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Might sound like a silly question, but my wife, aunt and I have signed up at the local gym. For me, I have been working out since the start of the year using our Bowflex Revolution. Now I am looking to increase the workout, including more cardio during my workout sessions.

Currently I lift weights 4 days a week, alternating back/shoulder and chest/arms. Before the tear in my right knee I had a fifth day in there for legs/torso. Should I look at changing up the exercises I do when I go to the gym? I currently do 3 to 4 different exercises for each body part with 3 sets of 16 reps (if possible). I just recently increased the number of reps from 10-12 to 16 reps.

Also, should cardio be incorporated every day I go to the gym? If I don't lift weights on a day, should cardio still be done? Thanks for any assistance. Life in a gym is a completely new experience for me.

Hey Stoumi!

It is recommended to change your routine around, either by the order you do them, the resistance you use, the variation of the exercise, the speed with which you do your reps - as many ways as you can, frequently. And each 4 + weeks to shift out a routine for something new. This keeps the body guessing, a hallmark of muscle development and balance. Specific routines depend on the individual goals, their current condition, and and contraindications such as injuries, such as your knee.

Take a look at the ACSM guidelines for exercise for healthy adults as a good starting point. From there, again, dovetail to your goals and condition:

The 4 pillars of the ideal workout schedule: What the research says

Sorry to hear about the knee!
Lani

Thanks Lani for the information and the link. Looking forward to improving my physique and getting into a gym to take my exercise to a higher level.

My pleasure!

Lani