Weights Routine - need advice please.

[GOFORIT]

I need a good weights routine for overall fitness, initially to build general strength and then move on to endurance. I work out three days a week, spend about 45 mins doing cardio on treadmill & bike, monitoring my heart rate. I then do about 45 mins weight training . I would like to do three workouts of about 5 exercises each. i.e 15 per week. I am presently doing one set of 10-12 reps each, increasing the weight when I do 12 easily. The gym has most usual equipment and weights, as well as a swimming pool. I need to be fit for hiking, carrying a moderate weight backpack, but my aim is general fitness, not bulking up.

 

[Built]

Got Built? » Basic whole-body workout

There you go. Oh, and do your cardio second - start with the weights.

 

[GOFORIT]

Got Built? » Basic whole-body workout

There you go. Oh, and do your cardio second - start with the weights.

Looks good ! I had been told that to initially build strengh, you should keep to one set of 10-12 reps, and for endurance more sets of higher reps. What do you think - low reps to start with, and after I have moved up to higher weights start increasing the reps and sets ?

 

[jpolito830]

Seems like a good workout regime at the link above...Best of luck at reaching your goals!

 

[Built]

Honestly, I'd stick to the "5-8" rep range I've suggested. Pay attention to form. When you're ready for something more complicated, we can look at some sort of a split routine where you don't do the full body each day. Stick with this one for about a month or two.

 

[GOFORIT]

I'll stick with your advice. I like the 'goblet' squat idea. It could solve a problem I have. I struggle to get my form right with the traditional squat, even with my heels on a block. I end up with a sore neck. Dangerous !!

 

[Built]

The goblets will really hammer in form. Get that ass back! You may prefer front squats once you go back to squatting with a barbell. Good luck!