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First month back in the gym - all cardio a terrible idea?

post #1 of 10
4/19/10 at 5:16pm
Thread Starter 
I gained 30 pounds over the course of my most recent relationship, took up smoking again, generally did no exercise aside from work and sex.

Health kick re-engaged, first day back in the gym, I was smoked after 10 minutes on the stair climber and 20 on the cross-trainer, plus assisted pull-ups and dips.
I was planning on starting a 5x5 weight plan.

But I'm thinking that maybe I want to concentrate on high-intensity cardio daily to rebuild the endurance I lost smoking a pack a day for two years and spending all my time in a smoky bar, along with less-planned weights (KB at home, pull-ups, etc.

Terrible idea, good idea?
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post #2 of 10
4/19/10 at 5:35pm
After a break from training, Ive always found it easier to cut bodyweigh before jumping back into the lifting. That way when you start lifting, you can eat properly to support your gains without worrying about getting too fat. YMMV.

If you're completely detrained, you could probably get away with doing both for a couple of weeks.
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post #3 of 10
4/19/10 at 5:36pm
I don't know the right answer but good luck.
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post #4 of 10
4/19/10 at 5:38pm
An all-cardio/plyo workout program is what I did after essentially going through the same thing as you, i.e. eating shittily and smoking more because I was in a new relationship. It's worked well for me so far. Too bad I can't say the same for the relationship.
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post #5 of 10
4/19/10 at 5:41pm
Good for you! Sounds like a bad relationship, and there's nothing better than doing something for yourself health-wise. A 5x5 routine is a good way to start, and you should definitely start now. Keep your rest periods low and follow it up with with the cardio to rebuild your endurance. Keeping yourself motivated is key.
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post #6 of 10
4/19/10 at 6:12pm
Just getting back in and starting down the right path is what matters.

You might think about a workout that includes some resistance or other exercise besides treadmill... hitting the bag comes to mind but seriously... high-rep, no rest etc... something to keep you engaged and kick start the routine.

Good luck.
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post #7 of 10
4/19/10 at 6:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by milosz View Post
I gained 30 pounds over the course of my most recent relationship, took up smoking again, generally did no exercise aside from work and sex.


glad to see i am not alone
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post #8 of 10
4/19/10 at 11:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cary Grant View Post
Just getting back in and starting down the right path is what matters.

QFT. Get yourself moving now, then worry about how you're doing it. I'd personally look into a simple, 3x/week weight program like Starting Strength and maintain doing some cardio on off days.
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post #9 of 10
4/20/10 at 12:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by milosz View Post
I gained 30 pounds over the course of my most recent relationship, took up smoking again, generally did no exercise aside from work and sex. Health kick re-engaged, first day back in the gym, I was smoked after 10 minutes on the stair climber and 20 on the cross-trainer, plus assisted pull-ups and dips. I was planning on starting a 5x5 weight plan. But I'm thinking that maybe I want to concentrate on high-intensity cardio daily to rebuild the endurance I lost smoking a pack a day for two years and spending all my time in a smoky bar, along with less-planned weights (KB at home, pull-ups, etc. Terrible idea, good idea?
I would get very unmotivated doing all cardio. How about weights twice a week, cardio twice a week? You could do a simple push/pull rotation on the weights. E.g. Push: Squat Bench press Military or Push press Incline Bench Pull: Pullups Deadlifts Cleans Pendlay row good mornings. Shit that would probably be a pretty intense workout.
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post #10 of 10
4/20/10 at 12:27am
What you should do first is get an accountibility partner, even online partner if necessary, so you don't quit =]
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