Putting it all together

[tglasco4]

My wife commented recently that I looked like I lost weight. I had not actually lost any but I am getting more tone overall and more muscle definition. As I thought about what caused this (other than possibly just being raw), I realized a couple of things. When I started eating raw 15 months ago, I was not getting any consistent cardio exercise in other than walking. Walking is great, don't get me wrong, but one has to walk an hour or so a day for good results as far as cardio (at least that has been my experience). While I was not getting any good cardio work in, I was getting some good resistance training. Then I started getting into running. I used to hate running, but since I became raw I have come to really enjoy it. But I have gotten so into it, that I have seriously neglected my resistance training. Well, about 2 weeks ago I decided to put together a 30 minute resistance workout for days when I was not running (I run 3x per week). My goal was to make the workout basic and to move thru it quickly. I do 2 sets of 7 different exercises working out all my basic muscle groups (including abs). My rule was to be done in 30 minutes and to be consistent over the next 30 days. Well, 2 weeks into it I am really seeing the difference. I have come to the conclusion that in order to really have a nice physique without over-training (one of my bad habits for sure), was to make sure I get in cardio, resistance training and proper diet (raw). In all the years I have been working out, until I went raw I never had the nutrition part right. Now that I am raw and plan to be so for life, the nutrition part is solved. I believe nutrition is at least 80% of the battle when trying to get the body in optimal shape. Then a combination of a good cardio program (fast walking, running, biking, aerobics.....etc), with some resistance training (light to moderate weights, pushups, chin-ups..etc).

Of course this is no new revelation. But if one consciously seeks to put these three together, I believe there will be great results :)

Peace.

Todd

[Universal]

Peace Todd,

That's definitely peace that you have a workout plan, and have that dedication to follow through with it.
Question: So you do resistance about 3 days a week, run (cardio) the other 3 days, and then have one day of rest???

If so, that plan is a lot similar to mine. My plan is to do resistance Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; Cardio Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday, and then rest and also fast on Thursday. (Don't ask me why Thursday! lol It just happens to work out for me that way).

I also plan on steppin' it up a notch as far as the resistance workouts, making them shorter and including more of a cardio pace in doing so. I've been very dedicated to it, and i'm pretty hard on my Self when it comes to results, but i feel that's more mental than anything. I physically and mentally feel fantastic. And a great percentage of that is due to the raw foods.

I also agree that keeping it simple is the key.
Congratulations to you on your progress. Keep Moving!

PEACE
Universal

[Arky]

Thanks for the inspirational thread, both of you. I need a little motivation to sort out an exercise regime and the above is helpful to me.


J.

[tglasco4]

Question: So you do resistance about 3 days a week, run (cardio) the other 3 days, and then have one day of rest???

Peace Universal,

Yes, I do cardio (running) usually Monday-Wednesday-Friday and resistance training Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday....I rest on Saturday. I will probably flip flop my cardio and resistance days depending on the weather, but they will remain the same six days with Saturday always being a rest day.

Arky, Hey I am glad this is of benefit to you! More power to you on your workout goals.

Todd

[amy's-goin'-raw!]

I must also say a big "thank you"! I have been walking 4-5 times a week, knowing that I want to step it up. This gives me a good point of reference to start from.

I too, "hate" running but I may add a few minutes of running to my walk in order to increase the cardio and then increase the lenght of the intervals. I will need to do a bit of research aroung the resistance training. Anyone have any good sites that they have found useful?

Pump it up~

[tglasco4]

I will need to do a bit of research aroung the resistance training. Anyone have any good sites that they have found useful?

You are very welcome Amy! :) I recently checked out a good site by a raw bodybuilder..its www.charliesgym.info

If I come across any others I will post them also.

Peace.

Todd

[Universal]

rawfood.com is a good site too.

The owner of the site (Stephen Arlin) also has a book called Raw Power!. The most recent edition is the 3rd edition which i was able to call and order. It deals with gaining muscle strength and definition while eating completely raw. There's also some great Knowledge on there concerning raw.
Hope that'll help you out.


PEACE
Universal