work out question

[bret_xi]

if you want to slim down some... is it better to lift weights and then do cardio and runnin and stuff.... or better to run and then lift weights?
thanks

[mLaZz]

Re: work out question

do a quick 5 minute cardio workout, then lift hard, then do your cardio workout. After lifting weights, you will already be somewhat fatigued which makes the cardio more effective. Think about it....20 minutes of cardio is easier before lifting than 20 minutes of cardio after lifting and already being tired.

[whiteshark]

Re: work out question

In my experience (in other words i'm by no means an expert) I've found it better to do cardio and lifting on alternate days rather than cramming it all into one day.

[Camaro Dom]

Re: work out question

i ususally do a warm up 1/2 mile and then lift, then do cardio. the reason being because when you lift you get a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles which is a big part of why you're sore the next day or two. if you get some increased bloodflow to those parts with cardio or a hot tub or w/e you wont be as sore.
as for alternating days, when it's hockey season i try to run everyday and lift 2-3 times a week in addition to my regular practices/games and tho it's alot of time, it works out pretty well for me.

[Shodown]

Re: work out question

I split it up and do cardio on certain days and lifting on different days. I do Physical Training (PT) for the Air Force twice a week for an hour at time (lots of pushups, situps and running) for cardio then lift 3-4 days a week. Since I have started this 2 years ago, I have lost 21 lbs and gained a hell of lot more muscle mass. I use supplements too ;) They help quite a bit.

FYI, I was the 'fat kid' in middle/high school. :o The same people who used to pick on me dont say $hit anymore. :D

[kristen]

Re: work out question

well do you want to gain muscle? if you want to just slim down, diet and run. add weights if you want to add muscle

[HokieBird]

Re: work out question

I usually break up lifting and cardio into seperate days like some other people said. If you are looking to slim down you can lift and do cardio to do that. Just because you lift weights doesn't mean you are going to bulk up.

Obviously I'm no expert. Just some lanky kid in Virginia...

[bret_xi]

Re: work out question

im not lookin to gain a whole lot of muscle.. but i want to slim down some... im not fat or anything.. i'm 5'8 170.. but more of its fat than i want.. this past year i was runnin 2 miles a day and lost like 8 pounds... a guy i was runnin next to one day told me that runnin hard then walkin a little and runnin hard again and so on will help lose weight... and i had already been doin that.. i usually ran .75 miles then walked .2 then ran .3 than walked .1 then ran .3 then walked .1 and did that til i got to 2 miles.. and it seemed to help alot...

any good tips for gettin faster too? i know sprints but any specific ones help alot?

[kristen]

Re: work out question

diet!!!!!

[HokieBird]

Re: work out question

Running then walking like you are talking about is interval training. I'm sure it does a good job burning fat, but it's main purpose is conditioning. In school I did that and some plyometrics to train for hockey. Both helped to build up my legs and lung for quick bursts then rests.

Plyometrics and lifting will help with your speed a lot. No matter what you choose to do to burn fat healthly you need to combine a good diet and exercise.

[Camarorulz]

Re: work out question

Cut down the calories to like 1000-1500 a day, and COUNT them all. Make sure your calorie intake is not in fat and very little in carbs. Doing 5 minutes at a time on cardio won't do anything, go at least 20 minutes at one time, and you should probably do 30-40 minutes or more total. My gf lost 35 lbs in 3 months by doing this, and has kept it off for more than a year and a half.

Lifting weights may help you a little, because increasing muscle mass also raises metabolism, frankly though, if you want to lose weight, you should just focus on hitting that goal first before hitting the weights. You can't really gain any muscle mass if you're not eating that much.

[Shodown]

Re: work out question

A truly AWESOME workout is Body for Life by Bill Philips. It burns a ton of fat and increases muscle without looking bulky. You can buy it at any bookstore.

I loved that workout, but I didnt have enough time to devote to it cuz of classes.

[bret_xi]

Re: work out question

just runnin 2 miles a day is what we were doin before and it helped alot.. it took about 25 minutes or so a day the way i was doin it.. but all that was after 2.5+ hours of baseball practice... i will be doin this startin in august just on my own.. so i will prally run more... i guess i will just hit the light weights some before i run and see how that goes

[xcdarrel17]

Re: work out question

well do you want to gain muscle? if you want to just slim down, diet and run. add weights if you want to add muscle

You should do both for total body fitness. You wont get huge muscle gains just by lifting weights. Huge muscle gains are found by people who lift and consume a large amount of calories. Cardio work will help take off the fat and lifting weights will help you to develop lean muscle to look and feel better.

[RicE-ter]

Re: work out question

I prefer swimming over running for cardio excersize, get tired way quicker and ezer on the knees, but still run once in a while. have 5 small meals instead of 3 big ones.

but its been hard to find time and hard to avoid the carne asada fries mmmm...