Slacking on cardio

allanakern
allanakern Posts: 245 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Getting into the mindset that lifting and eating a lot of protein is enough... my goal right now is not to necessarily see the scale go down, as long as I'm cutting fat. so cardio is probably a very important key. but I'm so sick of it, it feels like a chore. rant over.
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Replies

  • redwan2001
    redwan2001 Posts: 286 Member
    I totally get it between weight training and cardio, but it needs to get done, I get on a rant complaining also, but I have come along way from 350 lbs to 157 lbs and still going strong. We can rant all we want, but we still need to get it done!!! Get it ! you got this!!


    Nadia
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    I'm not a cardio fan either, I feel you.
  • allanakern
    allanakern Posts: 245 Member
    I have done sooooooooooo much cardio the past year and the past couple weeks I just can't talk myself into it. I know I need to.. it will get done! It's just mind numbingly boring to me
  • ItsJordanNicole
    ItsJordanNicole Posts: 110 Member
    Ever since I got serious about lifting I've been slacking on my cardio. I hate it now, sooooooo boring! Yesterday I struggled through 35 minutes on the ARC Trainer and it was torture. I still have 30-40 lbs to lose so cardio is still a necessary evil in my life.
  • tquill
    tquill Posts: 300 Member
    Cardio isn't necessary to cut fat. I lost 20+ lbs of fat with absolutely zero cardio.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    I, too, have been slacking on this lately. I had been doing a 50/50 mix of weights and running. Then I decided to lift 4x/wk and run 2x. But with it getting dark early I've been having trouble motivating myself to go out and run at night. I might have to suck it up and use the treadmill.
  • allanakern
    allanakern Posts: 245 Member
    Cardio isn't necessary to cut fat. I lost 20+ lbs of fat with absolutely zero cardio.

    did you have to eat less calories than you would if you were dong cardio?
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Getting into the mindset that lifting and eating a lot of protein is enough... my goal right now is not to necessarily see the scale go down, as long as I'm cutting fat. so cardio is probably a very important key. but I'm so sick of it, it feels like a chore. rant over.

    Agreed. Gotta do the dirty to have the fun though.
  • wolfsbayne
    wolfsbayne Posts: 3,116 Member
    At this point, I try to get in at least 10-15 minutes of cardio after my lifting sessions. It's good for my heart.
  • woodml1
    woodml1 Posts: 199 Member
    Get yourself to a group fitness class instead of on a machine. It'll shake up the routine. Plus, once you're in the room all you have to do is follow directions. You don't have to keep convincing/motivating yourself to keep going the same way when you don't have to think as much!

    If your gym doesn't have group fitness, hop on groupon and see if you can find a few cheap classes of zumba or cardio pole or cycle :)
  • marlyu
    marlyu Posts: 24 Member
    I've gotten bored with the stationary bike, treadmill, and elliptical too. To mix it up, I add rowing machine and a stair stepper here and there. But, the best change up is to do total body workout videos, like those found on fitnessblender.com. Love them. You get cardio, strength, etc. and you can find many videos with little to no equipment needed. There are also varying difficulty levels and lengths of workouts. I add these to my rotations and find new ones every week. My workouts now always feel balanced.
  • scottacular
    scottacular Posts: 597 Member
    Cardio isn't necessary to cut fat. I lost 20+ lbs of fat with absolutely zero cardio.

    I only do weights as well, I hit a complete mental block with cardio a short while back. Lifting heavy and intensively enough gets your heart racing anyway.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    Cardio isn't necessary to cut fat. I lost 20+ lbs of fat with absolutely zero cardio.

    no- but at some point you have to eat an insanely low amount of food - where as with 2 sessions or so of 30 min of cardio or a few sessions of HIIT you can get you the same result without the stress of eating so little.

    I dislike doing cardio- but guess what- I do it- why- because I'm already eating 1500-1600. More cardio = more food plain and simple.

    I do HIIT workouts- sprints- or the stairmaster or the spin bikes- I am particularly "fond" of the stairmaster/bikes- only because I put on my netflix and watch shows- easy peasy - watch one whole episode of whatever- and the time flies by.
  • msalamun
    msalamun Posts: 116 Member
    If you are sick of cardio, I would definitely try to add in some HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) to your routine. Short bursts of energy that put the heart into the anaerobic state of exercise is going to target that fat burn better than sessions of cardio. Plus, a change from the regular routine stresses the body in a different way that can help with additional weight loss.

    But remember, if you're out to just cut fat, nutrition is going to be even more important than exercise, especially as you get closer to those last few pounds. Eating too little cannot only cause your body to go into "starvation mode" and retain fat, but your body will then also start breaking down your muscles to fuel itself (which is where a solid amount of protein comes in). Good luck! And you got this!
  • tquill
    tquill Posts: 300 Member
    did you have to eat less calories than you would if you were dong cardio?

    Certainly, but it's a lot easier for me to not eat a cookie than it is to spend 15 minutes (or however long) on the treadmill.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    did you have to eat less calories than you would if you were dong cardio?

    Certainly, but it's a lot easier for me to not eat a cookie than it is to spend 15 minutes (or however long) on the treadmill.

    that only works but for so low.
  • tquill
    tquill Posts: 300 Member
    no- but at some point you have to eat an insanely low amount of food - where as with 2 sessions or so of 30 min of cardio or a few sessions of HIIT you can get you the same result without the stress of eating so little.

    I dislike doing cardio- but guess what- I do it- why- because I'm already eating 1500-1600. More cardio = more food plain and simple.

    I do HIIT workouts- sprints- or the stairmaster or the spin bikes- I am particularly "fond" of the stairmaster/bikes- only because I put on my netflix and watch shows- easy peasy - watch one whole episode of whatever- and the time flies by.

    I suppose it depends on one's preference. Personally, I dislike cardio more than I like extra food. I agree that HIIT is the way to go if one chooses to do cardio.
  • yankeedownsouth
    yankeedownsouth Posts: 717 Member
    I really hate steady state cardio at the gym; it's so boring! I try to get mine in more fun ways like mountain biking, kayaking, or even just taking the dog on a fast-paced walk.
  • Springfield1970
    Springfield1970 Posts: 1,945 Member
    I have done sooooooooooo much cardio the past year and the past couple weeks I just can't talk myself into it. I know I need to.. it will get done! It's just mind numbingly boring to me

    Why don't you just eat less?

    In fact, considering you are at or near goal weight, what are your plans for your body? Cardio just makes you hungry. Why don't you just lift and eat at maintenance?
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    no- but at some point you have to eat an insanely low amount of food - where as with 2 sessions or so of 30 min of cardio or a few sessions of HIIT you can get you the same result without the stress of eating so little.

    I dislike doing cardio- but guess what- I do it- why- because I'm already eating 1500-1600. More cardio = more food plain and simple.

    I do HIIT workouts- sprints- or the stairmaster or the spin bikes- I am particularly "fond" of the stairmaster/bikes- only because I put on my netflix and watch shows- easy peasy - watch one whole episode of whatever- and the time flies by.

    I suppose it depends on one's preference. Personally, I dislike cardio more than I like extra food. I agree that HIIT is the way to go if one chooses to do cardio.

    at the point where I"m eating below 1500 calories- cardio wins out over the lower food- for me it's not a matter of "I get to eat an extra cookie" cardio means I get to eat another meal.

    I would rather go sweat it out- than just starve- sitting around starving to me is pointless.
  • Springfield1970
    Springfield1970 Posts: 1,945 Member
    no- but at some point you have to eat an insanely low amount of food - where as with 2 sessions or so of 30 min of cardio or a few sessions of HIIT you can get you the same result without the stress of eating so little.

    I dislike doing cardio- but guess what- I do it- why- because I'm already eating 1500-1600. More cardio = more food plain and simple.

    I do HIIT workouts- sprints- or the stairmaster or the spin bikes- I am particularly "fond" of the stairmaster/bikes- only because I put on my netflix and watch shows- easy peasy - watch one whole episode of whatever- and the time flies by.

    I suppose it depends on one's preference. Personally, I dislike cardio more than I like extra food. I agree that HIIT is the way to go if one chooses to do cardio.

    at the point where I"m eating below 1500 calories- cardio wins out over the lower food- for me it's not a matter of "I get to eat an extra cookie" cardio means I get to eat another meal.

    I would rather go sweat it out- than just starve- sitting around starving to me is pointless.

    Haha I get where you are coming from! Some days I know the main reason I'm even at the gym is to keep me away from my kitchen.!
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member


    at the point where I"m eating below 1500 calories- cardio wins out over the lower food- for me it's not a matter of "I get to eat an extra cookie" cardio means I get to eat another meal.

    I would rather go sweat it out- than just starve- sitting around starving to me is pointless.

    That's pretty much how I am, though my lower calorie limit is higher than yours. 1650 is about as low as I can comfortably go and even that is not something I can maintain for more than a couple of days. I'd just rather eat more and be comfortable and lose weight rather than eat a bit less and have "ugh, I'm hungry" thoughts hanging out in my head all day.
  • successgal1
    successgal1 Posts: 996 Member
    Dudes, why all the machines? Clear a space in your house, and grab a DVD. Set up a small TV with a DVD player in a spare area, that's what I do. Try some Billy blanks or any tae Bo or Kickboxing video. No need to worry about the dark, the rain, or the gym.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    no- but at some point you have to eat an insanely low amount of food - where as with 2 sessions or so of 30 min of cardio or a few sessions of HIIT you can get you the same result without the stress of eating so little.

    I dislike doing cardio- but guess what- I do it- why- because I'm already eating 1500-1600. More cardio = more food plain and simple.

    I do HIIT workouts- sprints- or the stairmaster or the spin bikes- I am particularly "fond" of the stairmaster/bikes- only because I put on my netflix and watch shows- easy peasy - watch one whole episode of whatever- and the time flies by.

    I suppose it depends on one's preference. Personally, I dislike cardio more than I like extra food. I agree that HIIT is the way to go if one chooses to do cardio.

    at the point where I"m eating below 1500 calories- cardio wins out over the lower food- for me it's not a matter of "I get to eat an extra cookie" cardio means I get to eat another meal.

    I would rather go sweat it out- than just starve- sitting around starving to me is pointless.

    Haha I get where you are coming from! Some days I know the main reason I'm even at the gym is to keep me away from my kitchen.!

    yuuuupppp

    Plus- Even though I don't LOVE cardio- esp steady state- I really love working out- and the whole thing about it- feeling- and sweaty and dirty and going out and doing things.

    I'd rather do that than eat. LOL but yeah- there are Friday nights where I go to the gym just to get out of the house. LOL
  • Springfield1970
    Springfield1970 Posts: 1,945 Member
    I really hate steady state cardio at the gym; it's so boring! I try to get mine in more fun ways like mountain biking, kayaking, or even just taking the dog on a fast-paced walk.

    Great idea! Playing football with the kids, dance classes, nightclubbing, pole dancing, there are so many ways to burn fat and get fit.
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    did you have to eat less calories than you would if you were dong cardio?

    Certainly, but it's a lot easier for me to not eat a cookie than it is to spend 15 minutes (or however long) on the treadmill.
    I completely agree. This works for me as well. And, I'm NOT hungry or missing a meal or denying cravings. I eat for fuel and am enjoying great results from lifting mainly. I do 2 - - 30 min. HIIT cardio sessions per week, mainly for my heart-health.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Dudes, why all the machines? Clear a space in your house, and grab a DVD. Set up a small TV with a DVD player in a spare area, that's what I do. Try some Billy blanks or any tae Bo or Kickboxing video. No need to worry about the dark, the rain, or the gym.

    I'd rather stick my finger through my eyeball and swirl it around in my brain than do a Billy Blanks, Tae Bo, etc. video. Just not my thing. I can do some sprint/interval stuff on the treadmill and while it's not as nice as running outside, it doesn't make me dream of lobotomizing myself.
  • successgal1
    successgal1 Posts: 996 Member
    To each their own. I find my Library of tapes and DVDs a great source of all over body cardio workouts that never get boring and to which my body never adapts. I find running mind bogglingly dull, not to mention outright dangerous in Florida heat and humidity. We have an untouched treadmill that I really wish my SO would let me get rid of, its been a dust collector for 8 years. Between 4 large dogs that need walking, bicycles for fun, our stash of free weights and a simple 6' by 8' area with an old TV and a TV/VCR combo, there is zero need for machinery and expensive gym memberships.
  • allanakern
    allanakern Posts: 245 Member
    I would love to eat at maintenance and just lift.. but I also want the bod I'm working for asap. I lift 6 days a week now so sometimes I find myself just too exhausted for cardio.. but I also love eating. I'm alright at denying myself the cravings but sometimes I slip because its mentally tough
  • HopHead28
    HopHead28 Posts: 180 Member
    Long time lurker first time poster. This topic is one I battled for a long time.
    I think the goal is to find something you enjoy doing for a cardio activity... sounds weird to anyone that hates cardio but I think there is something for everyone.
    My personal experience: I knew I needed to lose weight but hated most cardio activities in standard gyms. I decided to buy a bike thinking I could ride around the city and also ride to and from work. My goal for riding to work was 1 - 2 days a week. As I became more comfortable with my route and riding I found myself riding to work very often, 3-4 times per week. My ride is 10 miles each way and over the summer I have seen enough improvement that my commute is almost as fast on bike as it is by car.
    It gives me an opportunity to clear my mind pre/post work, get 2 great workouts in and catch some awesome scenery along the way. On top of that I am doing it for a reason... to get to work. In the morning I don't have time to make excuses since I have a deadline for when I need to start work.
    Just my $0.02 for what helped me get addicted to cardio.

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