Confusion- cardio vs weights

bnelly55
bnelly55 Posts: 88 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I recently added strenght training into my workout routine. I used to be strictly cardio 5-6 days per week with no resistance training at all. I still do cardio everyday, but 3 days per week I do a full body strenght session. I'm confused because I've read on her that cardio is counterproductive to weight training? Is this true? I'm very new to weight training so any advice would be very helpful. Also, I wanted to add that I'm not looking to bulk up, I just want to look leaner with a little definition.

Replies

  • Earthling1
    Earthling1 Posts: 1
    A combination of cardio and weight training is the most effective way to get in shape. You'll prevent your body getting used to just one kind of repeated exercise, which makes your regular workouts less effective over time. Building muscle mass by doing resistance training also helps burn calories while you're at rest (score!). Also, doing weight-bearing exercise helps increase bone density, which may not seem like a big deal now but it will be when you're in your 60s and older and prone to suffering from osteoporosis. Women are especially susceptible to this.

    If you're female (like me), you're not likely to bulk up no matter how much weight you lift. We lack the hormones that lead to major muscle build-up. Those women you see on TV have made weightlifting a full-time job (okay, part-time at least) and they also take tons of protein supplements and powders to look that way. Eat normal food and do normal workouts and you'll look normal. If you're still paranoid about bulking up, lift less weight and do more reps. Most importantly, have fun!
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    depends on what your goals are. one of my fitness goals is a body like pauline nordin (see pic below) she lifts heavyweights AND does lots of high intensity cardio

    tumblr_ljrstwIocO1qhatv8o1_500.jpg

    if you want to build muscle then too much cardio is probably going to be counterproductive
    if you're happy with the amount of muscle you have but want to shred fat, then cardio will be helpful.

    i've lifted heavy weights pretty much my entire adult life, so i'm pretty happy with the amount of muscle i have, so i'm ok with my routine (and diet) not adding any extra muscle, although i am still building lots of strength

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