Many people start a fitness regimen doing the wrong things. They believe doing more is better. This is not the case. When one does a routine for fitness, one should start slowly. Performing more than 40 minutes of cardio is a bit much. Ask yourself this question, "will I stick with this regimen for the rest of my life?" If yes is your answer, then more power to you,but realistically spending more than 1 hour is too much.
Performing only 20 minutes of cardio will do the trick. Just make sure those 20 minutes are intense. Working out intensely will promote fat burn up to 24 hours after a good intense routine.
Start with stretch and a 5-10 minute warmup to get your blood circulating. Then perform strength training first (the pre-workout breakfast containing carbs will help sustain you). I usually alternate upper with lower body days. Always give yourself a day of rest between strength training. Rest promotes muscle growth.
I've lost over 100 lbs adhering to this regimen. At first, I started all gun-ho and did over 60 minutes of cardio along with strength training. This only lasted for 2 months. Less is better
<You can do it too>
My Workout Regimen
Upper Body: chest press, chest flyes, lateral raises,bicep curls, tricep extensions
Lower Body: leg press, leg extensions, add/abductors, leg curls
*3 sets of each*
Lower Body: leg press, leg extensions, add/abductors, leg curls
0800: Eat breakfast (making sure it contains an adequate amount of carbohydrates)
0900: Gym (begin with stretch/warmup)
1000: pilates class (option)
1100: shower
1200: Lunch
1300: study
1500: eat a snack
1600: run errands
1900: snack (fruit 30-60 minutes before dinner)
2000: eat dinner
2100: perform abdominal exercises
2200: bedtime