Which would be better?

I am about 4 pounds away from reaching a mini goal. I have been going to the gym almost everyday. I want to reach my goal before I leave for vacation on the 16th.

At the gym I do:
-45-60 min on the elliptical
-4 arm weight machines (the gym has 8 machines I do 1-4 then the next day 5-8)
-Weighted crunches
-1 mile jog

I have lost a good bit of weight doing this routine. I want to step it up a little though.

I was thinking of doing a cardio only workout every other day. Elliptical and a longer run on the treadmill plus weighted crunches.

I think cardio only sounds good but then I don't know if my arms will suffer from not doing weights every day. And if I do only do the weights every other day should I do all 8 machines?

Help!

Re: Which would be better?

Don't ask me, you see what I do I lost 10 pounds (NOT on purpose) because I stopped eating processed foods completely. I go to the gym less now & I stopped doing 'structured cardio'. I started running up and down that set of stairs at our beach like 3 - 4 times a week, and I do bodyweight exercises about 4 times a week. It was definitely the food change that did it.

I only eat something if it’s natural, so I DO eat carbs, but only fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, potatoes and the like. I am never hungry, either. So anyway, I think changing the food, not the cardio would work… But I am a converted Primal girl now

Thanks again for voting, BTW!!

Re: Which would be better?

it might not be the exercising... but rather what you are eating.

I learned this when I FINALLY started the WW philosophy... b/c i worked out like crazy and couldn't lose a pound...

I FM'd you.

I'm one stomach flu away from my goal weight!

Re: Which would be better?

what is your cardio like? intervals might break your plateau.

Re: Which would be better?

I agree with Erica. It sounds like you are doing the same routine and the body will definitely "figure that out" and you will stop losing. I think you need to mix things up a little. I would recommend trying a mixed cardio--15 minutes bike, 15 minutes elliptical, 15 minute run. Your body needs some confusion.

Re: Which would be better?

I think changing up the routine is a great idea but I wouldn't necessarily do only cardio.

More importantly look at what you are eating...weight loss/fitness are 90% diet and 10% exercise. I used to be a cardio slave doing 2 hours a day and lifted 5 days a week.. I started following a better diet back in january and have lost a great deal of weight. I only do cardio 2 or 3 days a week---20 minutes each time and I lift 3-4 days a week. It is SO much better for me! Let me know if you want any help, i love fitness and nutrition!

Re: Which would be better?

i agree. I'm not sure more cardio is the solution.

What about trying a cardio sculpt/total body conditioning type class?

The more muscle you build, the quicker you burn fat.