A Balanced Cardio- and Strength-Training Workout Routine for Men

Welcome to my workout routine. Like many people, I don't have a lot of time to spend on a workout schedule. Therefore, I have created a simple routine that does not take much time and will give you a great workout for a healthy lifestyle. My routine includes upper and lower body strength training and full body cardio. I exercise every other day during the week, and this guide will explain my exercise plan for each day.

The necessary first step of any workout schedule is stretching your muscles. It is well known that stretching helps to prevent injuries and decrease muscle soreness after exercise. In my routine, and nearly every other routine you will find, exercise is begun with stretching. Stretch all the muscles that you will use for the particular exercise.

My Routine: First Day Strength Training with Cardio

Start out thoroughly stretching your arm and leg muscles. Next, do 100 crunches. Then, proceed to the first exercise. I start with bicep curls. For these, I do three sets of ten reps. Next, I do tricep pulldowns. I do three sets of tens reps of these also. The last exercise I do is bench press. I do five sets of five reps. You want to have a little trouble with that fifth rep, but not nearly killing yourself to do it. I do not do three sets in a row of each though. I do one set of bicep, then one set of tricep, and finally one set of bench press. After three sets of each, you are done with this part. When you have this done, proceed to the cardio section of the workout. I like to do the cardio as a cool down to exercise the muscles gently after the rigorous strength training. For day one, I jump rope for my cardio workout. I do this for about thirty minutes. I find that jumping rope exercises the whole body well, and is a good cardio workout.

My Routine: Second Day Strength Training with Cardio

The second part of my routine is similar to the first. I alternate back and forth between the two. This part involves lower body strength training and also cardio. Start the same as the first routine; stretch your arm and leg muscles and do one hundred crunches. Next, I start with squats. I use a weight I am comfortable with for ten reps. Then, I use a comfortable weight to work my calves for twenty reps. Do this by holding the weight and then stepping up to your tip-toes. After twenty reps, you should feel the burn. I do each of these three times alternating back and forth like the first day routine. Then, I proceed to the cardio part of the regimen. I jog for two miles and then cool down by walking for five minutes after the jog.

I take every other day off, so the routine goes like this: first routine, rest, second routine, rest, first routine, etc...

Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration. Also eat good foods to help your muscles recover easily and keep your body healthy. I refrain from fast food, soda, and excessive sweets, and enjoy a healthy life. This exercise routine is easy to do without a whole lot of time, and you will see results if you stick with it.