How much is too much cardio?

lisalsd1
lisalsd1 Posts: 1,519 Member
edited February 1 in Fitness and Exercise
So I've read that it's recommended that you get 150 minutes of cardio during the week. I had been doing 200 (usually 5 days of 40 minutes-ish)...give or take (running/arc-trainer).

I started doing strength training once a week. Now, I've recently started doing about 40 mins 4 times a week, and adding a strength training day with some "light" cardio on that day.

I've read that "excessive" cardio can interfere with strength training...i.e. produces too much cortisol, etc.

My question is really...what's excessive cardio? Opinions?

Replies

  • Libertysfate
    Libertysfate Posts: 452 Member
    I've never heard of that, now I'm curious, too.
    I work out 7 days/week and at least an hour of cardio every day.
  • stephenszymanski
    stephenszymanski Posts: 114 Member
    This all sounds like broscience to me.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    The effect of cardio exercise on cortisol has been greatly exaggerated. Levels begin to rise after an hour of aerobics. As for weight training, the more intense the exercise, the higher the cortisol release. But again, those more training experienced often show little or no change in cortisol. They've adapted.

    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/control-your-cortisol.html

    Based in this article I'd suggest you needn't worry about it until you're training for at least a full marathon (and even then it's not really an issue, if you were training for a marathon it's unlikely you'd want to be adding muscle as that increases the amount of oxygen your body needs - conflicting objectives)

    From the same article....
    Ultra-long-distance runners probably have the highest cortisol levels, but keep in mind that cortisol release is modified by athletic experience. Those new to exercise or sports will secrete higher amounts of cortisol than more experienced athletes.
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