Hey strength trainers, do you cardio? - General Survey

jemhh
jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
I know that we see a lot of threads asking which is better, lifting weights or cardio, but this isn’t that kind of thread. I am just interested in a general survey of how much cardio the MFPers who strength train do. So whether you do bodyweight training or lift weights purely for strength or for muscle building or what have you, I’m asking:

1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?
«1

Replies

  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    1.) Sometimes- and I mean "traditional" by actually dedicated time to run- stairmaster-sprints etc

    2.) because I'm lazy and it sucks- and it takes up to much time (honestly it is a time sucker and I'm on a tight schedule)

    3.A) necessary evil- cardiovascular health IS important and
    3.B) As a regular performer- I have to be prepared to dance- reset and dance again- 150% for my audience- that means cardio has to be up.

    4.A) "Traditional" cardio
    - stairmaster
    - rowing
    - once in a blue moon spinning
    - occasionally running- long and or sprints
    4.B) I try to do it at least once a week
    4.C) I dance at least 4 times a week- which sometimes is cardio- sometimes not- I usually have at least 1 day where its' "cardio"- and then I perform regularly- 3-4 times a month- which is unquestionable- work.

    5.) I'm running Sheiko Beginner 2- I lift 3 times a week and it takes me just under 2 hours to do the whole program- I can do it faster if I do in the morning with no one there- longer because I get distracted easily in the evenings.
  • LeanButNotMean44
    LeanButNotMean44 Posts: 852 Member
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”) YES.

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not? N/A

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it? I like to break a massive sweat and also because I feel that my heart is also a pretty important muscle to keep in top condition.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it? I mix it up; running, bike, stairmill.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program? I usually do a 5 day split of back/triceps, legs, chest/biceps, shoulders/traps, full body.

    This was my routine until just over a week ago when my Dorothy Hamill impression went horribly awry and I fractured my wrist. I've had to modify my workouts and am doing cardio 4-5x/week with one modified leg workout (using machines only, cannot lift the plates).
  • ephiemarie
    ephiemarie Posts: 264 Member
    edited January 2015
    1.) Yes, I do cardio.

    2.) N/A

    3.) I do cardio because I enjoy some types of it and can do it at home or outdoors. Also because it increases my daily calorie allowance.

    4.) I love to run, so I do that 3-4x/week for 30-90 minutes each time. I also ride my bike 1-2x/week and swim laps on occasion. I add 10-15 minutes of cardio before and after strength training, typically on a treadmill, rowing machine, or elliptical.

    5. ) I am currently following Stronglifts 5x5 but only 2 days/week, rather than 3 days/week as recommended by the program. My weekly schedule is:

    Sun - Stronglifts + 20-30 min. cardio
    Mon - Easy run
    Tues - Bike 40 min. + Stretch/Yoga
    Wed - Speed Run
    Thurs - Stronglifts + 20-30 min. cardio
    Fri - Swim or Rest
    Sat - Long run
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    I suppose I should answer my own questions:

    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    Yes.

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

    I do it for the cardiovascular health benefits and because I like it.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

    I walk and run. Usually once a week I'll do 10 minutes of 30s/30s walk/stand on the treadmill rails sprinting and then follow it up with 20-30 minutes of fast walking. The other day I'll walk a mile, run two, and then walk another quarter to half mile. I was running more but now that it's cold I'm on the treadmill or an inside track and straight out running gets a bit boring. When it warms up I'll probably go back to running 20-45 minutes 2-3 times a week.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?

    I do a hybrid of Strong Curves for lower body and Greyskull LP for upper body, four times a week.
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    edited January 2015
    No, but I have a heavy job. I'd probably bite the bullet and do something if I didn't.

    Oh and 5, I do bastardised Wendlers/Strongcurves ATM
  • jdhcm2006
    jdhcm2006 Posts: 2,254 Member
    edited January 2015
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”) Yep!

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not? N/A

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it? I really like cardio. I can't really explain why I like it, but I do. I also know that heart issues run in my family, and that cardio could help me down the road.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it? I do cardio 5 times a week. For about 30-90 minutes, depending on the day and program/s that I'm following. I spin, I run, and I do Shaun T's programs, right now Insanity Max 30.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program? I bodyweight train. I have a TRX (so suspension training), so I use that 2-4 times a week, and I do pole fitness 2-3 times a week. I love both. TRX b/c it's easy to modify it to your level and it travels well. And it's also a lot of fun. Pole fitness b/c your not focused on how difficult it is b/c your having so much fun. I also do kettlebell training, which is awesomeness!
  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)
    Yes.

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?
    N/a, I do cardio.

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?
    I do cardio because I enjoy it. Plus, it keeps me more active than just lifting weights. I only lift three times a week. I also do races (Spartan, road races, etc.), so I need to do cardio to be able to complete those.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?
    I run 2-4 times a week (2+ miles at a time). I also sometimes swim. I also do a long run or ruck on the weekend (5-15 miles).

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?
    Stronglifts at the moment. Lift Mon, Wed, and Friday. I also throw in accessory work when I feel up to it, which ends up being at least once or twice a week after I finish my stronglifts routine.
  • Danny_Boy13
    Danny_Boy13 Posts: 2,094 Member
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”) I do a mix of steady state and intervals and some tabatas thrown in there.

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not? I do cardio

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it? I do it for multiple reasons. Main one is because in my sport it is essential. Can speed skate without it. Other reason is that I like to be able to go longer and harder then anyone else.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it? I do steady state, intervals and tabatas. But mostly it is intervals.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program? I do SL 5x5 to start each lifting session and end it with some accessory work. I lift about 3 times a week in the off season and mix in some plyometrics. I do cardio 2-3 times a week in the off season.

    In season I lift 2-3 times a week (SL 5x5) and cardio 5-6 times a week. Plyometrics are reduced some in season as well.
  • jpaulie
    jpaulie Posts: 917 Member
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? yes

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it? 1st cardio early am 30 mins when i get up before i eat, get my day going. Early even another 40 mins (do weights around mid-day at lunch.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?, 2x daily (above) elliptical and will be adding either rowing or biking.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program? 2 day split 4 days a week. Lift moderate weights due to injury. Hope that changes soon
  • conklil
    conklil Posts: 81 Member
    edited January 2015
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”) Yes

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not? N/A

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it? I like the calories burned and it's good for your heart

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it? I do Treadmill for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Treadmills bore me so I don't spend as much time as if I was running outside. If weather is nice, on my non-lift days, I will run/walk outside for 5-6 miles. I usually only take Fridays off (these holidays I was not as strict but getting back to my routine now)

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program? I do all body, 3 times a week...start with weighted lunges and squats, leg press, calf machine, move over leg machines (inner/outer thighs, quads hamstrings) Then I will move to upper body: rows, shoulder press, triceps, pullups/dips chest and back press. I get my weights done in an hour and then move onto cardio.
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    I know that we see a lot of threads asking which is better, lifting weights or cardio, but this isn’t that kind of thread. I am just interested in a general survey of how much cardio the MFPers who strength train do. So whether you do bodyweight training or lift weights purely for strength or for muscle building or what have you, I’m asking:

    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    Yes, albeit intermittently

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    N/A

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

    To maintain and possibly improve endurance and cardiovascular health

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

    Jump rope for 10-20 minute bouts sporadically throughout the week, sometimes 3-4 days a week, sometimes 1-2.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?

    Complexes involving sandbags, dumbbells, and bodyweight 3x/week.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    edited January 2015
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)
    Yes loads! Three sessions of cardio a week, they will often be one hour (Mixture of LISS, high intensity, intervals - not HIIT though) but one session a week often much longer. Up to 4 hour training rides in summer.

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?
    N/A

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?
    One of my big drivers is health and I'm not just aiming for my heart health to be "OK" - I want it to be the best it can be. I also enjoy cardio, cycling is my main pastime and competitive driver these days but also just love feeling fit day to day. Also want to run my 23 year old son into the ground at squash from time to time!

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?
    Gym cardio is mostly cycling (Spinning bike but not classes, Wattbike power meter trainer, elliptical, rowing machine. In terms of hours of training majority is outdoors cycling in the countryside - good for the soul and the body.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?
    Three sessions a week. Prioritise strength over hypertrophy. Free weights, plate loaded machines, cable machines, traditional machines, bodyweight exercises. A load of ab and core work to help my damaged back plus assist my cycling endurance. Ab work mixture of strength and strength endurance training.
    [/quote]

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    edited January 2015
    jemhh wrote: »
    I know that we see a lot of threads asking which is better, lifting weights or cardio, but this isn’t that kind of thread. I am just interested in a general survey of how much cardio the MFPers who strength train do. So whether you do bodyweight training or lift weights purely for strength or for muscle building or what have you, I’m asking:

    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?

    1) Yes

    2) N/A...

    3) I'm a big believer in overall fitness and having a generally balanced fitness regimen...cardiovascular work is just weight lifting for the heart...it's really good for you. I enjoy it...but it's important to find something you like; I would hate droning away on some piece of cardio equipment day in and day out.

    4) It is variable. I primarily ride my bike. As a matter of general fitness I ride about 45 - 60 miles per week and I lift 3x weekly. I will generally throw in a run one day or do some elliptical (if it's really cold out) to cross train.

    In the spring and early summer I enjoy doing endurance races so about now I start bumping up my mileage on the bike. By April I will be riding 100+ miles per week and only hitting the weight room 2x weekly doing more light weight/high rep kind of stuff and a lot of body weight work.

    During the summer I just try to maintain a good base on my bike, but I like to hit the pool and also go for hikes in the mountains and do other outdoor activities. This is the time of year when it is most difficult for me to get into the weight room and I pretty much have to force myself...I'd much rather be hiking a mountain or doing some mountain biking or swimming or whatever. I usually throw in a couple of mud runs for fun during the summer. A sprint triathlon is on my bucket list, but I have foot issues whenever I start doing too many running miles.

    In the fall I tend to just fall back into a general fitness routine...I try to get out on the bike to maintain a decent base and I'm back in the weight room more...as the weather gets colder, I tend to spend less time on my bike and less time doing cardio in general and I spend more time in the weight room. It is not unusual for me to put on a good 6-8 Lbs from October through the new year due to the fact that I'm doing so much less cardio but still eating about the same.

    5) My lifting is primarily Olympic focused with accessory work being in support of that focus. All of my Oly work is done in the low rep range, usually 5x5 or 5x3...accessory work is variable and I work in all rep ranges depending on where I'm at in the year.

    For example, right now I'm doing my Oly work as usual with my accessory work in the 8-10 rep range...as we get into spring, lifting will get cut to 2x weekly and accessory work will be in the low weight/high rep range with more body work. In the summer I just get in and out...so pretty much I just focus on my main Oly lifts, do some pull-ups and maybe some push-ups and get out. Moving into the fall I like doing about 4-6 weeks of undulating periodization where I do one day in the 15-20 rep range, another day in the 8-10 rep range and then a "heavy" day...it's killer. After that and going into the winter, I go into a good 8-10 weeks of "heavy".



  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    edited January 2015
    I know that we see a lot of threads asking which is better, lifting weights or cardio, but this isn’t that kind of thread. I am just interested in a general survey of how much cardio the MFPers who strength train do. So whether you do bodyweight training or lift weights purely for strength or for muscle building or what have you, I’m asking:

    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    Bike, run, rollerblading. This time of year, I'm often forced to pull out T25...too much snow to bike, not enough snow to snowshoe or x-country ski...

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

    Most of my "fun" activities tend to be cardio of some sort (OK, volleyball and downhill skiing are kind of borderline)

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

    Summertime, daily. This time of year, every couple of days (generally non-lift days)

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?

    Stronglifts 5x5, ATM. Three days a week; generally 45-60 minutes in the gym
  • JayRuby84
    JayRuby84 Posts: 557 Member
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio?
    A: Yes, I do cardio 3-4 times per week and lift 3 days per week

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?
    A: I do it to burn fat...my cardio is either high/low intervals or a steady fat burning session with lower heartrate.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?
    A: I bike, run or use the elliptical

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?
    A: I do weights and lots of core. I workout with a trainer once a week and up the weights during my following workouts alone.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    I know that we see a lot of threads asking which is better, lifting weights or cardio, but this isn’t that kind of thread. I am just interested in a general survey of how much cardio the MFPers who strength train do. So whether you do bodyweight training or lift weights purely for strength or for muscle building or what have you, I’m asking:

    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?

    1) Currently bulking and my cardio consist of about 1.5 mile run to gym and back on ab/core day. when I go back to cutting, I will probably add in some HIIT and 5ks to help with burns...

    2. see answer in 1
    3. I do not like "distance or steady state runs" but I do enjoy sprinting..sometimes..
    4. sprint and or jogging/running
    5. I do a four day split right now, which would be Chest/Arms; Quads/Hamstrings; Shoulders/Tri; Back/Calves/Legs; and then mix in some core training runs on off day and try to get at least two days full rest because the program I am on now is pretty high volume.
  • ew_david
    ew_david Posts: 3,473 Member
    I run once a week and follow the 5/3/1 lifting program, 4 days a week.

    I run because Tough Mudders and Spartans are long races. I need the endurance just as much as I need the strength. It also gives me more calories which = more food and that's always a win.

  • TheNoLeafClover
    TheNoLeafClover Posts: 335 Member
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)
    No.

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?
    I have a strong dislike of most forms of cardio. I also prefer to use the very limited energy I have focusing on increasing strength and building muscle

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?
    N/A

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?
    N/A

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?
    StrongLifts 5x5. I follow the program closely and lift about 3 times a week.
  • ForecasterJason
    ForecasterJason Posts: 2,577 Member
    1. Not at the moment.
    2. I'm trying to gain a couple pounds of muscle for the remainder of this winter, and I'm in a tricky situation that makes it hard to substantially increase calories. Plus, my favorite cardio exercise is outdoors and I don't feel like going out in the cold for it.
    3. Once I start back up some regular cardio this spring, it'll be mostly basketball because as I mentioned, it is my favorite cardio exercise.
    4. Not sure how much I'll be doing this spring, but much of last year I did about 45 minutes a week on average.
    5. I have been doing a mostly full body routine 3 days a week, 80% with a weight machine and 20% with dumbbells.
  • wolfsbayne
    wolfsbayne Posts: 3,116 Member


    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”) Yes, but under duress

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?
    I do it so that I can create a bigger deficit and for cardiovascular health. I loathe
    cardio days.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?
    I usually get on the elliptical (aka, the devil) 2 days a week.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?
    I lift heavy 3 times a week.


  • sarahlifts
    sarahlifts Posts: 610 Member
    edited January 2015
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    No not at all and I have a treadmill at home collecting dust.


    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    When I do any HIIT or just running or elliptical or bike longer than 20 mins I am ravenous I will eat everything, even you!!! It is not worth the expenditure only to eat it all back and then some.
    Cardio is not needed to lose fat. That is done by eating in a deficit.
    I dont enjoy cardio at all.
    I don't like to sweat.
    I have no coordination so Zumba is hilarious when I do it.
    Spinning looks fun I would like to try it one day.
    I want to preserve my muscle and build muscle, cardio is counterintuitive to meeting that goal.


    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

    I walk about 5 miles a day collectively, just to and from work stairs included I never ride the elevator or use escalators. I love to walk it gives me time to think. I dont really consider this cardio.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?
    [/quote]

    I train 6 days a week in splits. I love it. I never sweat.
    I've lost 50 lbs of fat and put on 10 lbs of muscle.
    I was 150 by cardio alone at one time in my life and wore a dress size 10 at 150 now same store I am a dress size 6 I'm currently a size 4 round 141-145
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    I know that we see a lot of threads asking which is better, lifting weights or cardio, but this isn’t that kind of thread. I am just interested in a general survey of how much cardio the MFPers who strength train do. So whether you do bodyweight training or lift weights purely for strength or for muscle building or what have you, I’m asking:

    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?
    Yes I hike, run and sprint. I also generally lead an active lifestyle that keeps me in CV shape. The added cardio I do is to help me do the things I enjoy. I wouldn't do any form of exercise that I didn't enjoy.
    I follow a loosely structured, bodyweight predominant strength routine about 3-4 days a week. Usually full body each time.
  • tinbru
    tinbru Posts: 47 Member
    edited January 2015
    1) yes
    3) Its ok not like i hate it but not look forward to it
    3) i walk or bike 30mins a day
    3) Monday push, Tuesday pull, Wednesday legs, Thursday rest, Friday chest, Saturday lower body/ anything, Sunday rest
  • cromulus
    cromulus Posts: 17 Member
    1. Yes, absolutely. I start every workout by an hour on the elliptical machine. I can't run much because of knee surgery, but if I get bored of the elliptical I'll spend some time on the treadmill. I wish I could use the pool but it's always overcrowded.

    3. I do it because I can't really lose weight and/or keep it off without it. A while back I even got to like (gasp!) running, but those days are over. These days I do it grudgingly and to reward/motivate myself for doing it, I load up on podcasts (Radiolab, Point of Inquiry, Inquiring Minds, Infinite Monkey Cage, on the Media) and catch up on episodes while doing cardio.

    4. The elliptical machine is king for me. Sometimes I combine that with treadmill, and those weird bikes you operate with your arms.

    5. I do strength training every day I do cardio, which is basically about 4 times per week. I divide chest, back, biceps and triceps and generally I work the triceps with the chest and the biceps with the back, but every once in a while I mix it up. When I end up coupling chest with back, that's a rough day.

    By the way, I find that if I just do cardio, my body loses weight rapidly according to the scale, but to my eyes I look...flabby. When I lift I look much better, my clothes fit better and I feel better BUT I start eating more. I suppose this is natural because lifting weights helps burn calories, but I get so much hungrier when I lift than when I don't and my hunger kind of...overmatches the calories I burn as a result of lifting, so the scale starts creeping upwards unless I'm very careful.
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    edited January 2015
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    Yes

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

    Health. Improved performance at other activities like weightlifting, hiking and mountain biking and sexy time. B)

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

    Most common activity is elliptical at least 4 days per week. I also try to do some conditioning training by running bleacher drills at the local high school. This helps get ready for hunting season where I hike and mountain bike a lot.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?

    Upper lower split.


  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member

    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    Yes, although I've also tried with just doing non-traditional cardio

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?
    N/A

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?
    I find I lose more consistently when I do cardio (mostly because I can eat more, and it's easier for me to stick with a higher calorie goal). I've come to appreciate it more as it is mindless and I can read a book while doing it or even just listen to good music and get outside.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?
    I walk every weekday at lunch, and do the elliptical at the gym. Walk 5 days a week and do 3 days of 60 minutes on the elliptical. Occasionally I'm able to drag my boyfriend on a walk on the weekend.

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?
    Before injuring my tailbone I did stronglifts 5x5 and then later strong curves and a glute challenge. I've cobbled together my own programming since injuring my tailbone, and it's definitely not ideal, so I'm looking forward to getting back to stronglifts once I'm healed up (it's been 5 months...)

  • Luv2eatSweets
    Luv2eatSweets Posts: 221 Member
    I do 30 mins treadmill and 20 mins biking. It's not a lot...but all I can manage. Do I enjoy it? Hmmm it's a love/hate relationship. Hate doing it, love finishing. :)
  • Old_Man_McGucket
    Old_Man_McGucket Posts: 310 Member
    I love cardio. I'm a former cardio-only guy who has recently caught the lifting bug. I do the #SL5x5 lifting program 3 days/week and cardio (mostly running) 2-3 days/week. On lifting days, I warm up with 10min on the #StepMill then stretch before lifting.
  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”)

    Yes

    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    N/A

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it?

    I like it. Minus the stepmill, where I can watch mindless TV, I like group classes. And I am trying to improve my speed.


    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it?

    Stepmill, outdoor stair workouts, track and field workouts and indoor cycle. 3-4x a week

    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program?

    Besides bootcamp classes in addition to above which have HIIT and weight circuits I do a 3-day split.



  • SuggaD
    SuggaD Posts: 1,369 Member
    edited January 2015

    1) Do you do any traditional cardio? (By this I mean something other than “lift weights quickly.”) YES.
    2) If you do not do cardio, why not?

    3) If you do cardio, why do you do it and do you like it or just tolerate it? Love it. And its important for overall health.

    4) If you do cardio, what kind do you do and how often do you do it? I cycle. I run. I use cardio equipment at the gym (everything but the treadmill). I use my stationary bike and stepper at home a lot. I walk. I play tennis. I swim. I kayak. I get some cardio in every single day.


    5) What kind of strength training do you do and how often do you do it? In other words, what is your general program? 2-3 times per week. Full body work out.


This discussion has been closed.