Question on Weight Training

[andtckrtoo]

Okay all of your fitness experts I need some advise. I'm really confused by all of the different types of weight training workouts. I've been doing both MIS and ME once a week. I know I need to mix things up and to be honest - this routine is getting a little boring, although I LOVE the results. So here's my question -

Is it better to go heavy with all body parts twice a week or should I go super heavy once a week (w/ something like the Gym Series - spread out over two/three days) and then throw in a good circuit interval like C&W or CM on the 5th day?

Or should I alternate these to really keep my muscles confused. I really can't see spending 4-6 hours a week only on muscles. I love the aerobic part, too.

 

[SRP]

Hi, Christine - Good questions, and ones I'll be interested in reading the answers to! I've been doing just a half hour a day, full body workout forever now, of my own. But I will be converting over to Cathe's system once my tapes get here! I imagine your routine will depend on the results you want to get, but I'll let the pros answer that question. I personally am looking forward to a change and plan to mix and match a couple of routines just for the fun of it. Have fun!

 

[red_mct]

Christine:

No one will answer until you tell us what your goals are. Are you trying to lean out, build mass, improve cardiovascular endurance?? Do you want to lose weight/fat?

Cheers,
Marie

 

[andtckrtoo]

*grins sheepishly* Oh, yeah, I guess that would help...

I am looking for toning mainly. I do build muscle easily, but have found that it makes me leaner, not bulky when I lift heavy, so I do want to continue to lift heavy. I've been using MIS and ME and have been adding weights in 3-5 pound increments as needed. I'm getting a little bored with the routine and wanted ideas for the next step. I do cardio 5-6 days a week as well.

 

[Kit_]

Christine,

You are you still wanting to add more tone? Then I'd say grab the GS series or PS series of Cathe’s and keep going. There is no right or wrong answer to your question. Okay there is, but the only person who can tell you, is you.

Everyone has different results, I can do free style and never gain more then 1/4 inch of muscle in a 5 year period, while others can gain 1/4 inch of muscle a month with the same workout.

All I can say is try it for about a month and a half/2 months and see if going super heavy, is for you and gets you the results you want. Or try one GS or PS, so your working different parts of your body through out the week. It's your body, you know it better then anyone. Stand back and see what's worked in the past, what hasn't worked and narrow it down from there.

This is the reason why there are so many different types of workouts out there, no two people will get the same results with the same workout. Which means you just got to get to know yourself, and see what works for you. And I know that can be annoying, as it would be soo much easier, if someone would say if you do this, this and this, you'll end up with this body.

But that only works if you want to look like a couch potato, sit on the sofa all day long, drink a lot of pop, eat all fried foods, always have delivery or you'll miss something on TV. And you'll be nice around, you'll be as wide as you are tall, in a few years.

All other body's are a guessing game. You have the tools, in front of you now. It's just experimenting to get the most out of them. Keep a exercise diary, note down what you did that day, how it made you feel, what you thought of it, etc. This will help you tailor your workouts to get that body you wanted, as you can look back and really look and see where you improve and where you didn't. And you can incorporate everything together. As I can tell you most very nicely toned people, don't use one method, they use 3 or 4 or even more to get those very nicely toned bodies. Because something work great for upper body, but the lower body doesn't respond the same, so they got to find something else for it. Just look at Cathe, look at all the different types of workouts she has made, this shows you, that you can mix and match, and no workout is right for everyone, and you’ll even switch different types of workout in different times of your life.

Kit

 

[andtckrtoo]

Kit -

Thanks! I can't say that that is what I was afraid of, but... But it sounds like I can mix things up a bit without too much worry. If I start losing some tone or definition, then I need to change. But, as long as I am doing okay...

Yeah, it would be easier if there were a magic formula, but then again it wouldn't be as interesting. I do appreciate your help and your answer.