by Kimberly Zeidner

Created on: August 25, 2008   Last Updated: September 16, 2008

When I first met my boyfriend, he told me that he was training for an upcoming bodybuilding competition "just because it's something [he] wanted to try." Little did I know how much a supposed hobby would consume my life. Arms Day. Legs Day. Cardio Day. Whatever happened to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday?

Going to the gym became more of a lifestyle than an interest and since I was living it alongside of him, it became apparent that the easiest thing for me to do would be to join him. Now, I'm not saying that I wanted to become a bodybuilder. Far from it. But as a recovering anorexic with an obsession with cardio, I knew that changing my workout habits would be healthy for me.

First, I had to set my personal training goals. What did I want to obtain from this new weight training routine? I was already very thin, so I decided that what I wanted most was a more toned physique. After consulting with my boyfriend (my personal guide to all things fitness) and several popular websites, I came up with a fairly simple workout routine that fit within my time constraints.

I start at the gym with 10-15 minutes of running on the treadmill, a significant decrease from what my cardio routine was before. Then, depending on the day, I begin my toning which consists of another 15-25 minutes of machines and free weights. I stick to the much preached about 3 sets of 8-12 reps, meaning that for every exercise that I do, I execute that movement approximately 12 times, rest for 90 seconds and then repeat two more times. If time permits, I'll do another 10 minutes of cardio.

The benefits of this routine is simple: Cardiovascular exercise raises the heart rate and burns fat while you are doing it, but weight training continues to burn fat even after you've completed your workout and increases your muscle strength. In addition, this type of activity increases the speed of your metabolism, so while your muscles are growing stronger, you are still losing fat. Far more beneficial than weight loss alone.

A month later, I'm already seeing results. Not only is my body looking better, but I'm more energetic and feel even better about myself. That's what a healthy mix of cardio and weight training can do for you!

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