For years, it’s been common practice among bodybuilders and gym rats to finish off a gym session with a round of steady state cardio. But these days, spending that much time in the gym just isn’t practical, it may not be effective either.
You don’t have to spend two hours in the gym just to get a good workout. In fact, by doing a little less, you’ll actually see better results. By ditching post-strength training cardio, and instead shifting your run (or elliptical, or step mill) to the morning, you’ll give your body plenty of time to recover, so when it comes time to hit the iron, there won’t be any confusion.
The following is an example of one day of training, where both cardio and strength training are performed:
AM: Classic Cardio:
Wake up, drink a glass of water, and immediately go for a fasted jog or run at a moderate pace. Studies show you’ll actually burn more fat by performing low-impact cardio on an empty stomach than if you downed breakfast first. Just try to keep it to a max of 30 minutes.
PM: Strength Session – Upper Body Hybrid:
How to:
- Perform each pairing of exercises for the prescribed number of reps and sets, alternating back and forth from the first exercise to the second.
- These are not supersets.
- Rest as much as you need between exercises to complete all the reps.
- For example, you will perform A1, rest, then perform A2, rest, and repeat.
Note: The weight should be heavy enough that the rep range is challenging, but you are not hitting failure.
Seated DB Military Press:
How to:
- Sit tall on the end of a flat bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
- Hold the weights above your shoulders so elbows are at 90 degrees and slightly in front of you, palms facing out.
- Extend your arms to press the weights straight overhead.
- Lower back down with control and repeat.
Split Stance One-Armed Row:
How to:
- Hold a dumbbell in one hand and place the opposite hand on a bench for support.
- Stand with one foot forward and the other back with knees slightly bent.
- Bend your elbow and pull the dumbbell to your hip.
- Lower back down and repeat.
- Complete all reps then switch sides.
DB Low-Incline Bench Press:
How to:
- Adjust an incline bench to approximately 30 degrees.
- Hold dumbbells with an overhand, shoulder-width grip with arms locked above your chest.
- Bend your elbows and lower the weights with control until it makes contact with your chest.
- Press back up to the starting position and repeat.
Barbell Pendlay Row:
How to:
- Stand in front of a weighted barbell on the floor.
- If needed, place ends on platforms to elevate them.
- Hinge from the hips and grab the bar with an underhand grip.
- Bend your elbows and pull the bar to your waist quickly, then lower back down with control all the way to the floor.
- Reset your stance if needed and repeat.
Push-Up:
How to:
- Get into high plank position, keeping your neck neutral and forming a straight line with your body.
- Bend your elbows to lower your chest towards the ground.
- Extend your arms to press back up. Repeat.
Bent-Over Plate Row:
How to:
- Stand holding a weight plate with hands gripping the sides.
- Hinge from the hips and lean over, keeping your back flat.
- Extend your arms downwards.
- Bend your elbows and pull the plate towards your torso.
- Lower back down and repeat.
