Can I skip cardio and just strength train?
Marykaylady2010
Posts: 69 Member
I am looking to loose weight but want to have a lean tone body when I finally take off the weight. I am tracking my food and eating at a deficit. I know that alone will help me loose do I need to do cardio and strength? What are the benefits/disadvantaged of doing both or wither or
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Replies
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Do the deficit for the "lean" part. Do the strength training for the "tone" part.
Skip the cardio unless you just want to improve your heart health, but it's not necessary for either of what you're looking to achieve.6 -
^Pretty much answers it. Deficit for losing weight. Cardio is better for just heart health and feeling fitter. If you just want to focus on toning up your body, you can choose to just strength train.0
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Cardio is great for health, fitness and helping add to your calorie deficit. But no, it is not necessary to maintain muscle/tone up. Follow a progressive lifting program, get adequate protein and don't go too steep in deficit for best chance at muscle retention.3
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Another thing is don't try to have the deficit too severe. Set MFP to maybe lose .5-1lbs a week. More than that it might affect your lifts faster than it needs to and you might lose more muscle mass than if you take it a bit slower.2
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Thanks I was really hoping that was the answer.3
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That's what I did/do.
The only time I was I did cardio is when I start getting into bikini mode and the weight loss is like the speed of death. Still, I don't do it because I loathe it.1 -
if you do some cardio with it you could have some extra calories to enjoy but it won't be necessary!0
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While I am not crazy about cardio, I do it as it tends to give me more energy. You can certainly forgo it and just strength train. I did one or the other, but now I do both..albeit the cardio is minimal (20 mins 3-4 times a week vs lifting 6 days a week for 1.5 hours).0
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I don't understand such an anti-cardio bias on a "fitness" message board.17
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I personally find cardio to be incredibly boring in the summer I don’t mind going for a jog or bike ride but stationary equipment makes me want to die. Most of the time I am in some way uncomfortable no matter what type of machine I use something starts to hurt or go numb. I do my strength workout with short rests in between and do work up a sweat. Lifting will give me long term results where as cardio gives me extra calories to eat for a moment I’d rather put the work in someplace else if I don’t need it to reach my goal4
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JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.24 -
JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
Meh. I'm not being boastful. I spend time doing things I love and less or no time doing things I hate. And I think I'm pretty healthy and for as much of a hard time I give myself, think I look pretty decent without cardio. And I know there are forms of cardio I like...but I don't have time to join a *kitten* tennis club or volleyball team.2 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
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I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
In the real world, when will I need to run up a steep hill?
If the light is about to change, I can make it across the street in time. If I need to run a few miles without stopping, I can. (Though I cannot think of one single time I have needed to run for more than 5 minutes for something). If something is chasing me, I can run away.
I lift things EVERY DAY. Constantly. I can't think of any reason I would need to run on a daily basis.
This said, I do CONSIDER my cardiovascular health. I want to move more. I think about doing cardio. I understand the benefits of doing enough for heart health.8 -
JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I can only speak for myself but I don't think I was "anti" cardio. It's got great health benefits especially for cardiovascular health. But for the purpose of the question, "Do I need to do cardio and strength when one is looking to lose weight and is already tracking their food intake and eating a deficit?" I'd say cardio's not necessary. I gave a quick caveat that it's good for heart health but there's myriads of other benefits that can be had from cardio, I just didn't get into it as the question wasn't "What are the benefits of cardio and why should I do it?".2 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I walk up stairs multiple times a day as part of my life so I'd be fine. I don't know if being generally active counts as cardio, but it's what I do. And a few months ago I ran home for fun (I am not a runner at all) and I couldn't believe how easy it was with more lower body muscle.. my legs had so much power and speed..it was like riding on top of a horse.2 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I walk up stairs multiple times a day as part of my life so I'd be fine. I don't know if being generally active counts as cardio, but it's what I do. And a few months ago I ran home for fun (I am not a runner at all) and I couldn't believe how easy it was with more lower body muscle.. my legs had so much power and speed..it was like riding on top of a horse.
lol riding on top of a horse. I have an awesome image of you right now. It's very magical.1 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I walk up stairs multiple times a day as part of my life so I'd be fine. I don't know if being generally active counts as cardio, but it's what I do. And a few months ago I ran home for fun (I am not a runner at all) and I couldn't believe how easy it was with more lower body muscle.. my legs had so much power and speed..it was like riding on top of a horse.
lol riding on top of a horse. I have an awesome image of you right now. It's very magical.
... It really was magical.. I was my own unicorn 
1 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I walk up stairs multiple times a day as part of my life so I'd be fine. I don't know if being generally active counts as cardio, but it's what I do. And a few months ago I ran home for fun (I am not a runner at all) and I couldn't believe how easy it was with more lower body muscle.. my legs had so much power and speed..it was like riding on top of a horse.
lol riding on top of a horse. I have an awesome image of you right now. It's very magical. ... It really was magical.. I was my own unicorn
ahahahaha. That's what I was picturing and there is so much glitter and booty.4 -
Can I skip cardio and just strength train?
Sure you can. The Cardio Police won't come arrest you if you're not doing cardio.
Weight loss occurs through calorie deficit and strength training (along with adequate protein intake) is good to help maintain lean body mass while losing fat. With that said, there are benefits to cardio training that you won't get from strength training (and definitely vice versa also), so it's not a bad idea to do a mixture of both. But if you really, really hate cardio that much and can't find any way of doing it that's enjoyable (or at least tolerable), that's up to you. Nobody will come drag you out of your house and force you to run a half-marathon at gunpoint or anything.5 -
Marykaylady2010 wrote: »I am looking to loose weight but want to have a lean tone body when I finally take off the weight. I am tracking my food and eating at a deficit. I know that alone will help me loose do I need to do cardio and strength? What are the benefits/disadvantaged of doing both or wither or
I've done cardio my entire fitness life since I was about fourteen years old... And I always loved it and loved how it made me feel... That being said, I started weight training about eight or so months ago and love it a hundred times more. Same or better adrenalin, more sweat, and more defined muscles for sure compared to when I only did cardio.1 -
I don't understand such an anti-cardio bias on a "fitness" message board.
Because you get the "I don't like cardio, I play tennis" type of message. I suspect when most people read cardio they interpret that as droning away on a machine in an air conditioned room.
Personally I don't like cardio in a gym, I can understand the hatred for hamster wheels, but I'm comfortable doing 50K on the trail
I don't do cardio, I'm a trail runner...5 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
In the real world, when will I need to run up a steep hill?
It might not be a steep hill. Maybe you'll have to run up a staircase, or even just run across level ground FAST to catch a bus or a train. Or to escape a dangerous situation.
The bottom line is that functional fitness includes being prepared for such situations. This includes cardiovascular health, but it also includes the ability to run well when necessary, and that's not just a function of leg strength and cardio.8 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I walk up stairs multiple times a day as part of my life so I'd be fine. I don't know if being generally active counts as cardio, but it's what I do. And a few months ago I ran home for fun (I am not a runner at all) and I couldn't believe how easy it was with more lower body muscle.. my legs had so much power and speed..it was like riding on top of a horse.
Leg strength is certainly an important component. There are other factors too though, such as lactate threshold, hip mobility, training the central nervous system, and ensuring a lack of muscular imbalances.
A lot of people hate running, and so they say foolish things like, "I'm never going to need to do so" or "In an emergency, I'm just going to rely on adrenaline." Obviously, that's just being foolhardy. A certain amount of running is necessary for well-rounded overall functional fitness.3 -
These situations come up all the time. One gym owner told me about how she had to run several miles after learning that there was no shuttle to take her back to her car. She had to run FAST as well to make it to this class. She wasn't a runner though, and if not for a bit of occasional treadmill work, she probably wouldn't have made it.If the light is about to change, I can make it across the street in time. If I need to run a few miles without stopping, I can. (Though I cannot think of one single time I have needed to run for more than 5 minutes for something).
I once had to run through an airport carrying someone else's luggage to help her reach her flight. If I hadn't been properly conditioned, she might not have made it.
Just because these situations haven't occurred to someone yet doesn't mean that they won't. It's always best to be ready.
Nobody said it has to be daily. Very few runners do that. Some occasional running is invaluable, though.I lift things EVERY DAY. Constantly. I can't think of any reason I would need to run on a daily basis.
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Marykaylady2010 wrote: »I am looking to loose weight but want to have a lean tone body when I finally take off the weight. I am tracking my food and eating at a deficit. I know that alone will help me loose do I need to do cardio and strength? What are the benefits/disadvantaged of doing both or wither or
Most people could do neither cardio or strength training and if they lost weight they would have a lean and tone body. The addition of cardio is for improved heart and circulatory health and strength training improves, well...strength, bone density and endurance for work. Both help increase your rest metabolic rate and daily caloric burn, which helps.
But you already have toned muscles if you drop enough body fat percent.
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Marykaylady2010 wrote: »I am looking to loose weight but want to have a lean tone body when I finally take off the weight. I am tracking my food and eating at a deficit. I know that alone will help me loose do I need to do cardio and strength? What are the benefits/disadvantaged of doing both or wither or
Personally, I think both are important to your overall health and fitness. Cardio is short for cardiovascular...your heart, lungs, etc...doing cardio is really good for your cardiovascular health.
There are tons of options to choose from...way more than just droning away on a treadmill or elliptical or whatever. I primarily cycle, do some rock climbing, and enjoy a good hike in the mountains.1 -
Marykaylady2010 wrote: »I am looking to loose weight but want to have a lean tone body when I finally take off the weight. I am tracking my food and eating at a deficit. I know that alone will help me loose do I need to do cardio and strength? What are the benefits/disadvantaged of doing both or wither or
If you're not worried about aerobic endurance and cardiovascular efficiency, don't do any cardiovascular work. The bonus is, nobody is going to tell you that you're wrong if you choose not to.3
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