muscle Endurance tomorrow. Tell me this is a good thing! Tell me I will get a great workout- I still have that odd mentality that it doesn't feel like a workout unless my heart is pounding and I'm sweating profusely. I also need to change my diet a bit if my focus is changing from weight loss to muscle gain, but that's another post, lol.
 
You will get a great workout! Really, you will, and don't be surprised if your heart rate goes up there a bit from time to time! Enjoy.....

-Beth
 
Patti,

I also enjoy cardio much more than weight work outs, and am also at a healthy weight now and decided I needed to focus on building muscle.

I don't have Muscle Endurance, but I started my Cathe weight workouts with Muscle Max and, from what I understand, these workouts are similar full body workouts. I had great results with Muscle Max and have added the Pyramids and Gym Styles to my Cathe workouts because I am trying to build even more muscle.

Good luck to you!
 
Thanks for the encouragement! I need to make this change, it's just a little scary in some weird way. :)
 
Patti, you're going to love ME! I just did it this morning and I was sweating and, as another poster said, your HR will get up there from time to time. But you will feel totally worked out by the end, promise!

Good luck & report back tomorrow on what you think!
 
I know it's a weird transition, but go for it. You may even find that you'll learn to love your weight days just as much as your cardio days.
 
ME is a great one for you to start with. I recently posted after my first time through with this one, I felt it was very non stop, so without any real resting, you will get your HR up. Enjoy!
 
OMG, ME was terrific! I loved it. I am proud to report that I managed all of the same weight that Cathe did. I didn't think the step ups/leg presses were that difficult- then I noticed that I only had 4 risers on my mini step to Cathe's 6. :p

I really felt like my legs were shaking after the static lunges, too. Wow. I have been enjoying my weights on my interval days, but really enjoyed just focusing on weights. I think I will make sure to do only strength training at least once or twice a week. I want to build more muscle! Thanks everyone!
 
orphylea said:
I think I will make sure to do only strength training at least once or twice a week. I want to build more muscle! Thanks everyone!
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Patti, glad you liked it! If you can start out with at least 2 days of weights a week to build muscle, and try to get in some protein after weights to help support the muscle growth. Whey powder shakes I've been hearing are actually better than real food protein because you digest whey much faster than for example chicken. I notice better results when I consume protein right after weights.
 
orphylea said:
OMG, ME was terrific! I loved it. I am proud to report that I managed all of the same weight that Cathe did. I didn't think the step ups/leg presses were that difficult- then I noticed that I only had 4 risers on my mini step to Cathe's 6. :p

I really felt like my legs were shaking after the static lunges, too. Wow. I have been enjoying my weights on my interval days, but really enjoyed just focusing on weights. I think I will make sure to do only strength training at least once or twice a week. I want to build more muscle! Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...

Yea, Patti, I'm glad you liked it! My legs shake sooooooooooooo bad during the last reps of those static lunges. And my upper body has a touch of DOMS from ME yesterday. It's a great workout!
 
orphylea said:
I didn't think the step ups/leg presses were that difficult- then I noticed that I only had 4 risers on my mini step to Cathe's 6. :p
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As I was reading this I was like you gotta be kidding me. She thought the leg presses weren't difficult??? Those extra risers kick it up a notch or two ;)

ME really gets in there good :eek:
 
fit_fairy said:
As I was reading this I was like you gotta be kidding me. She thought the leg presses weren't difficult??? Those extra risers kick it up a notch or two ;)

ME really gets in there good :eek:
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I guess I mean not difficult as compared to the static lunges, which made me whimper and about fall over. :) But yes, it was all tough. I bet the extra two risers does make a huge difference too- gonna have to get some soon.
 
ITA. Those static lunges are tough :eek: I knew what you meant after I finished reading it, but at first I was like uh, none of it's easy for me :D:D;)
 
Good- didn't want to be known as that poser that shows up and says oh this stuff is easy. Get lots of :rolleyes: with that attitude! I am the first to admit that I swear while working out! :D
 
Cardio and weight training

Patti,
I used to be a cardio junkie too. But you will find that mixing in weight and resistance work will make you look better (building upper body, balancing the look of lower, etc.), give you better muscle definition, and increase your strength. But another great benefit of weight training is that you will burn more calories throughout the day if you have more muscle mass. It will help you with weight control (if that is your goal for cardio).

I work out six days a week -- three strictly cardio and three weights or circuit (weights + cardio). I find that gives me a good balance of muscle development and cardio endurance.

Find a couple of weight workouts that you love and add them in your rotation. Even two a week will give you results and help round out your routine!

Hope this helps.
 
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