I know that your muscles need a day break between strength exercises, but do I need to take a day off after doing cardio. Right now, Im doing about 20 mins on the ellipitical and 40 mins on the bike. Can I do that or something similar everyday or for 5 days straight and then the weekend off if Im off campus?
The reason your body needs time off with strength training is the muscles need time to repair themselves. As long as you're not pushing yourself too hard, you should be fine. Especially if you're taking weekends off.
Keep going with the training 5 days a week - unless your muscles are aching too much or you are sick!
I try to do cardio 5-6 days a week :)
i love cardio!! when i'm not motivated to do muscle training, but don't want to feel like a slob i try to run about 2 miles or sprint across the soccer field for a few minutes when my daughter is out at the park just to feel like i'm earning my food...i say if it doesn't hurt, go for it.
I have been doing until recently roughly (excluding cool down):
12.5 min (running 8min20 per mile average) treadmill
18min elliptical
8min bike
with weight/strength work mixed in. Total calorie burn would be about 670 including the weights.
I found that I can do this with a day off a week. However, since I added in a swim (500metres minimum) after the gym workout that I've had to reduce from 6 to 5 days in a row. Also if a workout feels like a struggle I will always do a lighter workout and take the following day off.
Like for instance today was a struggle so I won't workout tomorrow, but will on Thursday.
Most important is listen to your body and adapt your schedule to suit.
