Working upper body & results

[NinjaMom]

Hi Cathe,

I am trying to improve my upper body strength & definition and was wondering if the following rotation is enough or too repetitive.

Mon: Bootcamp(am) & Karate class(pm)
Tues: PUB & PLB
Wed: I-Max 1(am) & Karate class(pm)
Thur: PUB & PLB
Fri: 1 hr run or MIC
Sat: PUB & Karate class
Sun: rest

I wasn't sure if I should do the same upper body workout 3 times per week or maybe 2 times and substitute the upper body part of MIS, PH, or ME. Also, do you think I am getting enough cardio to maintain my current aerobic fitness level? I'm used to doing cardio 4-5 days per week but had to cut some out in order to fit in extra strength work.

Thanks for all your help. You are truly an inspiration and the new series is so awesome!

JJ

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi JJ! This rotation seems a bit much for weight training. How intense are these Karate classes that you are listing? My concern is if they are allowing your muscles enough recovery time before you hit your weights again. I have known some karate classes to be so intense that they could count as an upper and lower body muscle endurance workout. Then I have seen others where they are just a few drills that are worked on with more rest time than class time.

In any case, I would suggest rearranging your workouts a bit. Here is an idea:

Mon: Imax (1 or 2) in the morning and later Karate class
Tues: PUB followed by a 40 minute run
Wed: PLB (am) and Karate class later
Thurs: PUB followerd by a 40 minute run
Fri: PBL
Sat: IMAX (but better choice for this day would be cardio and weights if you have it)plus Karate class
Sun: rest

Good Luck!

 

[NinjaMom]

Thank You!!

Thank you Cathe for responding to my question and helping to rearrange my workouts. My Karate classes vary in intensity and unfortunately I never know what the instructor has planned. If I overwork my muscles at class, I will listen to my body and lift lighter the next day if necessary. I have always separated strength training and cardio days so it may be a good time to shake things up and do both on the same day as you suggest. ;-)

JJ