Cardio questions...

corderdeb
corderdeb Posts: 57 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Let me say, I'm fairly new to regular exercise. In fact, up until 10 months ago, I was a proud couch potato!
Now, I'm in the gym 4 days a week. (yeah me!)

I do yoga one day a week and swim (45mins) 3 days a week. And several days a week I walk a mile or more (but I don't count that as part of my regular schedul).

1) Does cardio build muscle? (I know it's not weigh training...don't start on that.)

2) I know you're suppose to wait a day between weigh training to let your muscles recover...does the same hold true for cardio?

Thanks...and yes, I'll get to the weight training eventually.

Replies

  • shrimpfire
    shrimpfire Posts: 2 Member
    cardo builds and no u dont have jto wait unless legs get sore then u can rest them and continue on
  • corderdeb
    corderdeb Posts: 57 Member
    bump
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    if you mean cardio on a machine, then no cardio doesnt build muscle but it does increase it's endurance. if you're doing something like kettlebells or complexes or other types of circuit training workouts that combine cardio with resistance then you are building muscle (as well as endurance) as long as you are using a weight that's as challenging as you can make it

    the burn that people get in their muscles when they do cardio isnt from the same reasons people get when they strength train.
  • sherronh
    sherronh Posts: 119 Member
    I find this post to be untrue. I have been running on the treadmill and using the elliptical for about 4 months right now. I too was a couch patotoe for a bit of a time.

    Just by using machines only ( I plan to start strength training next mont) I have created and defined muscle all over my thighs. My inner thighs are significantly tighter and I have clear muscle on the sides of my legs. Cardio does build muscle.

    Resistance can be found on the machines simplily put the resistance up on the elliptical, incline up on the treadmill, or go faster.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Let me say, I'm fairly new to regular exercise. In fact, up until 10 months ago, I was a proud couch potato!
    Now, I'm in the gym 4 days a week. (yeah me!)

    I do yoga one day a week and swim (45mins) 3 days a week. And several days a week I walk a mile or more (but I don't count that as part of my regular schedul).

    1) Does cardio build muscle? (I know it's not weigh training...don't start on that.)

    2) I know you're suppose to wait a day between weigh training to let your muscles recover...does the same hold true for cardio?

    Thanks...and yes, I'll get to the weight training eventually.

    Swimming does provide some resistance (or strength) training. You are using your arms to pull yourself thru the water. You are kicking your feet, to propel yourself. Yoga may provide some strength training as well. It depends upon if it is Hatha (stretching) or power yoga. Hatha does not build muscle really.

    You do not have to wait a day for recovery, unless your are really sore the next day.

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