Exercise Questions!

[goin2befit]

Just curious about a couple of thoughts that I've been having and hoping some can chime in and give their thoughts/opinions.

1) Does it matter to eat protein with the carbs? For example I have pumpkin for a snack, do I need a protein with it or should I be fine?

2) Is it best to eat before working out and if so what and when? My workouts include Power90 Cardio/ Power 90 Circuit Training, and an exercise bike (recumberment).

I am very overweight, however, I "think" I have a pretty big muscle mass under all of this. I sure am "athletic" it seems compared to those women I know who are 125-150 pounds, I can out play volleyball or almost anything like that. Of course they can out run me but my strength is more.

With that being said.. .how much cardio do I need a week, how much strength... Is it really true that now strength is more important than cardio?

Okay that is all for now.. I'm hoping to really "work" off the weight b/c I am trying to avoid so much loose skin.

Thanks,

[liv]

Originally Posted by goin2befit

1) Does it matter to eat protein with the carbs? For example I have pumpkin for a snack, do I need a protein with it or should I be fine?

Don't forget the fat - if some protein happens to be with it that is OK On in induction it may not matter but in DANDR Atkins says that as we eat higher carb vegetables we need to mellow them down with some proteins/fat. When I eat things like pumpkin or tomatoes I eat them with fat because they tend to give me a little rush. The same thing true for berries, starchy items (I am in OWL) I never eat those by themselves. [See pag 89 in DANDR which has a section called How (and When) to Eat Your Veggies. ]

Originally Posted by goin2befit

2) Is it best to eat before working out and if so what and when? My workouts include Power90 Cardio/ Power 90 Circuit Training, and an exercise bike (recumberment).

This is a bit dependent on when you exercise. If I exercise very early in the morning I rarely eat. And I would never eat anything big right before exercise. But I often have a small snack one hour before. This gives me enough energy for the exercise. I hate to get hungry in the middle of it. Great with the Power90. Are you liking it?

Originally Posted by goin2befit

.how much cardio do I need a week, how much strength... Is it really true that now strength is more important than cardio?

Well I think you should do as much as you can. It is often a preference for some whether they emphesize cardio or strength. But most people will get in a bit of both. Cardio is great for shape and hart health. Strenght is good for toning and strength and building muscles. I do both.

[BDawg]

Originally Posted by goin2befit

2) Is it best to eat before working out and if so what and when? My workouts include Power90 Cardio/ Power 90 Circuit Training, and an exercise bike (recumberment).

I don't like to eat less than 1 hour before I workout. I feel sick to my stomach if I do. If you're trying to build muscle, it is recommended that you eat protein within 30 minutes of working out. I just eat dinner when I get back from the gym.

Originally Posted by goin2befit

I am very overweight, however, I "think" I have a pretty big muscle mass under all of this. I sure am "athletic" it seems compared to those women I know who are 125-150 pounds, I can out play volleyball or almost anything like that. Of course they can out run me but my strength is more.

With that being said.. .how much cardio do I need a week, how much strength... Is it really true that now strength is more important than cardio?

1. I know from experience that if you've never trained before, you are much weaker than you think you are.

2. I do 1hr of weights 3 times a week and 30min of cardio 3 times a week. There needs to be a balance IMHO. Cardio burns more calories *now,* but muscle burns more over time.

[cindy30]

My experience is that nothing can take the place of cardio. It works better if you add strength training but cardio is still at the core of speeding up weight loss. I use the elliptical (sp) until I burn 700 calories after I have done strenght training for 30 minutes, its usually about a 1 hr 45 min workout, sometimes 2 hrs. It has been very effective. Power90 is fabulous! I use it when I cant go to the gym early and have to work out late.

[imagood1]

Just an idea but it's what I do, I have a stationary bike I ride daily and every other day I do one of a variety of exercise videos. My latest favorite one is Jillian Michaels (from The Biggest Loser) 30 Day Shred. It has really helped me and it may help you also.