Cardio only?

Is there anything wrong with only doing cardio??? I mean can't you build muscle by running, or walking, or swimming, or zumba, etc? I've read some things saying your muscle melts away if you just do cardio and not strength work.

Replies

emmaNEEDSskinny

bump

misscfe

Bump...I would love to know the correct answer on this too. I think you only tone up with cardio so you may look more muscular only cause of the toning but really have no clue. My trainer swears by the strength training.

Black_Swan

OK only thing I can say for myself is that... since I added strength training I feel... STRONGER and I love it. No more fighting with can opener in the morning. No more asking boys to open my water bottle. Now I just love to open stuff, haha...!!

JoniBologna

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/276660-i-do-dvds-so-i-don-t-need-to-strength-train

myofibril

Is there anything wrong with only doing cardio??? I mean can't you build muscle by running, or walking, or swimming, or zumba, etc? I've read some things saying your muscle melts away if you just do cardio and not strength work.

No, there isn't. In fact cardio can build muscle as well but of the slow twitch variety rather fast twitch.

The problem with cardio is people do excessive amounts of it but do not eat to support it. This then causes a larger calorie deficit than is suitable for their body composition. This in turn means the body tends to draw more from muscle etc than lipolysis (drawing fat from fat cells) to provide the body with energy.

It is not so much cardio that is catabolic (causes muscle to "melt away" as you put it) but where it leaves your calorie defict.

Having said all this if you do not specifically target or use muscles they will atrophy and get smaller. Therefore if you are a runner but do not stimulate your upper body specifically then you are not going to be left with sexy arms or shoulders for example.

The point is this: what is your goal and what are you willing to accept or not to reach it? If your goal is physique / fat loss related then in reality the focus should be: good diet way out in front, followed closely by resistance training with cardio a distant third. Not saying you can't get a semi decent physique using just cardio with no weights it just won't be that great. This is balanced off by the undoubted health / cardiovascular improvements you get from errrrr cardio

AZTrailRunner

You can do only cardio, and will have a terrific aerobic system. It all depends on what you want. If you only run, you will look like a runner, and likely have weaker supportive muscles. Add some strength training into your regimen, and you will preserve muscle lost through constant running, and strengthen those muscles not used while running. It creates a more balanced physique. (IMO)

SMarie10

My two cents... From the information I've read on this topic, it's the strength training, not the cardio that will help to burn excess body fat. Since I've got some extra, I opt for a balance between cardio / strenght training. IMHO, I believe it helps build and preserve the muscles.