How long should I weight train?

[ktsully]

Hey!

I'm still fairly new to lifting heavier weights. I've been seeing results, but I don't want to "overtrain" or hurt myself.

I work out 6-7 days a week. I warm up for about 5 minutes on the treadmill, then lift weights and do plyometrics (to keep my heart rate up) for about 45-50 minutes. Then I do cardio (either sprinting/walking intervals, or on the elliptical machine) for 30-40 minutes.

Is this too much? Not enough? I'm trying to gain muscle and lose body fat.

Thanks in advance :-)

[terracotta]

You should take 1 day completely off each week. I'd do at most 4 days per week weight training (3-4 is typical), and 3 hours per week cardio (2-3 hours per week is typical). If you do your cardio immediately after weight training I would limit it to 20 minutes. Otherwise, do your cardio at least 6 hours separated from your training.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

I kinda think that any more than 40-45 mins on weights is an indication that you just haven't worked hard enough! Some people will say that if you've done weights you shouldn't have anything left in the tank for cardio afterwards but in reality, a lot of people do this and its not such a bad thing. Having said that, unless you have have an extremely challenging fat loss goal then 20-30 mins is plenty.

Agree that you need to schedule at least 1 proper rest day each week.

Lots of people do weights and cardio on alternate days, 3 days of each. You could then do a longer cardio session if thats what you enjoy. (Some have to be dragged kicking and screaming to cardio ....!)

So, you aren't that far off the mark as it happens, but maybe just cut back a little and make sure you have your rest

[SeaSiren]

I'm in agreement with terracotta and SumthinOrNuthin. Weight Training 3-4 x's weekly for approx 40 mins each session. Cardio on separate days than weights. A min of at least 1 full day off.

[ktsully]

Thanks a lot, guys! I will definitely use your suggestions :-)