Weights or Cardio?

Both! And as we get older it really is even more important to incorporate some weights into your weekly fitness routine.  It doesn't have to be an intense strength program, just adding in a couple days of weights can effect change in your body.  And there are health reasons as well.  Did you know that people over 45 lose 1% of muscle every year?  BUT the good news is strength training can prevent muscle loss!

I went years without ever lift a weight or even doing a push up or squat.  I thought if I wasn't running or doing cardio I wasn't burning calories!  I lost weight through cardio and my endorphins icked in with cardio - what more did I need?  I didn't see the payoff of adding weights into my already busy schedule.

And than I tried the 21 Day Fix Extreme and after just a couple of weeks of following the nutrition plan and using weights I started see and feeling some real changes.  I first noticed definition in my abs and arms.  And what I love about this program is it combines the cardio and the weights so it really was a great introduction into weights for a cardio girl like me! :)

The BEST things about consistently adding weights into your routine is you will burn MORE calories each day and your metabolism will get a bump post workout.  Why did it take me so long to figure this out?!!

A couple of months ago I decided to challenge myself and try Body Beast, full strength training program.  I've stuck with it but I've tweaked it to fit my personality.  It didn't have enough cardio for me and I have found some of the workouts are more male slanted like the chest workout.  But I have stuck with arm, shoulder, back and leg workouts and I have added in cardio at least 3 times a week.

What I have learned doing Body Beast is I need to go heavier with my weights.  I can't be afraid, I am not going to get bulky or big and in fact I will get leaner and more toned.  So I upped my weight range between 5-15 pounds. Sure there are certain exercises I struggle with but I can always drop my weight when needed.

Try something new.  Add some weights into your routine and push yourself outside you comfort zone!  Ultimately, it's good for your health, you will look and feel younger, you will burn fat more efficiently, your clothes will fit better and your stamina will increase and being strong is an awesome feeling!!  :)

Curious about 21 Day Fix, Fix Extreme, Body Beast or tips on how you can easily add some weights and strength training into your routine . . . email my at marciadeangelis@sbcglobal.net, or connect with my on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marciadriscolldeangelis.