AboutRich Ruffing Expertise I can answer to questions to all aspects of exercise: strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular, body composition, etc.. The questions can be general or they can be more specific or individualized. I can help you with workout design, exercise selection, recovery methods and any other aspects that are part of your program. Visit my website, www.richruffing.com, for more information.
Experience I have been training since 2000, working in health clubs and studios and working with a variety of clients.
Education/Credentials I have a Bachelors Degree in Sports Biology and am certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Currently, I am working towards my licensure as a massage therapist.
Question QUESTION: Hi Rich,I first started working out a couple of months ago and I do about 2 1/2 hours a day 4/5 days a week,I do the cv and weights on the same day,is it best to seperate these and do on alternate days?
ANSWER: Hi Dave. What are you doing for 2.5 hours? My God. You're not a professional athlete, are you? A well designed strength program should be made up of workouts that last no longer than 60-75 minutes, including warm up. If your cardio and strength routines are being done on the same day and it is taking you 2.5 hours to complete both, I would not suggest doing them on the same day.
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QUESTION: Hi Rich,I do 30mins on bike,30mins on treadmill,30mins on crosstrainer and then I do at least 1/2 hour on 3 to 4 different weight machines do about 3 sets of 15 or 20 on each one,so about 2 or 2 and half hours in all,is this to much?I would like to work on my abs but as I have had back problems in the past(3 slipped discs) I dont want to disrupt them,they are a constant pain but only mild compared to when they have ruptured which is the worst pain I have ever had.I would like my muscles to be more defined but thought that maybe doing cv and weights on the same day would be counter-productive?
ANSWER: I do just not think any one needs 90 minutes of cardiovascular work, unless they are an endurance athlete or training for a specific event. Chances are if you can perform 90 minutes of cardio work, you are not pushing yourself hard enough. It's not just about the quantity of work performed. It's just as much about the quality of work and the effort put into it.
It seems to me like your core training needs to start from step one, which are core stabilization exercises. Work on exercises such as plank or side plank holds, bird dogs or back extension holds. Once you've built a stable core, then you can transition into core exercises that involve more movement.
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QUESTION: Sorry Rich could you explain more,you said 90mins cardio was to much then you said if I am doing 90mins then I am not working hard enough.I do this for stamina and like to know that I can push myself for at least 30mins of running,and you think 2 to 2and half hours in the gym is to much,the way I see it,it can only be making me fitter and healthier
Answer The intensity of a workout has nothing to do with time. You can get the same benefits out of a 20-30 minute high intensity interval training session, as you can from a 90 minute steady state session.
How long do you really expect to keep up with 2.5 hour workouts before you burn out?
