Exercise Plan - Schedule

When I lost 40 lbs over 3 months in the summer of 2007, it was easier for two major reasons: I had more free time to myself and my job as a server had me on my feet and moving constantly. I worked out generally twice a day or sometimes once, depending on my work schedule.

If I work out twice in a day, I do cardio in the morning and lift in the evenings. This strategy is based on what I've read in the past as well as previous success. Also, I prefer lifting later in the day when I'm well nourished (as compared to early in the morning) and more energized.

For my attempt to lose weight this time, I will have to do work it around having a 9 to 5 desk job. This means my free time will be before work, lunch (1 hour), and after work. Obviously I don't have to work out during each of these times. However, I feel like it makes sense for me to do so. Here's why:

1. I've always believed that doing cardio when I first wake up is incredibly helpful at both burning carbs/fat and simply energizing me for the beginning of the day.
2. During lunch, I play pickup basketball 3 times a week (Mon/Wed/Fri) and to give that up would be torturous for me as I am a competitive person (understatement) and love playing. Also, wouldn't I be better served getting off my ass and getting my heart rate up in the middle of the day?
3. My evenings are open as of right now.

I realize that working out 3 times a day will likely be exhausting. I'm going to have to experiment with this and see how my body (and mind) responds. I might only work out 3 times on Mon/Wed/Fri and simply leave the office earlier on Tues/Thurs if I'm not taking a "lunch" to go work out (I almost never use lunchtime to go out unless it's for an errand). But I think I can pull it off.

Weekends I will keep simple: Saturday I will work out either once or twice depending on what's going on in life. Sunday will be my day of rest.