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How much is too much cardio?

borpillicus Posts: 454 Joined: 2003/03/13	2003/09/01, 08:50 PM Now that I am able to lift again I am starting to wonder if I am doing to much cardio. Prior to my injury I did cardio five times a week for 20 minutes a day sometime in the evening before bed (it was the only time I had with college). My gains then were not huge by an means (like 6-8 lbs in six months), but they were very lean. Currently I am still doing HIIT cardio 5 times a week for 20 minute sessions, but usually earlier in the evening, typcially right after my lifting. Is this too much cardio? Or is it just enough? -------------- - Its never about how much you can lift, or how many reps you do. Its just about doing it, and doing it right. ~Brad~
inv3rt Posts: 67 Joined: 2003/07/28	2003/09/02, 12:36 PM Sounds about perfect to me. ^_^ Are you doing this to create a caloric deficit? If so, it all depends on how many calories you are taking in. You mentioned gains, I assume you mean muscle mass. If you're looking to get lean muscle mass, you must realize that running ISN'T going to get you big. It WILL get you lean though. But to simply answer your question, you're not overtraining. I do HIIT for 20 minutes 3 days a week, and one ~long (Long for me, being about 6 miles, heh) run a week.
borpillicus Posts: 454 Joined: 2003/03/13	2003/09/02, 01:06 PM Good to hear! I really enjoy running, even more so now that I am doing HIIT. -------------- - Its never about how much you can lift, or how many reps you do. Its just about doing it, and doing it right. ~Brad~
Shap Posts: 42 Joined: 2003/05/06	2003/09/03, 02:18 AM whats HIIT?
inv3rt Posts: 67 Joined: 2003/07/28	2003/09/03, 09:36 AM There are a whole bunch of threads on HIIT, take a look around. It stands for High Intensity Intervault Training.
cwdw1 Posts: 7 Joined: 2003/09/01	2003/09/03, 05:01 PM I do cardo 5-6 days per week for 45 to 60 minutes PLUS weight training 3x weekly. My goal is lean. I want to find a description of HIIT...but I wonder---am I wasting my time doing so much cardio?
borpillicus Posts: 454 Joined: 2003/03/13	2003/09/03, 06:12 PM From what I have read, you can get a better cardio workout from 20 minutes of HIIT, then you can get with an hour of paced running. There are lots of great posts on HIIT on the board that give details on how it works and how to do it. My suggestion would be try it for a month or so, see how you like it. I've been doing it for 2 weeks and I really enjoy it. On another note, its always a good idea to switch up your running routine. Maybe do HIIT 3 times a week and your long jog for the other times. -------------- - Its never about how much you can lift, or how many reps you do. Its just about doing it, and doing it right. ~Brad~
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/09/03, 07:31 PM Mix up your cardio, do not do HIIT all the time. Keep your body guessing with some standard cardio sessions also so it will not adapt so easily. -------------- Great people never want it easier, they just want to be better! Ron
azredhead57 Posts: 1,651 Joined: 2003/04/11	2003/09/04, 01:16 AM I even throw in an Incline Interval session for change every couple of weeks. And if you really want to freak your body out, try walking backwards. It totally uses different muscles than normal walking. Be sure to put your toes down first and roll back to your heel. Just a few minutes and you will really feel it. -------------- ~Victoria~ ...There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.--Beverly Sills