No one seems to like cardio anymore...

__Di__

Perhaps it is just me but I thought you needed to do some cardio to lose body fat. I know it can be boring at times but isn't it necessary to do in order to get leaner and lower your body fat? It's not that I'm a big fan or anything although I do love to run but I also lift weights too. It just seems that cardio isn't fun anymore.

Thoughts?

I like cardio, I love running, running keeps and has kept me sane in the past.

To be honest, I couldn't give a rat's butt who like what, all I know is I like cardio and it keeps me in shape,

Cardio is what you make it, if you don't like it, don't do it.

Confuzzled4ever

Yes!! Where I live a bar sponsors the 5k crossfit run! it's a 5k, with crossfit stations all throughout it, followed by beer specials!!
it's win/win/win and my favorite workout!!!

WHOOT WHOOT!!

splashtree2

the only cardio i ised to do it was Insanity that was a workput as well now i run or i bike....is ok i get bored not listening music...

_lyndseybrooke_

The only real cardio I do is about 45-60 minutes per week of HIIT or cardio kickboxing via FitnessBlender. If you see me out on the street running, you better run too because something scary as hell is coming up behind me. I prefer lifting and I've gotten better results lifting with little cardio than I did without lifting and a lot of cardio. Plus, I'm a lot less miserable now.

oregonzoo

I LOVE cardio. If I could do only cardio and look the way I want, I would.

But I lift as well for balance.

The thing is, it's ALL good. Do what you like.

SrMaggalicious

I do cardio for my Heart and whole cardiovascular system. I also like that 'high'. If you have a great physique but an ailing heart, what good is it? I use my diet for calorie deficit, and I weight train x4 days a week.

Timshel_

The reality is a well-tuned physique requires a combination of strength (from resistance training) and a strong cardiovascular system (from lots of cardio), and that's not going to change for a long long time.

Exactly.

ksy1969

e who are in lifting programs already have an amazing bill of health when it comes to their hearts so the cardio that they get from weight lifting (because yes, people tend to decide in advance that weight lifting does NOT have cardio benefits - dont ask me why - my heart rate goes nuts and i am out of breath at the end - geez) and their warm ups and cool downs is sufficient.

This right here^^ I fully agree. There are times after a set that I am more out of breath than after any run I have been on. But get this, I just start to catch my breath and I will have to do another set. Now, don't get me wrong, I use to be all about the running and I still do some, but I do not love it anymore.

FYI, with the little running I do do, I have a RHR of 46. So it doesn't take much cardio to improve heart health.

I am doing less of it though because I believe it is effecting my lifting. In fact I am in a quandry on how to handle it going forward. I don't think I am getting enough recovery for my lifting by doing cardio 2 to 3 days a week and it is hurting my lifting. I lift 3 days a week as will with 10 minutes of HIIT at the end of every lifting session.

tcamp02

Cardio works your heart and lungs to keep those healthy, strength training works your other muscles to keep those strong. Flexibility training keeps you flexible and helps prevent injury. You need to include a good balance of all three in your training plan to be healthy, lose weight and have long term fitness.

yogicarl

I think I get on a lot better with cardio now that I don't think about it as cardio. I want to be a more confident and proficient swimmer so I swim regularly and work on skill and stamina and enjoy the process, so it ceases to be just cardio.

Same with strength training. I want the strength to be able to pursue my yoga with more ease, energy and confidence so I practice the strength work I need to be better at what I enjoy. So it isn't just necessary strength work any longer its part of a bigger picture.

I agree with the idea of balance across the areas of strength, stamina and suppleness. I would also add that regardless of what is best for what according to however many people on here or elsewhere, the most important thing is to do what you enjoy and what is most likely to help you achieve your long term goals. That way, you will be more likely to keep your training up, because it is more personal to you.

Timshel_

This was an article I read earlier this year and have bookmarked. It's about steady state cardio vs. HIIT, but it really does a great job of explaining WHY both have important components in health and fitness.

http://experiencelife.com/article/steady-state-cardio-vs-high-intensity-interval-training/

Now, you might not need full cardio fitness for your goals, but I find it interesting when it talks about performance athletes being strong, but having no endurance...something that has been bantered about for years in the lifting vs. cardio crowd.

Anywho...good read.

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RHachicho

I don't really like the treadmill or the elliptical either. Which is why i recently took up walking and running. Get's me out in the fresh air with an mp3 player and some great tunes. What's not to like? You really don't need to use the hamster machines XD

Oh and i'm going to buy a bike and resolve to leave the car at home whenever possible.

Beautifulbridgittlee7

I like both, I enjoy circuit training that's aerobic and strength and toning as well, and I do love other cardio activities. Variety is good.

DR2501

I do hill sprints as cardio. I don't feel like I've worked out unless it's at very high intensity and I can think of nothing more boring than running at the same speed for endless miles (I used to do it, never again).