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[jch159]

Here is what I do:
5 days a week I strectch for 10 min ( I have a rep/set routine but I'll tell it to you in time that makes it eaiser) then I do 240 crunches then jumprope for 10 min then bench press ( m/w/f) and curls and seated rows ( tu/th)
then a cool down stretch for 5-7 min
Goal: is to stay tone I am into the martial arts and not a bulked up person just in really good shape if you dont count my sports related injuries

I am 47 yo 5'10 175-180 lbs.
I eat chicken and broccolli throughout the week with oatmeal and/or shredded wheat as my in-between meal snacks. Some fruits and handfuls of unsalted peanuts.
On the weekends I "let loose" with some pizza/spagghetti/burgers chocolate not a lot but I allow it.

3-4 times I week I have a martial arts mini workout at night .

I always read stuff like do abs 3 times a week.
I always figure they are just saying that to people so they dont burn out.
I do not worry about burnout or being bored.

But I wonder.... is it too much what I do.
Will I have ( AND THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART) a more effiecent workout if I only do abs 3 times a week or jump rope only 3 times a week?

[swanso5]

240 crunches needs to go there not doing anything but a little endurance...find variations that allow only 15 reps at most per set or use weighted versions of exercises

too much of anything can lead to overuse injuries so if you want to do things everyday, just vary (skipping 2 days a week, star jumps 2 a week etc)

if you opt for the harder ab versions than 3 times a week is the maximum you'll go for as you'll need recovery time from the higher intensity

why not just do 2 full body weight workouts a week then 2 cadio/ab sessions, your daily stretching and then your MA workouts...don't try and do to much

[jch159]

thanks for the thought.
My main "worry" is can I handle not doing a workout 5 times a week.
But the time may be right to cut back.... do it right
thanks

anyone else??

[SarahPT]

Hi there,
I agree that there isn't much point of doing 240 crunches. It's not helping your muscles. Abs are just like any other muscle. They need rest and shouldn't be over worked. Some more challenging ab exercises with lower reps, no more than 3 times a week would be better. The reason it's recommended to not work muscles too often is not only to prevent boredom, but to prevent over training, which causes injuries.

If you really want to be working out 5 times a week you could split your muscle groups up. I typically think full body workouts are better, but you could do a 4 day split like:
One day: legs
One day: Back
One day: Chest, shoulders
One day: Arms

There are a lot of ways you could vary that.

Anyway, hope that helps,
Sarah

[jch159]

thanks folks