Question about cutting back

[karenvictoria]

Right now I work out six days a week for about 90 min. I have done this for over a year and grown quite acutomed to it. My problem is that I may be returning to school while I homechool my three kids, I really want to cut back but still achieve the same results. Question#1 How many take two rest days with good results. Question#2 If I cut back to say six days for 60 min how would you break that up as far as cardio and weights. Right now I do weights 3 of the six day with two session of 60 min cardio. On the weight training days I also do 30 min of cardio. Do you think if I cut out that extra cardio at the end of the weight days it will have a negative effect at this point. I really don't want to lose any weight I just want to maintain but don't know if I can without doing the same thing I have done forever. Any reply to help would be appreciated. Karen

 

[FiddleFit]

Great question, Karen, and one I've wondered myself from time to time. My workout week is very similar to yours. I don't have any answers, but look forward to hearing what the Educated Crowd has to say about this.

Cheers,
Sandra

 

[Lunacat]

Hi Karen,

Congratulations on returning to school! You're one tough lady to handle that while homeschooling. And it's amazing you fit in as much exercise as you do!

Since you are not trying to lose weight, you probably won't have any ill-effects from cutting back a little. You may want to try this:

Day 1 20 min cardio, 40 min weights (legs)
Day 2 60 min cardio
Day 3 20 min cardio, 40 min weights (chest & back)
Day 4 60 min cardio
Day 5 20 min cardio, 40 min weights (shoulders, biceps & triceps)
Day 6 rest
Day 7 rest

The cardio on your weight days would just be to get the heart benefits of cardio. You could probably even skip the cardio on those days if you really need to. The 60 min cardio sessions would be for weight maintenance. You could punp those up to 75 minutes if you have the time.

On your rest days, maybe try to do something active with your kids or do Stretchmax or some form of yoga for a little "me time."

I frequently take two days off a week and find that when I lift weights the next time, I can lift heavier and concentrate more fully.

Make sure your diet stays clean and you should do fine.

HTH,
Lunacat

ETA: Another option:

Day 1 Total body weights (i.e. Power Hour, MIS, etc.)
Day 2 60-75 min cardio
Day 3 60-75 min cardio
Day 4 Total body weights
Day 5 60-75 min cardio
Day 6 Rest
Day 7 Rest

For each of the cardio days, do something different like kickboxing, step, intervals, running, etc. You could alternate this option with the first option to keep your body guessing.

 

[karenvictoria]

Thanks so much for the help. Do you think on your second suggestion that it is enough weights to maintain what I do current. I really don't want to lose the size in my arms. Karen

 

[Lunacat]

If you use a weight that's challenging and get plenty of lean protein, you should be able to keep your size. If you don't feel comfortable with that, add in another arm day.

Lunacat