changing my exercise

J

jor

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Hi, I posted some time ago that I started working out using The Firm videos. It's now time for me to change my routine because I don't feel myself getting any stronger.

My plan is to do full body weight training workouts on Mon & Thurs, and cardio Tu, Fri, Sun. (Rest days: Wednesday & Saturday).

For the cardio, I'd like to continue using the Firm, though I will be rotating several videos. My question is this: the Firm combines aerobic work w/ dumb bells. Considering that I'm going to be doing full body workouts on M & Th, I'm worried that I might not give my body enough time to recover. Should I continue using the dumb bells w/ the Firm?
 
I happen to really like the Firm and continue to use their videos. I however do increase the weight on my weight-training videos (Karen Voight) and the time and resistence on my cardio workouts.

See my diary on this site.
 
I would not use dumbbells. You muscles need enough time to repair. Gains in strength come on your rest days :) Just one more reasons to rest properly.

I am glad you are devoting yourself to weight training again. That's where the magic lies. But I am a bit one-sided :p
 
Hi LiveFromNY - I do like the Firm, however, I've noticed that lately, I haven't been gaining in either strength or overall fitness--though I have increased the weights. In any case, I'm not abandoning the videos. I'm just ditching the dumbbells when exercising w/ the videos. :) Most of the Firm videos I have--more than 10, actually--require pretty vigorous movement, so I'm pretty sure I'll get a good cardio workout. I'll check out your diary as I'd like to know how others are doing using these videos. Thanks!

Hi Trainer Lynn - Thanks for the input. I felt that I wasn't gaining in strength and thought that that might be because my body didn't have enough time to rest. I was doing the videos w/ dumbbells 4x a week, plus a combination of calisthenics & walking once a week. I actually started feeling tired about a week ago w/c is why I figured it might be time for a change.

:)
 
Trainer Lynn said:
That is usually a sign that you are over-doing it a bit. See how things go for you on this new routine. Keep us posted.
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Yes, I think I went over the top in my enthusiasm. & Thanks I will post again :)
 
LiveFromNY said:
It surely depends on if if the video is cardio or weights. But you know your own body.
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Hi - I've got both kinds :) But I have more cardio workout videos than weight training. Thanks!
 
Hi,
Good idea to make some changes. My vote is for not using the dbs if you do the videos for cardio. But how about trying some other cardio? There are so many fun types of cardio to do outside. Some variety really does the body good.

Sarah
 
Other cardio

Hi sarahfitchic -

You read my mind! I was just about to do a follow up to my original post.

I'd like to do other cardio activities. Specifically, walking (building up to jogging, then maybe to running) because it clears my head and really helps me destress. I just have some scheduling problems: I can only do this in the late afternoons, after work. So I have some more questions:

1) Will I get enough rest? Since, I'm just starting out w/ the weight training, my schedule will end up looking something like this:

Su - weight training, AM
M - walking, PM
T - weight training, AM
W - walking, PM
Th - rest
F - walking, PM
Sa - rest

Eventually, I'll be weight training on Thursdays, too.

2) Can I weight train in the morning and walk in the afternoon of the same day? Or is that too much?

3) About walking - My legs can take walking really well, but when I start jogging, I can feel the stress to my knees and shins. Is this a matter of just building up strength? Or is this something else? One option would be to increase the amount of walking I do instead of building up to jogging. Eventually though I wouldn't be able to walk enough to get enough of a cardio workout.
 
Hi!
I think the schedule looks great and that you'll have plenty of rest.
Training in the morning and walking later in the day is fine. A lot of people do their cardio right after weights for convenience sake, but splitting them up is just fine.
For the pain in your shins and knees--make sure you have really good shoes. Have you ever heard of the book Chi Running? If jogging/running is something you would like to start doing, I highly recommend it. It teaches proper running form and focus so that you can run pain free. :)

Hope that helps!

Sarah
 
Schedule looks great and I am glad that you are going to try some new methods of cardio. Also look into jogging on areas that are not blacktop. For example, run on a trail or sand or grass. It helps decrease the impact.

If you decide to do cardio in the gym, the treadmill will have some "give" to it as well. Of course the elliptical is great for little to no impact on the knees/shins.

I'd start slow with the walking. Go for as long as you can. And try power walking too. It may look funny, but it gets your entire body moving. Simply strolling along will not do much for you :) Good luck!
 
- I'd love to jog along a trail but I live and work in a city that has very few and very small parks.

- And yes, actually, I was just thinking, too, that I might give the gym another chance, if only for the variety :)

Trainer Lynn said:
I'd start slow with the walking. Go for as long as you can. And try power walking too. It may look funny, but it gets your entire body moving. Simply strolling along will not do much for you :) Good luck!
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- HEHEHE ok I'll try to get over my embarrassment. Thanks for the tips! :)
 
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