Is there such as thing as too much cardio?

Turtle003

I've been doing some reading lately and found articles on too much cardio actually causing a plateau and weight gain...I think I may be stuck in it. I have plateued and actually gained 2lbs in the last 6 months. I run 5-6 miles 3x a week and then on off days I do elliptical for an hour. Every week I do 1 long run about 9-11 miles. I also do strength training 2-3x a week. Too much? I eat back most of my exercise cals too. Any thoughts?I do take 1 day a week off.
Thanks.

bgelliott

I don't believe in too much cardio. Cardio is good for the heart and the cardiovascular system. If you want to jump over that plateau, don't eat back all your calories and mix up the cardio a bit. Try the stair climber or HIIT on the treadmill.

FullOfWin

Yes.

jasonp_ritzert

I found that if I take two days off per week, it works better for me. By taking the day 'off' I don't mean I don't do anything, but I take my dogs for a long walk or I try to do something outside of the gym that isn't standard 'cardio' as we all think about it.

Have your sleeping patterns changed at all? Some studies have found that if you don't get adequate sleep (i.e., letting your body rest) you may not allow enough time for recovery that may hinder your weight loss efforts.

scorpio516

If my counting is right, you're barely braking 25 mpw. You're nowhere close to a "too much cardio" i.e. over training point.