Double sessions or one longer one?

Hi-

About a year ago I lost 42 pounds doing WW123 and working out 4X a week, lifting 2-3X a week and doing 4X a week cardio sessions, a mixture of running, the eliptical trainer, stairmaster, cardio boxing and sometimes a spin class. It took me 8 months to lose the weight. Well, I changed jobs, moved and had other major life changes and haven't worked out much for the last 5 months. I was also in a car accident during that time and have been treated for back pain, so I wasn't allowed to re-enter the gym 'balls to the wall' so to speak. Luckily during that time I did not put on any weight, in fact lost a couple of pounds (probably muscle, I know.) I still have another 30+ pounds or so that I want to lose.

I'd like to drop the weight a little quicker than I did last time, and my suspicision (Sp?) is that had I done 5-6 cardio sessions a week I would have lost the weight quicker, and had I consistantly done 50-60 mintues for cardio instead of my 35-45 minutes. Running isn't in the cards for me right now, so I am looking at roller blading, aerobics classes, and/or walking. I am super motivated, and wonder if I did 2 30 minute walks a day, morning and evening, would I lose the weight quicker? Or would 45-60 minute blading sessions be best? Or a combination? What are people's experiences as far as the optimal cardio mix? (and yes, I am starting to lift again this week.)

As for diet, (just in case this may help), I'm eating 1400-1700 cal/day, trying to keep fat around 25%, 25+ grams of fiber (lots o' fruits and veggies), lean proteins, and keeping carbs to a minimum, around 100-150 g a day. (No intention of doing real low, low carbs.) My goal is to be a size 8 for my birthday, which is at the end of April. Any other suggesions would be great, thanks!

Carrie

Before you buy.

42 pounds in 8 months is pretty fast, I would try for .5-1 pound/week. Cardio work is good, but too much can be counterproductive to gaining lean mass. Lifting weights will build lean mass which will increase your metabolism. I would try to work out a schedule where you lift 3 times week alternating with aerobic days. Every 4 or 3 days take a complete day off to let your body catch up.

You may want to mix your cardio sessions with shorter intense workouts on some days and longer easier workouts on others. Shorter intense workouts seem to have a little better conditioning effect.

Get a bodyfat test done by a competent examiner (caliper or hydrostatic). Stay off the scale and repeat bodyfat test in 2 months. The fit of clothes and the mirror will tell you if you are on the right track. Test will confirm. and

You don't mention your starting weight, height bf% etc. so it is hard to tell about diet. Intake looks a little low calorie wise for someone with such an ambitious workout plan. 100-150 grams of carb is no where near low carb and looks fairly balanced. You seem to be on the right track, good luck with your program. Find a schedule you can live with, don't be in a hurry and it will happen........

JAK