Unfortunately there is no "right" answer. You can consult 20 different trainers and every one of them will tell you something different. Trust me I have! :-)

The right amount for you should be based on a number of factors. Your Weight/Height Ratio is a good start but not always accurate as many football players can be 300 pounds with 10% body fat while someone like me is 227 pounds and probably 60% body fat.

You also have to take into account how much cardio you have been doing. Take a person that has not done much other than sit on the couch and walk to and from the kitchen for a few years (me again) I was doing 20 mins 3 times a week and was dropping weight for quite some time. Then my body changed and got used to how much I was working out and now I am up to 1 hour 3 times a week.

Something also to consider is the type of exercise you are doing. For me if I ride my bike at average 12 miles per hour for an hour I burn 900 calories or so. Whereas if I were to do an hour or Elliptical at my current setting it's over 1100 calories.

There really are too many factors to combine to give the "right" answer. What I would suggest is do what you feel comfortable with and then as you learn more about your body you will know how much you can push yourself.

Something I always keep in mind when working out too is that if I KNOW I am not pushing myself I am only cheating me.

Good luck with your work outs. You will do great. Hope I didn't confuse you!

Leslie

Cardio should be done as a light warm before work out about 10-20 minutes and the same after your workout to get your heat rate at the required rate. Also to get you body ready for the workout. I recommend ever other day you take a day off from doing weight training and just do an hour or so of cardio!! Lots of luck, if you have any other questions feel free to ask :)

Serena