by Ruth Belena

Created on: August 24, 2008   Last Updated: September 16, 2008

It is possible to have a healthy living regime without spending too much time at the gym. Just working out three times a week can make a real difference. By combining a weight training routine with a good cardiovascular workout, you will build muscle, improve your fitness, and have maximum weight loss!

A good cardio workout should be fun, and you could try cycling away your stress on an exercise bike, use an elliptical trainer, or vary your routine with rowers, steppers and treadmills.

Lifting weights really does help to burn off excess fat. You will lose weight, improve muscle tone and firm up your body, with a good weight training routine. At the end of each session, you body will keep on burning up those calories!

The only downside to using weights could be the amount of time it will take to build up the number of repetitions, gradually adding more to the weights you lift, and doing still more repetitions, until you finally achieve your personal training goals.

If you really want to undertake a weight training routine, and you also want a good cardio workout, but you think you don't have enough time, you need a fitness regime which incorporates both.

There are many ways you can combine cardio and weight training, you just need to find the right fitness package.

Try wearing ankle weights. These can be adjusted to fit snugly round your ankles and will stay securely fixed during your workout. Ankle weights work really well, and will strengthen your legs and buttock muscles, while you are doing your aerobic exercises.

You could use wrist weights to build up your strength. All you have to so is slide the weights onto your wrists, and then follow your usual cardio workout.

A perfect way of combining the two is to use weights with a stepper. You can choose a barbell and weight plates, kettlebells or dumbbells, to lift as you step.

Healthy living is not just about losing weight and building muscle, you also need to keep your heart strong and healthy. With combined cardio and weight training, you can reach all your own personal training goals, stay healthy, and save yourself some time at the gym.

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