HELP! I hate cardio
JessyJ03
Posts: 627 Member
So there it is. I hate cardio! I'm great on my lifting days.. I feel motivated to push myself and really REALLY enjoy weight training.
I do a full body weight lifting day followed by a day of rest from weights. On days of rest I'm supposed to do cardio but I find myself dreading the machines.
So a couple of questions...
Being as overweight as I am (300 lbs, 5'8) is cardio a must?
Is cardio considered anything that gets your HR up? Lets say I do ball slams with a 14 lb ball, can this be cardio? This exercise gets my HR up. Same with battle ropes, they really get my blood pumping but I don't feel bored.
How often do I need to take breaks between weight lifting? My weight training sessions go between 2-2.5 hrs each. During these I'm lifting as heavy as I can without failure (most of the time, sometimes we get to failure) for 3 sets of 8 reps.
Thanks for all thoughts and opinions!
I do a full body weight lifting day followed by a day of rest from weights. On days of rest I'm supposed to do cardio but I find myself dreading the machines.
So a couple of questions...
Being as overweight as I am (300 lbs, 5'8) is cardio a must?
Is cardio considered anything that gets your HR up? Lets say I do ball slams with a 14 lb ball, can this be cardio? This exercise gets my HR up. Same with battle ropes, they really get my blood pumping but I don't feel bored.
How often do I need to take breaks between weight lifting? My weight training sessions go between 2-2.5 hrs each. During these I'm lifting as heavy as I can without failure (most of the time, sometimes we get to failure) for 3 sets of 8 reps.
Thanks for all thoughts and opinions!
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Replies
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I am not an expert, but I believe you need to get into your cardio zone with a certain heart rate level for a specific period of time. The following is a site I have used in the past to calculate my heart rate zone: http://www.shapesense.com/fitness-exercise/calculators/heart-rate-based-calorie-burn-calculator.aspx
The more you do cardio the easier it gets.....0 -
I think cardio is a must to burn away fat. I try to do my cardio in the morning before I eat breakfast - remember to drink a LOT of water too! Also, I am not a big fan of running/elipticals but have found that I don't mind the stationary bike set on medium resistance for at least 40 minutes. I try reading most of the workout (being a college kid there's always reading to be done) and it helps not focus on how much you're hating the cardio. Anyways, I say to work out in the morning before eating because that way you work off the stored calories (fat) instead of the calories you have eaten during the day. Hope it helps!!0
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I am not an expert, but I believe you need to get into your cardio zone with a certain heart rate level for a specific period of time. The following is a site I have used in the past to calculate my heart rate zone: http://www.shapesense.com/fitness-exercise/calculators/heart-rate-based-calorie-burn-calculator.aspx
The more you do cardio the easier it gets.....
I should add that getting my HR to the level they say it should be is a bit of a problem. I am currently on HBP meds to lower my HR... so it's tough to get me above 110 or so.
Also it's not that cardio is hard... I can do easily 1 hr on a treadmill (with a weighted backpack on) or ellip machine just fine.... it's the wanting to... or LIKING it... that is a problem0 -
Cardio is needed for weight loss and for general health. I dont think you need to do hours of it if you pay attention to the intensity of your workouts. Certainly the things you mentioned can be cardio if they get your heart rate up. If you like those sort of activities, maybe a boot camp class or some circuit or interval training would be good for you. You also may want to experiment with what is out there and see what you like. Running is not the only type of cardio there is and unless I am in a class, cardio in the gym is MIND numbing.0
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Have you tried incorporating the two? I like to do 10 mins. elliptical-15 to 25 mins kettlebell/balanceball (incorporating different moves keeps the heart rate going-then 10 more mins elliptical. I love it and this method works for me because the elliptical is BORING.0
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I greatly dislike cardio machines, treadmill, elliptical, ect. I, however, have found a love of cardio classes, I love kickboxing, I do tae bo, I love the Insanity dvds, and Zumba...if you told me to do an hr on the treadmill I would push it off and find an excused, but pop in a tae bo dvd or something, I seriously could do hours!0
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Check out complexes. They're a series of lifts performed with minimal weight one after another. My favorite one goes like this: deadlift, RDL, Rows, Power clean, Front Squat, Push Press, Back Squat. Do 6 reps of each exercise, one after the other, then rest for 90 seconds. Then do 5 reps, rest for 90 seconds, 4 reps,etc. After you do your final set of one rep each, rest 90 seconds and do the whole thing again. Take about 15 minutes to do, and if your heart is pumping after that well then I cant help you.
Also in regards to your weight training, what program are you on?0 -
Cardio is NOT a must. The only cardio I do is 5 minutes of raquetball before I lift 3 days a week. I eat at a moderate calorie deficit. My clothing sizes have decreased dramatically since doing this.0
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Do they have kick boxing at your gym. do they have cardio kick boxing? (not as much fun as regular kick boxing) Get really really really good music. cover the machines so you do not see how much longer to go. Do it and get it over with. I do not like it either. Did 45 mins on arc rider... like ellip.. and then 30 mins on treadmill (my least favorite). set goals.. like running 30n seconds at a time..then 1 minute next time. see your progress. Hope this helps.0
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I listen to audiobooks during long runs- it's great for "boring" cardio- I just recently started a thread looking for suggestions if you're interested:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686200-looking-for-a-new-audiobook-for-long-runs
It really helps pass the time, and if you ONLY listen to your story during cardio- you'll look forward to tghe boring cardio to hear the story!0 -
Cardio is needed for weight loss and for general health.
Cardio isn't required for weight loss, but it is good for your general health.
I do a 20min bike ride as my 'warm up' on lifting days, and a 10 - 15min walk as a cool down after lifting.... the times are so short I don't get bored. I don't do a 'cardio only' day.
On the day I do my heavy deadlifts, I walk first otherwise the cardio interferes with my lift.0 -
I hate cardio too!
I go to the gym and watch TV while doing cardio. I don't really like TV either, but I use it to catch up on the news and distract me from doing cardio.
I don't know if I'll ever like cardio. I don't think it's REQUIRED for weight loss, but it will make everything easier on you, and it'll make you feel better in the long run (no pun intended!). :flowerforyou:0 -
Cardio is definitely NOT required to lose weight, contrary to popular beliefs. Years ago I lost 85lbs in 9 months by Strength Training ONLY. Personally, I think strength training is way better and would have better results anyway. I wouldn't even worry about cardio, because even some strength training workouts will get your heart going just as well. Besides that, the more strength training you do, the more muscle you'll build, which will help your metabolism, which ultimately helps you burn more calories <- and THAT is what makes you lose weight.
Love and Alohas,
Ihilani Kapuniai0 -
I don't like cardio either. But I think you will get much better results with it. I walked at a local park with a nice walking path, but when that got boring, I picked up bike riding. My bike is all packed away in the trunk of my car for a nice after work bike ride tommorrow...I like doing it before I get home, so I don't make excuses later. When the season changes, and it gets darker at 4pm, I'll probably go back to the eliptical at the gym.0
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Anything that get's your heart rate up is cardio..
don't use cardio machines if you hate em.. I don't.
Today I did a circuit that consisted of..
40 yard sprint
30 second squat jumps
10 lunges
10 pushups
60 second high plank
60 second rest
repeat 5 times.
If I use cardio machines.. it's 10 minutes or less and just a warm up0 -
Cardio is NOT a must. The only cardio I do is 5 minutes of raquetball before I lift 3 days a week. I eat at a moderate calorie deficit. My clothing sizes have decreased dramatically since doing this.
What Lori here said.
Although she didn't mention that she hikes 1-2 days a week for peace of mind...and this does help her get in basic health type cardio (which we really shouldn't neglect). As her trainer...I can most certainly attribute the fact that she's gone from a very tight size 12, to a size 6...in less than a month, to the strength training/relaxed diet program I have her on.
She was hiking, and actually substantially more active, prior to us working together...yet the changes were nowhere near as dramatic.0 -
I hate cardio, but I surprisingly am liking Insanity. I think the key to those workouts is constantly changing it up every one to five minutes. I could never to a machine for for 45 minutes, but I can do Insanity without being bored. Part of getting healthy is pushing your body and mind even when you don't want to do it, but you also have to find something you can commit to. Cardio doesn't have to be a treadmill, find what you like and run with it.0
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Check out complexes. They're a series of lifts performed with minimal weight one after another. My favorite one goes like this: deadlift, RDL, Rows, Power clean, Front Squat, Push Press, Back Squat. Do 6 reps of each exercise, one after the other, then rest for 90 seconds. Then do 5 reps, rest for 90 seconds, 4 reps,etc. After you do your final set of one rep each, rest 90 seconds and do the whole thing again. Take about 15 minutes to do, and if your heart is pumping after that well then I cant help you.
Also in regards to your weight training, what program are you on?
This actually sounds more like my style. I do Deadlifts as part of my normal weight lifting and it's one of the toughest things I do. Really gets me pumping!
I'm not really on a program. We had a session with a trainer and she suggested doing full body lifting every other day. 2 exercises per body part. I've recently switched things up because we joined a seperate part of our gym that offers more goodies to play with. It's more of a crossfit type gym but connected to our normal gym and we have access to both.
For those who suggested dvds or classes I will have to think about those. Our gym DOES offer classes (mui ty (spelled wrong I know), MMA, Boxing, Karate. on top of the other classes that are some forms of Les Mills (I haven't looked too close at them). The problem is I tech. do not have access to these because I come in as a guest (on my hubbys membership). Though I've been invited to the classes by trainers so maybe they wouldn't notice!0 -
Cardio is NOT a must. The only cardio I do is 5 minutes of raquetball before I lift 3 days a week. I eat at a moderate calorie deficit. My clothing sizes have decreased dramatically since doing this.
What Lori here said.
Although she didn't mention that she hikes 1-2 days a week for peace of mind...and this does help her get in basic health type cardio (which we really shouldn't neglect). As her trainer...I can most certainly attribute the fact that she's gone from a very tight size 12, to a size 6...in less than a month, to the strength training/relaxed diet program I have her on.
She was hiking, and actually substantially more active, prior to us working together...yet the changes were nowhere near as dramatic.
I do a ton of hiking in the fall which will probably make up my cardio during those times. Right now it's just SOOOO hot here in Arizona to go hiking. I miss it like crazy though.
Nobody has answered my question on how long should I rest between lifting days? Is rest needed after every lifting day?0 -
I'm no personal trainer, but compound exercises (like deadlifts, squats, power cleans) work more muscles at a time then isolation movements and are thus better for burning more calories. And yes you do need at least a day between weightlifting sessions, sometimes more. I would recommend checking out the book Starting Strength, or the program Stronglifts 5x5 if you actually want to get into an actual weightlifting program. Not to mention they will teach you correct form for barbell lifts.0
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I'm a cardio fan, but my fitness level (at present) is not going to let me go hard yet. BUT, I do play dancing video games and go for brisk walks. Anything fun. I also have solo dance parties in my bedroom (one lasted two hours!). I'm basically saying if you want to incorporate cardio, but hate it, think outside the box. any cardio is good. Just make sure you do it safely since you're on meds. Best of luck to you!0
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I have two lifting days where I always ensure I do a PB on those days (I work out with my trainer those days).
I always have a rest day after those days.
However, I also 2 other days a week at the gym, but I lift by myself, and I don't work quite as heavy. I don't bother with a rest day after those sessions.0 -
Cardio is NOT a must. The only cardio I do is 5 minutes of raquetball before I lift 3 days a week. I eat at a moderate calorie deficit. My clothing sizes have decreased dramatically since doing this.
What Lori here said.
Although she didn't mention that she hikes 1-2 days a week for peace of mind...and this does help her get in basic health type cardio (which we really shouldn't neglect). As her trainer...I can most certainly attribute the fact that she's gone from a very tight size 12, to a size 6...in less than a month, to the strength training/relaxed diet program I have her on.
She was hiking, and actually substantially more active, prior to us working together...yet the changes were nowhere near as dramatic.
I do a ton of hiking in the fall which will probably make up my cardio during those times. Right now it's just SOOOO hot here in Arizona to go hiking. I miss it like crazy though.
Nobody has answered my question on how long should I rest between lifting days? Is rest needed after every lifting day?
I live in phoenix & go hiking at 6:30 am. Its breezy on the mountain.
As for rest, I lift M, W, F0 -
Have you tried incorporating the two? I like to do 10 mins. elliptical-15 to 25 mins kettlebell/balanceball (incorporating different moves keeps the heart rate going-then 10 more mins elliptical. I love it and this method works for me because the elliptical is BORING.
^ This is a great idea, it keeps things fun and elevates your disinterest. :happy:0 -
If your muscles are sore, then your burning calories. So if your heavy lifting, don't worry about it.
If you really feel cardio is necassary than find something you enjoy. (swimming, tennis, soccer, that kind of stuff)0 -
The elliptical can get tedious, do you listen to music, read or watch tv while you do it? Is there any other exercise you do like Dancing, swimming, bike riding, walking?0
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Cardio is NOT a must. The only cardio I do is 5 minutes of raquetball before I lift 3 days a week. I eat at a moderate calorie deficit. My clothing sizes have decreased dramatically since doing this.
What Lori here said.
Although she didn't mention that she hikes 1-2 days a week for peace of mind...and this does help her get in basic health type cardio (which we really shouldn't neglect). As her trainer...I can most certainly attribute the fact that she's gone from a very tight size 12, to a size 6...in less than a month, to the strength training/relaxed diet program I have her on.
She was hiking, and actually substantially more active, prior to us working together...yet the changes were nowhere near as dramatic.
I do a ton of hiking in the fall which will probably make up my cardio during those times. Right now it's just SOOOO hot here in Arizona to go hiking. I miss it like crazy though.
Nobody has answered my question on how long should I rest between lifting days? Is rest needed after every lifting day?
Most good programs for fat loss would have you lifting 3x a week with full body compound lifts, for about an hour (an intense hour), on non consecutive days. M/W/F for example, but you can break that up however you like as long as your lift days aren't one after another. Some will have you doing 4-5 lifts, some as few as 2. The intensity and weight being heavy enough you can only lift 5-8 reps in a given set is the key.
Lori's workout involves two separate programs, and she alternates them one after the other. Hers is a strength program with a focus on fat loss. My personal program is also strength/fat loss based, but is more for a lifter who is at a bit higher level. I have three dedicated programs, and repeat them weekly. Monday is deadlift/ weighted chinup/rows, Wednesday is bench/weighted dips/shoulder press, and Friday is Squat/weighted lunges/calf raises. Her sets are a 5x5 format, mine are a reverse pyramid, with 3 warmup sets, and 3 working sets at 4, 5, and 6 reps respectively.0 -
At 300 lbs, a healthy diet is the best way to lose weight. Cardio is not needed.
In addition, if you are doing slow running, that's barely burning any fat, if any at all. If you don't hit a certain heart rate (60% of max heart rate), then the running you do is burning the glycogen storage, not fat. At that rate, you literally need to run for 8-10 hours to start burning fat.
If you are set in doing cardio, do interval sprinting instead. Make sure your heart rate stays around 70-80% of your max. Your max heart rate is calculated as 220 - Age. So 25 year old has 220 - 25 = 195 bpm max heart rate.
In summary: healthy diet. I suggest you check out the Keto eating style. Cut down on carbohydrates so your body depletes all your glycogen storage, forcing it to burn fat.
More info on keto: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aiHSPoto_YqsNTDvL-g60nytMnyH-CJcCbiAx1IEUYM/edit?pli=10 -
I hate cardio too and have been trying to find something I like. And I'm in the same sweltering boat living in TX. There have been a lot of good ideas here - I personally like the idea of listening to audio books on the treadmill since I'm a book fiend.
I had a suggestion, and while its not right for me, I thought I would throw it out there. I know a couple who have joined an indoor soccer team as a way to get some exercise. Its indoors, so its not too hot, and since they're on a team, they're kind of obligated to show up so they won't let the others down (good incentive). They really seem to enjoy it. I'd like to find something of this nature that would be fun and not seem like exercise.0 -
Great job so far! I think you are absolutely doing right in your weightlifting. As far as cardio, I believe it is a good thing to work your heart out. The best way to work the heart out is cardio. That could be the things you listed with ball slams, ropes, ect. There is so many things out there considered cardio. You could walk outside or inside on a treadmill with an incline. You could do Zumba (incredibly fun)....kickboxing or just a lot of upper boxing moves if the lower body is not friendly with the kicks. There are so many DVDs out there. A lot of them utilize the weights within the workouts so you get an added burn too.
Keep up your hardwork and try to research all the cardio possibilities that would help further your results. I think without cardio you'll still get results, but they won't be as fast as with cardio added (if that makes sense).
Michelle0
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