Can I skip cardio and just strength train?
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I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I walk up stairs multiple times a day as part of my life so I'd be fine. I don't know if being generally active counts as cardio, but it's what I do. And a few months ago I ran home for fun (I am not a runner at all) and I couldn't believe how easy it was with more lower body muscle.. my legs had so much power and speed..it was like riding on top of a horse.
lol riding on top of a horse. I have an awesome image of you right now. It's very magical.
... It really was magical.. I was my own unicorn 
ahahahaha. That's what I was picturing and there is so much glitter and booty.4 -
Can I skip cardio and just strength train?
Sure you can. The Cardio Police won't come arrest you if you're not doing cardio.
Weight loss occurs through calorie deficit and strength training (along with adequate protein intake) is good to help maintain lean body mass while losing fat. With that said, there are benefits to cardio training that you won't get from strength training (and definitely vice versa also), so it's not a bad idea to do a mixture of both. But if you really, really hate cardio that much and can't find any way of doing it that's enjoyable (or at least tolerable), that's up to you. Nobody will come drag you out of your house and force you to run a half-marathon at gunpoint or anything.5 -
Marykaylady2010 wrote: »I am looking to loose weight but want to have a lean tone body when I finally take off the weight. I am tracking my food and eating at a deficit. I know that alone will help me loose do I need to do cardio and strength? What are the benefits/disadvantaged of doing both or wither or
I've done cardio my entire fitness life since I was about fourteen years old... And I always loved it and loved how it made me feel... That being said, I started weight training about eight or so months ago and love it a hundred times more. Same or better adrenalin, more sweat, and more defined muscles for sure compared to when I only did cardio.1 -
I don't understand such an anti-cardio bias on a "fitness" message board.
Because you get the "I don't like cardio, I play tennis" type of message. I suspect when most people read cardio they interpret that as droning away on a machine in an air conditioned room.
Personally I don't like cardio in a gym, I can understand the hatred for hamster wheels, but I'm comfortable doing 50K on the trail
I don't do cardio, I'm a trail runner...5 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
In the real world, when will I need to run up a steep hill?
It might not be a steep hill. Maybe you'll have to run up a staircase, or even just run across level ground FAST to catch a bus or a train. Or to escape a dangerous situation.
The bottom line is that functional fitness includes being prepared for such situations. This includes cardiovascular health, but it also includes the ability to run well when necessary, and that's not just a function of leg strength and cardio.8 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I walk up stairs multiple times a day as part of my life so I'd be fine. I don't know if being generally active counts as cardio, but it's what I do. And a few months ago I ran home for fun (I am not a runner at all) and I couldn't believe how easy it was with more lower body muscle.. my legs had so much power and speed..it was like riding on top of a horse.
Leg strength is certainly an important component. There are other factors too though, such as lactate threshold, hip mobility, training the central nervous system, and ensuring a lack of muscular imbalances.
A lot of people hate running, and so they say foolish things like, "I'm never going to need to do so" or "In an emergency, I'm just going to rely on adrenaline." Obviously, that's just being foolhardy. A certain amount of running is necessary for well-rounded overall functional fitness.3 -
These situations come up all the time. One gym owner told me about how she had to run several miles after learning that there was no shuttle to take her back to her car. She had to run FAST as well to make it to this class. She wasn't a runner though, and if not for a bit of occasional treadmill work, she probably wouldn't have made it.If the light is about to change, I can make it across the street in time. If I need to run a few miles without stopping, I can. (Though I cannot think of one single time I have needed to run for more than 5 minutes for something).
I once had to run through an airport carrying someone else's luggage to help her reach her flight. If I hadn't been properly conditioned, she might not have made it.
Just because these situations haven't occurred to someone yet doesn't mean that they won't. It's always best to be ready.
Nobody said it has to be daily. Very few runners do that. Some occasional running is invaluable, though.I lift things EVERY DAY. Constantly. I can't think of any reason I would need to run on a daily basis.
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Marykaylady2010 wrote: »I am looking to loose weight but want to have a lean tone body when I finally take off the weight. I am tracking my food and eating at a deficit. I know that alone will help me loose do I need to do cardio and strength? What are the benefits/disadvantaged of doing both or wither or
Most people could do neither cardio or strength training and if they lost weight they would have a lean and tone body. The addition of cardio is for improved heart and circulatory health and strength training improves, well...strength, bone density and endurance for work. Both help increase your rest metabolic rate and daily caloric burn, which helps.
But you already have toned muscles if you drop enough body fat percent.
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Marykaylady2010 wrote: »I am looking to loose weight but want to have a lean tone body when I finally take off the weight. I am tracking my food and eating at a deficit. I know that alone will help me loose do I need to do cardio and strength? What are the benefits/disadvantaged of doing both or wither or
Personally, I think both are important to your overall health and fitness. Cardio is short for cardiovascular...your heart, lungs, etc...doing cardio is really good for your cardiovascular health.
There are tons of options to choose from...way more than just droning away on a treadmill or elliptical or whatever. I primarily cycle, do some rock climbing, and enjoy a good hike in the mountains.1 -
Marykaylady2010 wrote: »I am looking to loose weight but want to have a lean tone body when I finally take off the weight. I am tracking my food and eating at a deficit. I know that alone will help me loose do I need to do cardio and strength? What are the benefits/disadvantaged of doing both or wither or
If you're not worried about aerobic endurance and cardiovascular efficiency, don't do any cardiovascular work. The bonus is, nobody is going to tell you that you're wrong if you choose not to.3 -
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I walk up stairs multiple times a day as part of my life so I'd be fine. I don't know if being generally active counts as cardio, but it's what I do. And a few months ago I ran home for fun (I am not a runner at all) and I couldn't believe how easy it was with more lower body muscle.. my legs had so much power and speed..it was like riding on top of a horse.
Leg strength is certainly an important component.
But unless you are sprinting, not that important. Running a 4 minute mile doesn't need strong legs. Needs a very strong heart though
Running a 21 second 200 does require a lot of leg muscle!0 -
would a boxing class be considered "cardio" or "strength" or neither? Please be nice in your answers LOL! I signed up for this class for one year and I need to go 3 times a week to get my money's worth. I find it hard to weight train right now because I am so freaking sore. So I am wondering what I call this? TIA0
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Well, I'd add that running uphill or up stairs does benefit from greater leg strength. And of course, more strength does produce greater acceleration. You're right, though. There are more important factors, such as lactate threshold, muscular endurance, hip flexibility, cadence, and just generally developing good body dynamics.scorpio516 wrote: »
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
I walk up stairs multiple times a day as part of my life so I'd be fine. I don't know if being generally active counts as cardio, but it's what I do. And a few months ago I ran home for fun (I am not a runner at all) and I couldn't believe how easy it was with more lower body muscle.. my legs had so much power and speed..it was like riding on top of a horse.
Leg strength is certainly an important component.
But unless you are sprinting, not that important. Running a 4 minute mile doesn't need strong legs. Needs a very strong heart though
Running a 21 second 200 does require a lot of leg muscle!
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I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
As a runner, I have to point out how much of an incredibly massive difference deadlifts make for preparing you for this exact scenario. But yeah- you'd need the aerobic endurance too.
This is probably not the most likely scenario for a non-cardio-person to find themselves bemoaning their lack of aerobic endurance, however. (walking up that hill, yes; climbing a flight of stairs -yes; running anywhere-probably not happening).
ETA- as far as the OP's question goes: no, cardio is not required.1 -
https://startingstrength.com/article/why-you-should-not-be-running
https://youtu.be/Ty5zJdPrqys
Pretty much sums up my opinion.8 -
You're right. It would be more accurate to say that deadlifting will develop a lot of valuable posterior chain strength. The glutes are important in tackling an incline, and the hamstrings are needed in that all-important leg pull. For most people though, I daresay that cardio endurance will be their limiting factor.
I completely agree. Try running up a steep hill and see how much help those deadlifts and squats will be. They'll help with leg strength, but they won't give you much cardiovascular endurance -- and in the real world, there will most likely be times when you'll need it.JerSchmare wrote: »
There are an infinite different ways to get in "cardio", it doesn't need to be mind numbing torture on a machine and its a HUGE component of overall fitness. I'll agree that many people misguidedly turn to cardio and expect results that only strength training can give, but to completely discount doing any cardio and being boastful about it as many people are, seems very short sighted.
As a runner, I have to point out how much of an incredibly massive difference deadlifts make for preparing you for this exact scenario. But yeah- you'd need the aerobic endurance too.0 -
https://startingstrength.com/article/why-you-should-not-be-runninghttps://youtu.be/Ty5zJdPrqys
Pretty much sums up my opinion.
So I'm 2:10 in and he's already talking bollocks. Do I have to waste any more time?3 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »https://startingstrength.com/article/why-you-should-not-be-runninghttps://youtu.be/Ty5zJdPrqys
Pretty much sums up my opinion.
So I'm 2:10 in and he's already talking bollocks. Do I have to waste any more time?
Nope but at same time I don’t feel the need to waste my time doing cadio.
This is one of those push button topics like functional fitness. Some believe in it enough to shout it’s glory from the mountain. Others think it’s crap or just don’t have time for it.0 -
These situations come up all the time. One gym owner told me about how she had to run several miles after learning that there was no shuttle to take her back to her car. She had to run FAST as well to make it to this class. She wasn't a runner though, and if not for a bit of occasional treadmill work, she probably wouldn't have made it.If the light is about to change, I can make it across the street in time. If I need to run a few miles without stopping, I can. (Though I cannot think of one single time I have needed to run for more than 5 minutes for something).
I once had to run through an airport carrying someone else's luggage to help her reach her flight. If I hadn't been properly conditioned, she might not have made it.
Just because these situations haven't occurred to someone yet doesn't mean that they won't. It's always best to be ready.
Nobody said it has to be daily. Very few runners do that. Some occasional running is invaluable, though.I lift things EVERY DAY. Constantly. I can't think of any reason I would need to run on a daily basis.
I'm saying I NEED to lift something every day. I never need to run.1 -
Rule number one of the Zombie Apocalypse: CARDIO 1
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