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Cardio: why the hate?

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Replies

  • arussell134
    arussell134 Posts: 463 Member
    I adore running and can't imagine giving it up! It's made my legs leaner and has strengthened my heart (I have had random heart issues).

    Anyhow, I totally agree with the folks advocating for some weight/resistance training in! Here's what last week looked like for me, with a mix of running and strength. Maybe this will help?

    Monday - Did track workout with slam ball - combined running 1/4 mile then slamming the ball and squats, repeat 4 times
    Tuesday - Did 4 mile run, Heavy deadlifts, Full situps
    Wednesday - Resistance Training (Kettlebell, Wall Ball)
    Thursday - Rest
    Friday - 6 mile run along waterfront
    Saturday - 3 mile run
    Sunday - Circuit training (running 1/4 mile, push ups, squats, cleans)
    Monday - 40 minutes stair climb machine, 20 minutes strength training (pull-ups, dumbbells)
    Tuesday - 4 mile run

    As you can see, my routine is really no routine. I like mixing in distance, speed work, circuit training and other forms of cardio. And yes, I AM getting fitter! I hit a PR on my 4-mile run today! :)

    Good luck!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    i woud recommend supplementing your running with resistance exercises anyway. It will help in avoiding injuries and make you a better runner.
    Running is my primary exercise but i also use kettlebells and bodyweight exercises to strengthen my core and legs.

    For example:
    http://www.runnersworld.com/workouts/10-essential-strength-exercises-for-runners?page=single


    ^^^^ The truth!

    and consider other forms of cross training like biking & swimming to address muscular imbalances and add some variety.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    If you were to take a random poll from fitness experts, they'd all tell you something different about what you "should" do because the science and trends are always changing. For most of us though, the important thing is to find something you enjoy so that you'll stick with it. However...adding in some form of strength/resistance training and cross training would be best and will actually help with your running. So, you can just stick to running/walking if you want but consider adding in the other stuff if you think it's something you're going to get serious about and continue.

    I don't think it's so much hate as it is a suggestion of a better way. Also, as someone else said "cardio" can be taken in a lot of different ways so don't take it personally if someone things you're just flouncing about doing no good. They're making stupid assumptions and that's their problem, not yours.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    I don't think it's so much hate as it is a suggestion of a better way.

    There is a vocal minority who essentially spout the don't do cardio mantra on the basis that it's bad for you/ ineffective/ counterproductive/ dull.

    When you're talking about droning along on a hamster wheel in the gym I can agree with the last point. With the others, it's all about context and objectives.

    What's interesting is that the ONE TRUE WAY(tm) approach is pretty limited, the vast majority are more rounded than that.

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