*Daily Whine* Do I HAVE to Cardio?

I think cardio is waaaay overdone by most people. Unless you're training for some kind of endurance event, there's really no reason to do cardio 5-6 times a week. That said, your heart is the most important muscle in your body so yes, cardio should be part of one's fitness regime.

Personally I lift 4-5x days a week and do cardio 1-2x a week.

do gpp work instead of traditional cardio

barbell complexes
weighted carries / farmers walks
hill sprints
sled pulls
kettlebell swings

but no you don't HAVE to do any of that to lose weight.

Yes! Train for Strongman competitions!

I am considering elliptical and treadmill type exercises to be pure cardio. I know I get some cardio when I strength train, but I think I should be doing more cardio work.

And what do you hope to achieve by doing more cardio and why is this important to you (sorry for the questions but it is relevant to what will be beneficial for you to do...which may in fact be more cardio - although not necessarily gym based! )

I would rather do weights all day long than do cardio. My cardio is terrible and i get out of breath so easily. But weights are fun!

Yes weights are fun but you said yourself your cardio is terrible and you get out of breath easily. It might do you some good to work on your cardio. I lift and do cardio while a friend of mine is just lifting. The difference is I can run up a flight of stairs without feeling like I can't breathe.

While you don't HAVE to do it, you probably should. Heart health is important.

It doesn't have to be crazy cardio either. Get your heart rate up (say 75% of your MAX heart rate) and sustain it for 20 minutes.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Well, when you say "my cardio is terrible and I get out of breath so easily" that jumps out at me as an area for improvement! Aerobic fitness is terribly important, as others have said your heart is your most important muscle. Weight lifting will help you lose fat and recomposition your body, no doubt. But some efficient and effective cardio (ie HIIT cardio) is important for optimal health.

I lost 45 pounds in one year doing cardio for 35 to 45 minutes 4-5 times a week. My blood profile (chol, triglyceride, etc) is all above optimal and my blood pressure is now within normal range. There is little statistical chance I will have a heart attack or stroke anytime soon. And I'm 50 years old. So yeah, for me cardio is more than worth the investment of time.

Hearts are necessary for life. Take care of yours. If you're getting out of breath very easily... well...

Cardio also improves and increases your vasculature, increases mitochondria, lots of good stuff.

Some folks like to avoid cardio because they believe they will lose muscle mass and strength. That is a choice to make, make it yours. But if you are demonstrating the signs of less than optimal cardiovascular health, perhaps you should train to improve it.

While you're free to do what you want, and it's important to get in whatever you can, let me ask you this: If your car has a flat tire, do you just emphasize the other three, or do you deal with the flat one?

Part of balance comes from addressing weaknesses. If you quickly find yourself out of breath, take time to work on that. Take it from someone else who also finds himself having to bite the bullet and do exercises he doesn't like.

But, as some have already said, you don't need to be preparing for a marathon. Find some kind of cardio you like and do that (myself, I'm partial to rowing, but I'm required to run).

When you say you don't like doing cardio, what exactly do you mean?

Do you hate running on the dreadmill for 30 minutes? Lace up your shoes and go outside then.

Hate the elliptical? Don't do it.

Hate the stationary bike? Buy a trail bike and get outside.


Most of us hate the machines. They're dull and boring. I thoroughly enjoy running, but only outside (regardless of the weather). I could never plug along on a treadmill for 30 minutes.


There's so many different *types* of cardio. Look into classes at your gym. Try a few out, find something you enjoy, and stick with it.

I know, I know. You are all right. A healthy heart and all that stuff is equally important. I just hate doing it.

I'd keep looking until you find something. Doesn't have to be gym based or terribly long in duration. Dancing? Jazzercize? Throw a Frisbee with your dog and chase after him. Be creative...the list is endless. Fun and effective are the keys. You are also welcome to come to my house and haul and stack wood...though I grant you it's lacking in the fun department!

I think cardio is waaaay overdone by most people. Unless you're training for some kind of endurance event, there's really no reason to do cardio 5-6 times a week. That said, your heart is the most important muscle in your body so yes, cardio should be part of one's fitness regime.

Personally I lift 4-5x days a week and do cardio 1-2x a week.

Second this!!!

You don't have to, just doing weights will burn plenty of calories by itself - but doing 20-30 minutes 1-2 times a week would help you feel less out of breath, especially as you start to lose the weight.

You could start doing a sport, something light such as tennis or badminton that would improve your cardio while you have fun - or join some exercise classes that could provide variation instead of just running/cycling/rowing in place!

I am considering elliptical and treadmill type exercises to be pure cardio. I know I get some cardio when I strength train, but I think I should be doing more cardio work.

it all depends on what you want personally for your health. I think if you love weight training, stick with that - but incorporate 1 or 2 vigorous cardio work outs a week also such as 30 min on the elliptical, an hour of zumba or maybe 30 min of slow jogging. Something for your heart.