What is the optimal training time for a combined weight training and cardio workout?

I recently started a weight training program. How can I get a good cardio workout I am constantly sore and have poor muscular endurance?

  • I'm doing full body weight training exercise, using olympic lifts, powerlifts, and assistance exercises. No bodybuilding-type splits. I have been mostly trying HIIT workouts, using cycling, rowing, burpees, and jump rope. I notice my muscles start to tire (usually hamstrings or quads) before I can get my heart rate as high as I want.

  • Answer:

    First make sure you rest between days of training, your muscles also need to recover. If you have that covered just keep going at it, you'll start to built resistance... If you really push it you should start to have more resistance after the first week (3 workouts per week). To start I'd probably recommend rowing or the elliptical machine as good all rounders to start building up that resistance. Just push it in the first days and you'll start to feel a difference. Oh and make sure you do the cardio in the beginning of the workout before you tire your leg muscles, because resistance training is different from strength training and your legs might have strength but lack the other.

Ricardo Marques at Quora Visit the source

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I must agree with Ricardo that rest is essential. Assuming you've had no training prior to your workouts then the muscles will become naturally fatigued until you start building endurance. You may also want to investigate the use of suppliments such as glutamine, creatine, proteins, together with a good multi vitamin to assist yoiur work out and reduce the on set of fatigue

Vandio Zuccarelli

The HIIT workouts you are describing are to improve strength and muscular endurance. If you are fatiguing, you are not fully recovered yet, no matter what the schedule says. Your body needs more rest time between workouts. Add an extra day between HIIT workouts. Consider using the short time of the Tabata workout, which focuses on improving your VO2 Max or ability to use oxygen, as a workout between HIIT workouts, once or twice a week for two to three weeks. The cardiovascular stress will add to your aerobic and anaerobic capacity, while the short duration and lighter weight used in the Tabata intervals, will allow you to continue with muscular recovery.

Chet Collins

Undulation ropes. Increases heartrate and workload much faster than running; makes it much easier to start improving cardio. Otherwise, jump roping is a tried and true method. If you are finding yourself with fatigued muscles, reevaluate your nutrition. You can use vitamin supplements like "Animal Pak" if your workouts are extremely draining. And remember, rest is just as important to the muscle building process as working out. Make sure your muscles are allowed adequate rest to rebuild and recover. Lift too soon and you get dystrophy, too late and they atrophy.

Mark Apavat

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