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MUST I do cardio?
DeanneLea
Posts: 261
I have the dreaded c-section belly. I realize I will probably never be able to get rid of it BUT I will work my *kitten* off trying. My problem is, I am on a med that makes getting overheated dreadful. When I lift, I do ok but running and other cardio kills me.
I guess my question is, is it possible to still get decent results with JUST lifting or does there need to be cardio alongside? At least for the next few months, I will need to take it easy on cardio.
Is there anyone out there that is just lifting?
I guess my question is, is it possible to still get decent results with JUST lifting or does there need to be cardio alongside? At least for the next few months, I will need to take it easy on cardio.
Is there anyone out there that is just lifting?
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Replies
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You can get AMAZING results just lifting. While cardio has it's cardiovascular benefits, it is not "necessary" to lose fat and build or condition muscle. All you need is a proper diet and strength training for that. Many people here just lift and don't do cardio. I used to do a ton of cardio, but since I've gotten into heavy lifting I have drastically cut my cardio back. I used to run on my off days but now I only take a couple walks a week, or maybe a session on the bike or elliptical. I've been at SL 5x5 for 3 months and now that the weights have gotten heavy for me I find too much cardio hurts my recovery time between lifting. My body shape has changed more than ever since I reduced my cardio. I've lost a ton of inches!
If you really want to change your body (and not just "lose weight") then definitely make lifting your #1 priority. If you have energy left for some moderate cardio on a couple off days, then go for it (but no HIIT as that greatly interferes with muscle recovery). But if not don't sweat it! (no pun intended lol)0 -
Oh, and I've had 2 c-sections and my belly is shrinking quite nicely
I know how frustrating that is!! But lifting definitely helps suck things back in to where they should be. I call lifting weights the poor man's plastic surgery :laugh: 0 -
If you really want to change your body (and not just "lose weight") then definitely make lifting your #1 priority. If you have energy left for some moderate cardio on a couple off days, then go for it (but no HIIT as that greatly interferes with muscle recovery). But if not don't sweat it! (no pun intended lol)
^ THIS^
a nice low resistance cardio is the rowing machine0 -
Thank you so much for your input!
My mind is at ease. I was over worrying about the whole thing.
I may try to add in some walking/half *kitten* running(lol) in on my off days for now. I'll see how much I can handle.
Thanks again!0 -
I don't do much in the way of cardio.0
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If you eat at a moderate deficit and lift heavy, you can absolutely lose fat without tons of cardio.0
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Oh, and I've had 2 c-sections and my belly is shrinking quite nicely I know how frustrating that is!! But lifting definitely helps suck things back in to where they should be. I call lifting weights the poor man's plastic surgery :laugh:
I find this hilarious....just had to say thanks for laugh!0 -
If you eat at a moderate deficit and lift heavy, you can absolutely lose fat without tons of cardio.
Thanks!
This all gives me hope lol. Since starting 5x5, I have very little interest in cardio. So even if I could handle it, I'm not sure I would want to do much of it.0 -
Also, please keep this in mind.....although you will probably get smaller, you might not be lighter on the scale. I haven't lost anything since August but I am down a pant size. I suggest not weighing yourself if that really bothers you. Water retention is normal when you lift heavy...it's nothing for me to gain 5 pounds overnight after a really intense session. My scale weight really bothered me but I am working on getting over that. My hubby tells me I look so much better naked now....and that is all that matters, lol!0
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Oh yea I'm familiar with the scale being an ahole when you're lifting.
I do weigh myself weekly to monitor the med I'm on. So far, the gains haven't been insane so I'm not freaking out over them.
I have about 10 lbs to go until I'm at my goal weight so I'm a little confused on what I should do to get there. It's difficult to cut and do 5x5 at the same time.0 -
It was very difficult for me too and I am nowhere near goal. There is only so much strength building you can do in a caloric deficit. Eventually, I hit a wall and had to make a change before I hurt myself. I switched to madcow and I really love it....it is a modified stronglifts program. I think it is much easier when you are eating in a deficit. This is just my opinion of course. A lot of people like 5/3/1 as well. Best of luck to you!0
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I was considering switching to Madcow as well.
I'm half way through 5x5 so I may just see if I can stick it out until the end, then switch.
I'm glad to hear you like madcow!0 -
I don't do any cardio0
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Bump for future reference..0
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I don't do any cardio except an occasional mile or two jog with my bf and an occasional 4 min tabata interval. By occasional I mean I did the former twice this month and the latter once lol. Technically I walk to school everyday but idk if that counts. Basically my answer is no you don't need cardio lol.0
This discussion has been closed.