What do you think of this article?

YellowNightingale
YellowNightingale Posts: 440 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I read this article about how to lose weight but retain muscle, and #8 on the list reads "8. Avoid Excessive Amounts Of Cardio (Or Just Don’t Do ANY At All)".

I am wondering what everyone thinks of this?

There is more to that statement, which can be read here: http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/how-to-lose-fat-without-losing-muscle/

Replies

  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    Pretty solid advice. The only one I disagree with slightly is #4. Pre workout meals are unnecessary. I train fasted every day. I don't disagree with #6 but for those of us on body part splits that don't take rest days the advice is irrelevant.

    Cardio definitely hurts your gains. I do absolutely no cardio and have put on muscle while losing fat. Cardio-not even once.
  • molly589
    molly589 Posts: 11
    Bump! I'd love to read everyone's thoughts, too :)
  • JacquiKerzman
    JacquiKerzman Posts: 25
    I disagree with that statement, as a certified trainer I see all types of "body types" and some people need to do cardio, period. You have to figure out your body type. Cardio is NECESSARY for a healthy heart as well, it is not all about looks. I am a bodybuilder, on a professional team as well so I like to lift obviously and muscle does help burn more calories. If you do your weight lifting fast enough you do get a heart workout, fast pace very little rest between sets. Cardio does help to tone and build if you do the right cardio....there are so many "add ons" but I just dislike the general "don't do cardio rule".....do both weights and cardio in my opinion for a variety for your mind and weight loss :-) PS ..... I did not read the article so I don't know if they addressed this :-
  • KellySue67
    KellySue67 Posts: 1,006 Member
    I just met with a personal trainer this morning who said to do both cardio and lifting. She said that 30 minutes of cardio daily is a good amount.
  • SteelySunshine
    SteelySunshine Posts: 1,092 Member
    I think the author does a good job at explaining the reasoning behind that statement. But, I am not sure it applies to people with a lot to lose that are trying just to get in better shape and aren't anywhere near looking to get cut or anything like that. I don't think it applies at all to anyone who is a jogger or a runner. It's actually pretty specific to people who are body builders or people who want to be more muscular and aren't really thinking about things like endurance, heart health, and circulatory issues.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    I disagree with that statement, as a certified trainer I see all types of "body types" and some people need to do cardio, period. You have to figure out your body type. Cardio is NECESSARY for a healthy heart as well, it is not all about looks. I am a bodybuilder, on a professional team as well so I like to lift obviously and muscle does help burn more calories. If you do your weight lifting fast enough you do get a heart workout, fast pace very little rest between sets. Cardio does help to tone and build if you do the right cardio....there are so many "add ons" but I just dislike the general "don't do cardio rule".....do both weights and cardio in my opinion for a variety for your mind and weight loss :-) PS ..... I did not read the article so I don't know if they addressed this :-
    The term "cardio" is sort of a misnomer. All exercise works your heart (although there's a difference in volume load vs pressure load). "Conditioning" is a better term for it. The article doesn't state that you should never do cardio, just that it should be limited. I view cardio as optional. I can create a calorie deficit through my diet and I can work my heart with lifting. I have no need for cardio.
  • Requiembell
    Requiembell Posts: 106 Member
    Sounds like what I have been telling you all along. Although cardiovascular health is part of the picture and it is also a big part of my goals so I wouldn't eliminate it. It is important to know what you are doing and why. work on your goal.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    I don't agree with all of it but overall I think it's a good article. I certainly expected much worse.

    Regarding cardio I think goals and context really need to be considered. If someone is an obese 300lbs and doesn't really enjoy lifting but they find out they enjoy cardio, that's absolutely a situation where I would suggest a low-ish amount of weight lifting (twice per week or so) and include some cardio.
  • Markguns
    Markguns Posts: 554 Member
    My 2 cents... Well Cardio exercise can become catbolic, so to an extent it's true, if your goal is to build muscle. Endurance cardio is very catabolic to your body, which means less muscle, which in turn means lower metabolism and fat gain. Ever seen a bulky endurance runner? So do cardio but limit it, if your primary goal is to gain muscle. IF your primary goal is to lose weight I'd do plenty of cardio initially, to build your endurance. Then back off on it and increase strength training, but never eliminate it. The advantage to building endurance is once you have a good level it will help you continue your strength workouts at a higher intensity. FYI; A good combination of both is Circuit training.

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