Total Posts: 320
8.4 Years Ago

DESCRIPTION: Compact and effective, you get a calorie-burning aerobic section plus a multi-muscle-group toning routine. Designed to fit your personal schedule and goals, the DVD is pre-programmed to play either or both segments. The cardio section emphasizes movement and fun, not perfect form. It ranges from grapevines, shuffles and repeaters, to cha chas, mambos and hip shakes (with lots of energizing arm patterns). Featuring all the newest techniques, the standing/floor toning is extra efficient because it works two muscle groups at once (e.g. an overhead press during a squat shapes your arms and legs). Beautiful, airy set. Requires 3 to 5 lb. dumbbells. ©2005. (52 min.).

Another option is to go to a circuit type workout, also offered at some gyms or on videos such as Prevention 3-2-1 circuit workout:

DESCRIPTION: Six complete circuits - each one has about three minutes of cardio, two minutes of toning and one minute of corework. And the sequence within the circuits is very clever - each aerobic interval uses one specific technique while its accompanying toning segment focuses on the complementary body part (e.g. jumping jack aerobics followed by leg-oriented toning). The cardio includes kickboxing, boot camp and Latin dance. The toning sections are each individually targeted: legs, chest, butt, back, arms and shoulders. Chris Freytag's cuing is friendly and easy to follow. Requires 3 to 5 lb. dumbbells. ©2005. (56 min.).

You can look for more videos at www.collagevideo.com. If you are looking for a personal trainer, be sure they are certified. Good luck

Total Posts: 320
8.4 Years Ago

Does the order of your workout matter?

It matters most if you're a competitive athlete, but for someone trying to maximize his or her strength, weight training first seems to be the best bet.

"Performing endurance-type exercises prior to strength training reduces the effectiveness of the workout," says Jay Hoffman, Ph.D., F.A.C.S.M., professor of health and physical education at the College of New Jersey, Ewing. Warming up prior to lifting weights, however, is helpful. Hoffman recommends doing about five to 10 minutes of aerobic activity prior to strength training to "heat up the body's core." Anything more can tire you out.

Interestingly, studies have shown that doing weight training first does not adversely affect subsequent cardiovascular activities and can even enhance your performance. That said, however, "many people just like to get certain exercises out of the way," says Thompson. So if you're a recreational athlete and enjoy doing your cardio first, "Don't worry -- you'll be fine," assures Thompson.

Total Posts: 11
8.2 Years Ago

The benefit of the cardio everyday is to raise the metabolism as well as to strengthen the heart etc. The weight training is said to raise the metabolism for up to 8 hours after working out while the cardio does so for only about an hour. As for which first he said it really doesn't matter it is important to do both for weight loss. I read a post from a lady in the walking section that said when she walked 250 minutes per week she lost the most weight. Interestingly she commented that she didn't really lose much walking only 200 minutes per week. Oh well for what it is worth. Good luck with your program Trent.