Cardio and muscle retention

[Viola]

Here is the big delema.

I am already taking L-glutamine. I started it about 2 weeks ago. The Trainer at the gym said it would be O.K. for me to up my cardio to 60 minutes if I increase my lifting efforts.

My concern was losing muscle from too much cardio. From what I have read on here too much cardio isn't good. I still have 10 to 12 pounds of FAT to lose.

Any personal insight would be apreciated. I have done searches and found to much conflicting information. I am taking hydroxydrine 2x a day, a multi, flax oil 2x, CQ10, Gotu Kola, 5mg. L-Glutamine and I have been thinking of adding 5 mg of creatine a day.

I try to eat 5 to 6 times a day. I try to eat healthy but I have a hard time counting calories.

I currently weigh 148lbs. One reading tells me I'm 23% bf another says 26% bf. I'm 5'5" Tall. I started at 170 in the beginning of July.

The real question is about the cardio.

[zackdarnell]

What intensity is your cardio?

[TrishB]

Viola...

It sounds like you are doing great with a slow weight loss. By increasing your lifting...I am assuming the trainer means that you will be increasing the weight. That is something you should be doing anyway. Once you are lifting a weight comfortably for 8 reps, it is time to move up.
And you should be training all the major muscles once a week.

Your diet sounds fine. Do not worry much about calorie counting, just keep eating clean and often.

I am not a big fan of long cardio workouts. I have never seen anyone benefit much from them. Better to do a shorter, but more intense cardio.

Keep up the great work!

[MsFit]

Glutamine is great, take it before cardio, before training, after training and before bed. :D The creatine is good, but if your efforts are weight loss, you might want to stop it for now, due to the female mind set and water retention. ;) Cycle you Hydroxydrine dosage daily so you don't adapt.

If you have that little bit of fat to lose you don't have to kill yourself doing an hour of cardio, it's not like you're preparing for a contest. Knock it down to 30-40 minutes the interval intensity method.

What method are you using to track your bodyfat percentage? Are you using the same method each time, having the same person do it, doing it during the same time of day?
MsFit

[Viola]

I have been having my bf done at the gym with a handheld device. I was having it done every 5 pounds of loss to track my progress.

I do 45 minutes at 3.8 with a 7% incline or 60 minutes at 3.5 with a 5% incline.
Basically I want to burn 300 to 350 calories 5 to 6 times a week.
I believe this should give me 1/2 to 1 pound a week in loss if I eat proper.

Thanks for the tips on the L-Glutamine. I didn't realize that I needed to take so much in one day. I will try to break it up into three doses of 5 mg each.

I currently do 3 sets of 12 on all my weights. I will try an increase in weight and do 3 sets of 8 instead. Maybe it will bring my muscles back to life.

I appreciate all the advice. And MsFit I have seen your pictures and I think you are a good role model.

[Viola]

I think I can see the beginning of some abs under the fat.

[Viola]

It was taken on June 20 2002

[Viola]

Hubby has lost weight to.

[MsFit]

Originally posted by Viola


I appreciate all the advice. And MsFit I have seen your pictures and I think you are a good role model.

Thanks, and you're welcome. ;)

Are you still trying to shed some pounds? If so lowering your reps to 10 is fine. Take it slowly.

www.theelitephysique.com/loseweight
MsFit

[str8flexed]

Great job viola...very inspiring... I think you should read this article...I think it will help you quite a bit...
www.bodybuilding.com/fun/satter2.htm
peace

[Viola]

Thanks for the link. Some really good info. I do believe that I am going to do what feels best for me. An hour of cadio 6 days a week at moderate intensity works good for my energy levels and well being.

Since I still have a good surplus of fat for my body to burn, I need the cardio. I eat a good surplus of protein and try to keep my fat intake clean. I have switched up my workout routine. If I start to feel a loss in strengh then I will reconsider.

[Hibiscus09]

Viola, you are doing great! You can really see the weight loss from the before & after pix! :)