2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

[NYJets]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

I normally do zero cardio but I'm thinking about adding a tiny bit just because I haven't had the opportunities to play pickup basketball and other sports as much as I used too, but I'd like to at least have some endurance for the rare times that I do play.

When's the best time to add some light cardio, I'm talking like 10 minutes on the treadmill or something? Before lifting or after lifting? Or non lifting days?

[Knight165]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

I normally do zero cardio but I'm thinking about adding a tiny bit just because I haven't had the opportunities to play pickup basketball and other sports as much as I used too, but I'd like to at least have some endurance for the rare times that I do play.

When's the best time to add some light cardio, I'm talking like 10 minutes on the treadmill or something? Before lifting or after lifting? Or non lifting days?

Honestly...you're going to need more than 10 minutes.


M.K.
Knight165

[RockinDaMike]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

Honestly...you're going to need more than 10 minutes.


M.K.
Knight165

Yeah, at least 20 minutes but aim for 30 minutes. 10 minutes would work if you are doing high intensity like jump rope for 10 minutes straight or doing sprints.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

Anybody do any Tai Chi? I'm thinking about taking a 101 and then an intermediate class, but know very little about it.

I haven't tried it but I know its based on meditation and relaxation. I'm all for meditation because for me I get so relaxed and you get to the point where you can focus and remove distraction at will which helps you with everyday things. Especially if are stressed all the time.

I try to meditate everyday for at least a few minutes and have gone 1 hour straight meditating. It's such a trip, you really go somewhere else. The first time I went into deep meditation I couldn't even walk afterwards, its a crazy high that drugs/alcohol can't reach. It is very hard though since your mind just talks and talks and you have to shut it off and focus.

[NYJets]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

I mean like a short few minute jog, followed by sprinting for 3 minutes or so, and then a few more minutes of jogging to finish. Not necessarily limiting it to 10 minutes, but I'm talking a very small amount of cardio. I'm not looking to lose weight at all, and I'm not training to start distance running or for a competitive sport or anything like that. I just feel like I should add some type of cardio to my routine.

I guess my more specific question is, is there anything wrong with doing some brief cardio at the end of a lifting session? I know at some point I've read that running immediately after lifting weights can hurt your gains, but I don't remember where I've heard that or if it's true or not.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

I've done all my cardio at the end of lifts since I want to use most of my energy lifting and I think I've gained fine. I think where you might of heard where it hurts gains is if you do a lot of cardio like almost an hour which can start burning muscle

[Matt10]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

Overall consensus - work out in the morning or after work (evening)?

[roadman]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

I need to lose a lot of weight, so, I've been reading a book and doing HIIT training 4 days a week and 2 days of cardio at 60 minutes.

The HIIT training has me doing upper body(1 minute), lower body (1 minute) and cardio 1 minute. Repeat two more times and 5 more different sets. The last set is 9 minutes of cardio.

I'm on week 3 and so far, have lost 9 lbs.

Seems to be working.

As far as morning or night, I prefer earlier in the day. I've heard if you work out later at night, it could keep you awake longer than normal.

[Feared]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

Overall consensus - work out in the morning or after work (evening)?

I think it's going to vary for everyone, depending on what fits for your individual schedule.

I know a lot of people on here get up early and go in the morning. Myself I have to workout during Nights, as I work in the mornings most days and I'm not much of a Morning person lol.

[AllJuicedUp]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

I think it's going to vary for everyone, depending on what fits for your individual schedule.

I know a lot of people on here get up early and go in the morning. Myself I have to workout during Nights, as I work in the mornings most days and I'm not much of a Morning person lol.

yep, I'd say do whatever works out for you schedule wise. There are no real scientific benefits to either as far as calories burned or anything like that. Timing doesn't really matter.

If you're doing weight training though, I would recommend that you do it at a time when you're comfortable having a good portion of protein (whether through a meal or shake or whatever) after, as the benefits of proper nutrition both before, but even more importantly, within 45ish minutes after, have been scientifcally proven time and time again.

Otherwise, it just comes down to convenience for your individual schedule and what your body is telling you. Some people workout better in the morning, some people better at night. It really depends on the individual. But always get the proper nutrition if you want to make it really worthwhile!

[RockinDaMike]

I can't work out in the mornings during the week, just too tired but I do on the weekends because it energizes your whole day.

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[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

I haven't tried it but I know its based on meditation and relaxation. I'm all for meditation because for me I get so relaxed and you get to the point where you can focus and remove distraction at will which helps you with everyday things. Especially if are stressed all the time.

I try to meditate everyday for at least a few minutes and have gone 1 hour straight meditating. It's such a trip, you really go somewhere else. The first time I went into deep meditation I couldn't even walk afterwards, its a crazy high that drugs/alcohol can't reach. It is very hard though since your mind just talks and talks and you have to shut it off and focus.

Nice. I've always been fascinated by Asian meditation/medicine and workouts. My ultimate goal would to eventually learn some form of martial arts, but that would be hard to do seriously during tax season.

Overall consensus - work out in the morning or after work (evening)?

I find I have more energy and better workouts in the morning, but during the work week I doubt I'd be able to pull myself out of bed and don't like going to bed early. I used to get up and run in the Spring and that's a great way to start the morning, but I hate running haha. I typically exercise as soon as I get home.

[JODYE]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

Yeah, there is a 0% chance I ever get up at 5 am to go workout. Sleep is too important.

Definitely an afternoon lifter over here. I usually get home from work. Take about an hour nap, then take some aminos and head to the gym.

Always gets me refreshed and energized.

[NYJets]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

When I have work I generally workout late afternoon or early evening. In theory, getting up early and working out in the morning sounds great and I know I would feel so much better during the day, but there's just no way I'd consistently pull myself out of bed. And if I work out at night sometimes I get too energized and have a hard time falling asleep.

If I'm off from work though I like working out at night the most, gym's not as crowded and I feel like I have the most energy then.

[Phobia]

Re: 2012 FITNESS CHALLENGE

People that hate cardio just do a 7min mile for 3 miles twice a week. Your other 3 days have your standard workout. Then add one day of rest and one for a stretch routine/meditation day.

I think it covers your bases the best and if you eat clean then you will get slimmer, strong, more flexible, and improve your cardiovascular system. The reason I like the 7 min mile is because it is not tough to do and provides a good cardio session of 21 mins. I also add full all out sprints every 7 min for 1 min long. That is just a personal preference to get the heart rate up as high as possible.

Now I have not been able to work out for over a month now since I went in the hospital. I'm going in next week for a stress test and that will let me know if I will be able to continue with this routine.