exercise goals etc

 Yep, that is why I do it. :)


gail

Totally agree!!  Thanks for saying what I've been thinking.

High intensity interval training about every week or 10 days is really good. Also I agree with the weight training, and use HEAVY weight, none of the light sissy weights! Mix up the cardio too, bike, run, swim or whatever, try to have fun, but don't overdo it or it will cause stress hormones in your body.

I do full body circuits for a half hour followed by interval cardio 3X per week. Two other days per week I do just cardio. The cardio only days are a nice break for me, but keep me moving and active.

My guess is that I'm getting far more bang for the exertion on my circuit days. My circuits are intense, use weights  - sometimes pretty heavy - and incorporate cardio. I'm very pleased with the results I gotten in the past 4.5 months. I'm certainly a hell of a lot stronger than I have been in YEARS!

One of the best decisions I've made was hiring a good trainer and working with him each week.

 I'm a slacker in the weight training department.  I do Pilates and walk or hike 30-40 miles a week.  I have not gone back to weights since my plastics because I am trying to let my arms heal.  Being unemployed, a trainer is out of my budget, so I just keep moving.  I've incorporated back in light weight machines for my arms, but nothing intensive.

 Weight training = yay!

ITA re: HIIT.  

If you're looking for cardio maybe try a bunch of different things - Groupon and other online deals are great for this - to find something you really like.  Turns out I love spinning and XC skiing.  Who knew?  Not me.  Am thinking about trying MMA or similar but am concerned about my knees...but the point is just to try different things until you find a winner.  And if you don't find that winner you'll have done some great cross-training in your search!