Cardio and Strength Training

[Smurfy]

How much cardio is TOO much when training to increase my strength?
I usually do 4-5 days of cardio anywhere from 40 min to over 60 min a day. Im training for strength gains now and dont wanna compromise my lifting strength.

Any suggestions?

 

[notoriousQQ]

cut back on the cardio.

i would expect that 2 sessions per week would be adequate, maybe less depending on your lifting routine.

hopefully some of the more knowledgeable ladies will jump in and give their input.

 

[lucidblue]

I do two days of 20 minute HIIT and 1 day of 30 minute cardio. There's definitely more knowledgeable people here that can answer your question. I've been trying to follow what I've read here on the boards though. I used to think I needed to do a lot more cardio.

 

[louden_swain]

As far as I am concerned you can do both as long as your fluid intake and calories are sufficient.

 

[Smurfy]

ok, well my body is accustomed to ALOT of cardio and i also dont have the best diet so Im somewhat nervous to cut back too much for fear of getting any fatter (LOL). I've already put on 25 lbs in the last 2 yrs from lifting and eating!
And i have found it difficult to change my thinking about cardio, I feel guilty when i think im not doing enough I started my lifting on sunday with a rough bench workout, then was off yesterday (felt guilty for not at least doing 30 min of cardio or something) then today i had back/bis and i did 40 min cardio. I dont think i can manage less than 3 cardio sessions a week. I know im being mental but i need it psychologically LOL

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

personally-- cardio does not decrease my strength gains- but will hurt muscle size gains...Im also doing a HIIT-type program (mostly sprints)... dont worry so much about the time-- jsut keep your intensity up (like running 80% of your max. heart rate).

 

[PolishHammer1977]

This is a trial and error issue. Only YOU can find out what foods, sleeping patterns, and exercise work for you to meet your personal goals.

Exhaust all options than seek help

 

[Smurfy]

PH - you're absolutely right. I think i will cut down on the length of my cardio sessions first and not cut down on the # of sessions per week. If i dont seem to me increasing my lifts, then i will take another look at what im doing as far as cardio, nutrition, rest, etc.
Thanks for the input guys

 

[Nonerz]

Good advice all.

Smurfy, I hear ya girl! What I did was increase my intensity using HIIT on "the monster." It's the stepmill at my gym where the steps actually fall off the bottom and cylce back around. Whatever you do, just do it AFTER your training.

You go girl!

 

[Smurfy]

Nonerz - wow you actually get on that MONSTER?? haha i wouldnt even attempt it! I have bad visions of me falling right off that thing! I will however opt for the safer version which just has two foot pads lol.
Oh, and cardio? ALWAYS AFTER TRAINING ^5