Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 383, Messages: 54581

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

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Is Cardio Keeping me Fat?

mysticgraces
mysticgraces
Posts: 422
Joined: 2006/02/21
Canada
2006/05/11, 06:45 AM
I notice the weeks I dont do any formal cardio,with machines,I loose weight.These are the weeks I really concentrate on my lifting.

WHen I was lifting in my early 20's I didnt do any cardio then either(trainers thought it was a waste of energy) and I lost fat and inches very easily...and yet in my 30's I tried the whole cardio thing and didnt loose a single lb in 6 months!

My body seems to respond more to lifting weights than it does doing cardio.I walk 2 miles a day but its an easy pace for pleasure,and I will continue to do that..

So for the next few weeks,Iam giving up on the treadmill and the ellipi and will see what kind of results I get...

Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe
Posts: 400
Joined: 2003/02/18
United Kingdom
2006/05/11, 07:28 AM
Thing is, cardio is also great for your heart, blood pressure and to warm up before you begin with the weights. It won't be making you fat. Perhaps if you used cardio and weights closer together as opposed to doing weights for weeks and cardio for weeks, like cardio every other day? Iwouldn't cut it out altogether! Plus, your diet will play a hiuge part.
flyonthewall
flyonthewall
Posts: 1,823
Joined: 2005/01/18
Canada
2006/05/11, 09:14 AM
Mystic, I say do whatever works best for you. You seem to lead an active lifestyle, so I'm sure you already have good heart health. I've been a runner for many years, so I do it as much for mental health as physical, however, I know that I tend to eat more when i run a lot-like more tna 2X/week. At those times I tend to go for higher carb foods as well and seem to justify the cookies as well:). I think it's just as important to change things around, so you'll probably find that focussing on weights and dropping the cardio will do you more good than harm....as long as your diet remains good! It'll be interesting to see how you do!

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Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.
mysticgraces
mysticgraces
Posts: 422
Joined: 2006/02/21
Canada
2006/05/11, 09:21 AM
Fly I agree with you 100%..I did notice that when I was doing alot of cardio,I was actually gaining weight,and Iam sure that was becasue I was eating more.

And having been on the program for 8+ weeks(with cardio) I think its time my body got a change in routine.Besides walking the dog 4 miles per day and caring for a 3 acre property gives me plenty of heart healthy activities.

Its time to put all my energy and focus into the weights...instead of worrying all the time if I got enough cardio for that week.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks and I will keep you posted!
flyonthewall
flyonthewall
Posts: 1,823
Joined: 2005/01/18
Canada
2006/05/11, 09:35 AM
Try going heavy with the wts for a while....it's kinda cool to really push yourself!
MannyMaster
MannyMaster
Posts: 515
Joined: 2006/02/01
United States
2006/05/11, 12:23 PM
No cardio sounds good to me:big_smile: I'd rather do weights 5 days a week, I may give that a try myself next week:)

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"One Ring to rule them all; One Ring to find them; One Ring to bring them all, and in the Darkness bind them." -LOTR Trilogy
flyonthewall
flyonthewall
Posts: 1,823
Joined: 2005/01/18
Canada
2006/05/11, 01:25 PM
Now look what you've started Mystic:big_smile: Remember the bottom line is how your body is reacting to your diet and exercise regime. I'd be the last one to suggest totally cutting cardio...it's good for the heart and is a great way to get that extra calorie deficit, but I guess it doesn't hurt to try something different. I've personally come to the conclusion that if I've hit a plateau, it's due to diet and I need to cut calories. Manny, I think you've just been waiting for someone to give you the OK to not do cardio:laugh::laugh:
mysticgraces
mysticgraces
Posts: 422
Joined: 2006/02/21
Canada
2006/05/11, 01:42 PM
Maybe I can start a NO cardio revolt? Lol Iam gonna give myself 2 weeks of no formal cardio to see what happens...I like little experiements like this
mysticgraces
mysticgraces
Posts: 422
Joined: 2006/02/21
Canada
2006/05/11, 01:48 PM
Swarm-I forgot to add..I actually do like deadlifts now and I love squats!
MannyMaster
MannyMaster
Posts: 515
Joined: 2006/02/01
United States
2006/05/11, 02:16 PM
:laugh::laugh::laugh: Fly, you know me well! You're right I have been waiting for someone to give me an excuse not to do cardio (thanks Mustic:big_smile:) I do know however that it is an important part of overall health, and I wouldn't stop it all together, even though I really, really want to.:big_smile: It was just nice to imagine a cardio free life:laugh::laugh::laugh:

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"One Ring to rule them all; One Ring to find them; One Ring to bring them all, and in the Darkness bind them." -LOTR Trilogy
getfit06
getfit06
Posts: 7
Joined: 2006/04/05
United States
2006/05/12, 04:44 PM
With doing cardio try eliptacal(spelling?) machines followed but walking with a treadmill inclined just as good easy on the knees..thats what i do