Workout advice....

[TheBlondOne]

I can probably find the answer to this on the internet, but was hoping someone around here might be able to help me out.

I just graduated from college and LOVE working out. I realize that now that I'll have a regular job I can't spend as much time working out as usual. I usually run about 3 miles and then lift for about an hour--4 times a week. I was wondering if I'd get the same results if I run every other day and lift every other day. Break up my workout so as not to spend SO MUCH TIME doing it every day. But I don't want my body to get out of shape either.

Any advice? A word from the ladies would be especially helpful....

Thanks!

--Sarah

 

[Zrom999]

Eat one meager meal a day, and you won't need to exercise so much to stay thin.

 

[sohcrates]

working out every other day is great, in fact, it's recommended. your muscles need recovery time. i think if you can get to the gym and do your routine at least 3-4 times a week, you're doing great

 

[StageLeft]

I can probably find the answer to this on the internet, but was hoping someone around here might be able to help me out.

Hey we ARE on the internet!

3 miles takes around 30 min, right? In terms of the lifting you can definitely cut the 4 hours/week back significantly and still realize true benefits if you're working out intensely. My program, for instance, involves 4 weight workouts a week about 30 min each (body is split into 4 parts) and I'm making good gains and I've been working out for a long time. Go at the sets hard without a lot of rest and you can shorten the workouts up. Or alternatively just cut some of the weight workouts out.

Cardio may be a little more difficult to cut back because for most people we do so little that the more the better, but still even 2-3 times/week is better than zero!

 

[Lola]

hmmm... the only thing i could think of is doing a high intensity yoga workout 4-5 times a week. something like hatha yoga is SO intense its incredable! that may make up for other things. I know where you are coming from with the time constraints too. I have yet to find something that is quick and effective! BTW, if you do find something that works for you, PLEASE let me know!

 

[Marshallj]

I think if you saw the shape that the average ATOT member is in, you wouldn't be asking fitness questions here.

 

[Amused]

If you need to cut back on the time, increase the intensity of your workouts.

Simply put, run less, but at a higher average heart rate. Lift less often, but with a bit heavier weights and higher reps (no, you wont get manly).

 

[blackdogdeek]

why do u have to shorten your workout? it doesn't sound like your complete workout takes more than 1.5 hours. can you fit that in before or after work? i typically go before work.

when i was training with a female friend of mine who was training for a show we went before work. the typical schedule looked like this:

monday: chest/bis/cardio(treadmill 30mins)
wednesday: shoulders/back/tris/cardio
thursday: cardio
friday: legs/abs/cardio

the one cardio day can be switched around in the week and one of the workouts can be performed on a weekend so as to limit time in the gym during the work week.

 

[WolverineGator]

Don't assume you'll have to cut back with a regular job. I've been out of college almost 3 years and I work out MORE now than when I was in college.

1. It's your attitude and determination.
2. Amused and blackdogdeek have good advice.
3. Vary your routine so you don't get bored. I bike, run, and swim on various weekdays.
4. Use good equipment (shoes, clothes, etc) to avoid injury and increase the fun factor.
5. Support is very helpful: several coworkers of mine swim several times a week. They got me into it. I find it relaxing and I feel refreshed when I get back to work.

Resting heart rate: below 50. Just your average ATOT member.

Good luck...