Work Out Question

[illuminationsfanatic]

This may be a stupid question, but I figured that some one here would be able to help I've recently joined a gym and started working out I have been doing cardio everyday and then I will strength train my arms every other day and my legs every other. Is this the best way to do it? I have had people telling me that that is what I should be doing and others telling me I need to do the strength training for my arms and legs every day. Any help/advice anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[bubba73]

This kind of workout program I don't find beneficial. I don't think you will get all of the results that you may be looking for. (Although I don't know what results you are striving for since that wasn't posted.) What about working out your chest, back and shoulders? To be able to get a full compliment, you have to workout everything. You also have to give your body time to recover. I don't like doing the same bodypart every other day because the muscle don't have a chance to rebuild.

Now, with that being said, I will say that if you are just starting out, it is perfectly fine for you to do a full body workout 3 times a week. This will keep you metabolism up and get your body used to the "torture" that is up ahead. After doing that for about 4-6 weeks, then it will be time for you to break up the routine and change it up to where you work on 1-2 bodyparts per day. Please allow 2-3 days of rest before hitting the same bodypart again. So if you workout chest on Monday, then you don't need to do it again until Thursday. Doing cardio and ab work everyday is perfectly fine. Just don't do the same exercises over and over. After doing the same routine for more than 6 weeks, your body will get used to it and plateau. Therefore, no more results.

I hope that isn't too much. Feel free to let any of us here on WISH know if you have any questions. I am sure you will get a ton of opinions and info.

Here's to Happy Training!
Bryan

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I like what Bryan said.

Oh, and don't forget that you absolutely NEED to stretch after every workout. As you are using your muscles and getting them into shape it is natural that your muscles will tighten up. Stretching is most important to keep that range of motion you need. Yoga is a good thing for this. You might want to look into that.

I always recommend Pilates for core strengthening too.

Yay! for you getting out and doing some moving! Good job!

Let us know how things are going for you.

 

[princessrunner]

The workout routine that you have listed is perfectly fine IF it works for you. Some people are easily bored or do not have time to devote and the circuit that Bryan mentioned is a better option for them.

As a former bodybuilder, I used to lift 4 times a week, 2 heavy days and 2 light days upper body and lower body. That worked for that period in my life. Now, I use the circuit because I burn a few more calories with the constant motion. I also do not lift as heavy as I used to!!

No one can tell you what is right for you, only you and your body can do that. The stretching is an absolute necessity EVERY time you workout either aerobic or anaerobic. As you age, being stretchy is way better.

Keep up the good work and stick with what works for you, otherwise you will not stick with the routine!!!