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Q:

Is it okay to do cardio and strength training on alternate days for weight loss?

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to lose weight and I'm wondering if it's okay to do cardio and strength training on alternate days? I'm not sure which one I should be doing more of, but I've heard that both are important for weight loss.

I currently weigh about 200 pounds and my ultimate goal is to get down to 150 pounds. I don't have a lot of experience with exercise, but I've been trying to go to the gym at least three days a week for the past few months. I typically do about 30 minutes of cardio (usually the elliptical) and then some basic strength training exercises (like squats, lunges, push-ups, etc.) for another 20-30 minutes.

I'm not really seeing much progress, though, and I'm starting to get discouraged. I'm wondering if maybe I need to switch up my routine a bit and focus more on one type of exercise or the other. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

All Replies

kyla93

Hello!

I had a slightly different experience when it comes to cardio versus strength training for weight loss. I've found that focusing more on cardio has worked best for me. I don't really enjoy lifting weights or doing strength training exercises, so I tend to stick to things like running, cycling, or swimming for my workouts.

That being said, I do think it's important to mix things up and challenge your body in different ways. So if you're someone who likes doing both cardio and strength training, then alternating days could be a good idea. It really just depends on what works best for you and your body.

One thing I will caution against is doing too much too soon. When I first started exercising, I would try to push myself too hard and ended up burning out pretty quickly. So be sure to listen to your body and give yourself rest days when you need them. And don't get too discouraged if you don't see results right away - weight loss is a gradual process and everyone's body is different.

Overall, the most important thing is to find a routine that you enjoy and that you can stick to over the long term. Whether that's cardio, strength training, or a combination of both, just keep moving and stay committed to your goals!

jflatley

Hi there!

I've been in your shoes before and I can tell you from personal experience that alternating cardio and strength training days can be a great way to lose weight. When I first started exercising, I focused solely on cardio because I thought that was the best way to burn fat. While cardio is definitely important, I found that my weight loss progress really took off when I started incorporating strength training into my routine as well.

Like you, I wasn't seeing much progress at first and I was getting discouraged. However, once I started lifting weights and doing bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats, I noticed that my body was toning up and my clothes were fitting better. Plus, muscle burns more calories than fat, so by building muscle, I was able to increase my metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day.

So I would definitely recommend adding some strength training into your routine if you haven't already. You don't necessarily have to do it on alternate days, but it's definitely a good idea to mix things up and challenge your body in different ways. Just be sure to take rest days when you need them and keep track of your progress so you can see how far you've come. Good luck!

goldner.evangeline

Hello,

Personally, I found it more effective to combine cardio and strength training in a single workout session rather than on alternate days. I usually start my workout with 15-20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise to get my heart rate up, followed by 30-40 minutes of strength training exercises using free weights or resistance bands, and then finish off with another 10-15 minutes of cardio to cool down.

I feel like this approach not only saves me time, but it also maximizes the benefits of both types of exercise. By doing cardio first, I'm able to increase my heart rate and burn more calories during my strength training exercises. And by doing strength training second, I'm able to build muscle and continue burning calories even after my workout is over.

However, I do think it's important to mix up your routine and challenge your body in different ways. If you're someone who prefers to do cardio and strength training on alternate days, that's perfectly fine too. The most important thing is to find a routine that works for you and that you enjoy.

Also, keep in mind that weight loss is not just about exercise - it's also about nutrition. Make sure you're eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. And don't forget to stay hydrated!

Overall, there's no one "right" way to approach exercise and weight loss. It's all about finding what works for you and what fits into your lifestyle. So don't be afraid to try new things and experiment until you find a routine that feels sustainable and effective.

halie80

Hello there,

I personally had a better experience with strength training alone for weight loss rather than combining it with cardio. I had been working out for quite some time but was not seeing any significant results, so I decided to shift my focus to strength training.

During my strength training sessions, I started to use heavier weights and do more challenging exercises. I was doing a lot of compound exercises, which work multiple muscle groups at once, and I was also including supersets and circuits to keep my heart rate up.

What I found was that while I wasn't necessarily burning as many calories during my workout as I would with cardio, I was building muscle and decreasing my body fat percentage. Plus, muscle burns more calories than fat, so by building muscle, I was able to increase my metabolism and burn more calories at rest.

I understand that everyone's body is different, so what worked for me may not work for everyone. However, I encourage others to not be afraid of lifting weights and to challenge themselves with new exercises and heavier weights. Weight loss may seem daunting, but it's important to stay consistent and stay the course- the results will eventually follow.

Just remember to give your muscles enough time to rest and recover in between strength training sessions, and to fuel your body with nutritious foods. Results may take time, but they will come with patience and perseverance.

phyllis.renner

Hello everyone,

In my experience, doing both cardio and strength training on alternate days has really worked wonders for me when it comes to weight loss. I typically start my workout with 30-40 minutes of cardio, either running, cycling, or using the rowing machine. After that, I spend the remaining 20-30 minutes doing strength training exercises, like dumbbell curls or weighted lunges.

By doing cardio first, I'm able to get my heart rate up and start burning calories right away. Then, when I switch to strength training, I'm already warmed up and ready to tackle the weights. I find this approach to be more efficient and effective for me, as I am able to get a full-body workout while also burning plenty of calories.

However, what works for me may not work for everyone. The most important thing is to find a routine that you enjoy and that you can stick to. Whether you prefer cardio or strength training, or a combination of both, the key is to stay committed and stay the course.

One thing I would also recommend is tracking your progress and celebrating your wins, no matter how small. Whether it's losing a few pounds, running a little bit faster, or lifting a little bit more weight, every milestone counts. Celebrating these victories can help keep you motivated and give you the confidence to keep pushing yourself.

Remember to take care of yourself by getting enough rest and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Exercise is important, but it's just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to weight loss. Stay committed and be patient - results will come with time!

xflatley

Hi there!

I've had success with both cardio and strength training for weight loss, but I've found that doing both on alternate days has really helped me see results. I typically do about 30-40 minutes of cardio (usually running or using the elliptical) and then 20-30 minutes of strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups.

What I like about doing both is that I feel like I'm getting a full body workout and targeting all the different muscle groups I need to strengthen. Plus, cardio helps me burn calories and fat while strength training helps me build muscle and tone up.

However, everyone is different and what works for me may not work for you. So my advice would be to try out different things and see what feels best for your body. Maybe start by alternating days between cardio and strength training, but then switch things up if you start to feel bored or plateau.

Also, don't forget about the importance of nutrition when it comes to weight loss. Exercise is definitely important, but it's also crucial to eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Make sure you're fueling your body properly and getting enough rest as well - it all works together to help you achieve your goals. Good luck!

ykunze

Hi all,

I've had success with both cardio and strength training, but for weight loss specifically, I found that focusing more on cardio was the most effective for me. I typically do about 45-60 minutes of cardio, either running or using the elliptical, and then do some light strength training exercises like squats or lunges for 10-15 minutes.

What I like about this approach is that cardio really gets my heart pumping and helps me burn a lot of calories. I also find it to be a stress reliever and it helps me clear my mind. I do still incorporate strength training into my routine, just not as much as cardio.

That being said, I think it's important to find a routine that you enjoy and that you can stick to. If you like doing both cardio and strength training on alternate days, then go for it! The key is to keep moving and challenging your body in different ways.

Another thing I would say is to be patient with yourself and to not get too caught up in the numbers on the scale. Weight loss is a gradual process and everyone's body is different. Instead, focus on how you feel and how your clothes fit. Those non-scale victories can be just as motivating.

Lastly, don't forget to take care of your body by getting enough rest and eating a nutritious diet. Exercise is important, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. Good luck!

ihartmann

Hello everyone!

I've struggled with weight loss and exercise for years, and I've found that doing both cardio and strength training on alternate days has been the best approach for me. I typically spend about 30 minutes doing cardio (either running or using the elliptical) and then 30-45 minutes doing strength training exercises with free weights or machines.

What I like about this approach is that I feel like I'm getting a balanced workout. The cardio helps me burn calories and work up a sweat, while the strength training helps me build muscle and tone up. Plus, doing both keeps things interesting and prevents me from getting bored with my routine.

However, I will say that it can be tough to stay motivated and consistent with exercise. That's why I've found it helpful to set goals for myself and track my progress. Whether it's a certain number of pounds I want to lose or a distance I want to be able to run, having something to work toward helps me stay focused and committed.

It's also important to be patient with yourself and remember that weight loss is a gradual process. Some days will be easier than others, and there may be times when you feel like you're not making progress. But if you stick with it and stay consistent, you will eventually start to see results.

Overall, my advice would be to find a routine that works for you and that you enjoy. Whether that's cardio, strength training, or a combination of both, make sure it's something that feels sustainable over the long term. And don't forget to fuel your body properly with nutritious food and plenty of water!

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