|
|
 |
| Can you believe that a fresh bagel can have more than 400 calories? |
|
| 5-in-1 Fitness Calculator |
|
 |
Calculate your BMI (body mass index), Body Fat Percentage, Optimal Weight Range, and Target Heart Rate and Overall Health Risk all in one simple calculation.
|
 |
|
|
|
Strength Training
Do you recommend doing your weight training before or after your aerobic workout?
-- Elschaeff
Actually, studies have shown the benefits of both--lifting before your cardiovascular workout and after. It is an individual matter and you should probably base your decision on practical concerns. For example, I like to lift weights before my cardiovascular workout, but that is because following a good cardio workout I am perspiring quite heavily and I don't like to be wet and be lifting in an air-conditioned gym. In addition, I would have to mop each piece of weight training equipment I used. For others, doing their cardio workout first works better and that’s fine.
top
One thing that has always confused me about doing strength- training exercise s is whether to do all the sets on one side first or to switch back and forth between sides. For instance, if my plan is to do two sets of 12 biceps curls with dumbbells, should I do two sets with my right arm, then two sets with my left arm—or can I alternate, one set with my right arm, one set with my left, then repeat?
--Anonymous
You’ve hit on an important point: The order in which you lift does matter. When you lift weights, you want to work your muscles to the point of failure. That means that they’re so fatigued you can barely finish the last few repetitions. The reason behind this is that the muscles need a certain amount of stimulus to grow stronger. If they’re not feeling fatigued when you lift, then they’re probably not getting enough stimulus. For that reason, I recommend that you do all your sets on one side, then switch to the other side. If you alternate sides when lifting, your muscles won’t get as intense a workout.
top
E-mail me with all your questions and concerns at writeme@getwiththeprogram.org
I receive a lot of questions, many of which are duplicates. I will answer as many of your letters as I can, but may select certain ones that best reflect the concerns of the majority of my clients.
top
|
|
Get With the Software!
Easily manage your exercise, nutrition and overall health! |
|
 |
| • Learn what activities work best to meet your goals |
| • Nutrition information from popular restaurant menus |
| • Track calories, carbs, protein, fiber, and fats for over 5,000 foods |
|
|
|
 |
> 
