I have a question on cardio??

[want2bhot]

I have been working out about 4-5 days a week, and have been doing 30-45 minutes of cardio post workout....On my days off I have been doing 1 hour of cardio, should I continue this work out.

I haven't weighed myself in a while and when I did I was 194lbs, 36% BF, I am dieting and doing everything I am supposed to as far as weight training. I just don't want to over due it....I am trying not to feel guilty for taking a full day off without doing something.....

I plan on re-weighing myself tomorrow early am and redue my BF, to see where I am at now...

Anyway, just want some input..

 

[momsgettinfit]

I have been working out about 4-5 days a week, and have been doing 30-45 minutes of cardio post workout....On my days off I have been doing 1 hour of cardio, should I continue this work out.

I haven't weighed myself in a while and when I did I was 194lbs, 36% BF, I am dieting and doing everything I am supposed to as far as weight training. I just don't want to over due it....I am trying not to feel guilty for taking a full day off without doing something.....

I plan on re-weighing myself tomorrow early am and redue my BF, to see where I am at now...

Anyway, just want some input..

Why so much cardio? I do like 3 to 4 day a week and no more than 30 to 40 min. 2 to 3 days of HIIT and one day of keeping at a regular speed for the duration of my cardio workout. What are you going to when doing this much cardio when you platou (sp?)? IMHO I don't think you need to be doing 1 hr of cardio that's really alot.

 

[skittles]

You should be judging your progress by your bf%, not your weight.

That is a lot of cardio!

Can you post your diet & workout?

Remember, diet is the biggest factor in losing bf

 

[scorpiogirl]

A recent study (I know, there's always a study) I saw somewhere said that no more than 40 minutes of cardio is needed. Anything more than that will start burning muscle. Not sure if that's true or not, but 1 hour of cardio? That's A LOT! You're going to end up burning yourself out and then you won't want to do it at all. I would back off a bit.

 

[vachelle72]

I have been working out about 4-5 days a week, and have been doing 30-45 minutes of cardio post workout....On my days off I have been doing 1 hour of cardio, should I continue this work out.

I haven't weighed myself in a while and when I did I was 194lbs, 36% BF, I am dieting and doing everything I am supposed to as far as weight training. I just don't want to over due it....I am trying not to feel guilty for taking a full day off without doing something.....

I plan on re-weighing myself tomorrow early am and redue my BF, to see where I am at now...

Anyway, just want some input..

There are many schools of thought on how much/little cardio that one should do.

I think you should do what works for you. I have tried all different variations in how many times a week , and for how long , and I now know that my body responds the best to increased cardio. For me the diet and lifting isn't enough.

I do 40 minutes on the elliptical , tread mill , etc , 3x a week , and take an hour boxing class 2x a week , and the weight is really starting to melt away...YIPPEE

If you feel tired/rundown than pull back , your body will let you know one way or another

 

[skittles]

There are many schools of thought on how much/little cardio that one should do.

I think you should do what works for you. I have tried all different variations in how many times a week , and for how long , and I now know that my body responds the best to increased cardio. For me the diet and lifting isn't enough.

I do 40 minutes on the elliptical , tread mill , etc , 3x a week , and take an hour boxing class 2x a week , and the weight is really starting to melt away...YIPPEE

If you feel tired/rundown than pull back , your body will let you know one way or another

And get your body fat tested to ensure you aren't losing muscle

 

[want2bhot]

Well, I feel like I have to much fat on my body, and I am really concentrating on fat burning....I have tried different variations of cardio, I have just up'd it about 2 weeks ago, and I am starting to see some definition in my arms, I can finally see my collar bone...(I know this sounds silly, but I have waited a long time to see my collar bone,,lol.

Anyway, this is why I have been doing so much cardio.

I appreciate your input...I guess I can stick to 30-40 post training, and just take a full day off on my off days...

Why so much cardio? I do like 3 to 4 day a week and no more than 30 to 40 min. 2 to 3 days of HIIT and one day of keeping at a regular speed for the duration of my cardio workout. What are you going to when doing this much cardio when you platou (sp?)? IMHO I don't think you need to be doing 1 hr of cardio that's really alot.

 

[BOWTECH]

Well, I feel like I have to much fat on my body, and I am really concentrating on fat burning....I have tried different variations of cardio, I have just up'd it about 2 weeks ago, and I am starting to see some definition in my arms, I can finally see my collar bone...(I know this sounds silly, but I have waited a long time to see my collar bone,,lol.

Anyway, this is why I have been doing so much cardio.

I appreciate your input...I guess I can stick to 30-40 post training, and just take a full day off on my off days...

I am a personal trainer. What I do with alot of my female clients is, I tell them forget about the scale right now. What I want you to do is get a pair of pants that you can fit into but they are really a little bit to tight. This is how we are going to judge your bf loss. When they can fit comfortably into those pants I have them grab the next size smaller. This way they can avoid the weight game of the scale.

Just seeing them come back into the gym and tell me that they can fit into that pair of jeans is great. It also gives them something to work toward. I have had quite a few clients that wore a size 14-16 and now they are into a 6-8.

After they have made progress with the clothing then I'll have them step on the scale. Just to prove the weight loss. Stick with it. You can do it!

 

[BOWTECH]

I am a personal trainer. What I do with alot of my female clients is, I tell them forget about the scale right now. What I want you to do is get a pair of pants that you can fit into but they are really a little bit to tight. This is how we are going to judge your bf loss. When they can fit comfortably into those pants I have them grab the next size smaller. This way they can avoid the weight game of the scale.

Just seeing them come back into the gym and tell me that they can fit into that pair of jeans is great. It also gives them something to work toward. I have had quite a few clients that wore a size 14-16 and now they are into a 6-8.

After they have made progress with the clothing then I'll have them step on the scale. Just to prove the weight loss. Stick with it. You can do it!

In regards to cardio 6 days/week 30-40 minutes. And DO NOT take it easy. Bust your ass and they results will come. I read your post and it looks like your are seeing results already. Keep it up!

 

[want2bhot]

COOL...thanks for your input, I totally appreciate it. I've only been on this forum for a little while, and have gotten some great advice from everyone....I used to feel stupid telling people about how much I weigh, and what my BF is, because a feel like a cow....but, you all do not make me feel that way at all...THANK YOU ALL FOR THAT...I am pretty driven and dedicated, I just get frustrated some times.

Once again thanks for the input.

In regards to cardio 6 days/week 30-40 minutes. And DO NOT take it easy. Bust your ass and they results will come. I read your post and it looks like your are seeing results already. Keep it up!

 

[BOWTECH]

COOL...thanks for your input, I totally appreciate it. I've only been on this forum for a little while, and have gotten some great advice from everyone....I used to feel stupid telling people about how much I weigh, and what my BF is, because a feel like a cow....but, you all do not make me feel that way at all...THANK YOU ALL FOR THAT...I am pretty driven and dedicated, I just get frustrated some times.

Once again thanks for the input.

Just remember the only question that is stupid is the one you are afraid to ask. There is alot of knowledge here at Elite. Use it as much as you can and you WILL achieve your goals. Im on your side. Keep kickin ass girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Miss24k]

In regards to cardio 6 days/week 30-40 minutes. And DO NOT take it easy. Bust your ass and they results will come. I read your post and it looks like your are seeing results already. Keep it up!

Are you telling her she should be doing cardio 6 times a week?

What happens when her body plateaus with these 6 sessions?

Losing bodyfat is mostly about diet!!!

Want2

You want to lose bodyfat, then you need to have a good look at your diet!

Can you post it up and have us take a look at it?

 

[BOWTECH]

Are you telling her she should be doing cardio 6 times a week?

What happens when her body plateaus with these 6 sessions?

Losing bodyfat is mostly about diet!!!

Want2

You want to lose bodyfat, then you need to have a good look at your diet!

Can you post it up and have us take a look at it?

I agree you 100% on the diet. Im just saying I have never seen a cardio plateau. I have my clients constantly changing up cardio routines. You have to constantly shock the body to keep changes coming.

I have been doing cardio 6 days a week for 5 years and never have hit any kind of plateau. Then again I have not had a pop (soda) or candy bar since 1992.

 

[want2bhot]

Well, I have started a diet a few weeks ago given to me by "Bunny"...she was great for doing that...Here's what I have been doing lately...Say my diet yesterday:

8am 1/2 cup cream of wheat w/water
1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese w/fresh strawberries (about 1/2c)

11a protein shake (Whey light protein)
small apple

2:00pm 6oz tuna on top of spinach salad with 1/2 c kidney beans
Rice Vinegar dressing

4pm 12 protein shake
small peach

7:30 chicken breast grilled
1/2 c mixed vegetables
1/2 c brown rice

I drink about 3 of the 1 liter bottles of water a day, not counting water I drink with each meal (about 8oz.)

I have been following this pretty good, I have been getting a lot of compliments lately, so I know something is working

 

[irmat]

That's a very good routine. There is nothing wrong with 45 minutes cardio. On the contrary, cardio workout has a lot of health benefits.

 

[momsgettinfit]

Of course Cardio is great for a number of health reasons. What I was saying is what I mean by plateau is what is she going to do when she's hits on in her weight loss or bf loss. Tighten your diet yes and also you can up your cardio some. If your already doing tons of cardio then what? See what I'm saying?

 

[*Bunny*]

Well, I have started a diet a few weeks ago given to me by "Bunny"...she was great for doing that...Here's what I have been doing lately...Say my diet yesterday:

8am 1/2 cup cream of wheat w/water
1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese w/fresh strawberries (about 1/2c)

11a protein shake (Whey light protein)
small apple

2:00pm 6oz tuna on top of spinach salad with 1/2 c kidney beans
Rice Vinegar dressing

4pm 12 protein shake
small peach

7:30 chicken breast grilled
1/2 c mixed vegetables
1/2 c brown rice

I drink about 3 of the 1 liter bottles of water a day, not counting water I drink with each meal (about 8oz.)

I have been following this pretty good, I have been getting a lot of compliments lately, so I know something is working

YOU are the one working darlin'!

Keep it up

 

[*Bunny*]

COOL...thanks for your input, I totally appreciate it. I've only been on this forum for a little while, and have gotten some great advice from everyone....I used to feel stupid telling people about how much I weigh, and what my BF is, because a feel like a cow....but, you all do not make me feel that way at all...THANK YOU ALL FOR THAT...I am pretty driven and dedicated, I just get frustrated some times.

Once again thanks for the input.

Hey girl. I remember you really wanted to see results fast = frustration. You are on the right track, seeing results and things will only get better if you stick with it and listen to your body.

I can see all sides of this issue here with cardio, too much, not enough, plenty, the right kind, etc... While there is truth to everything stated above, you need to find what works for you. Eventually, after awhile, what has worked in the past may no longer give you such awesome results, hence the term ‘plateau’…In that case you would need to change up routine (cardio, DIET and/or weight training split) to shock your body etc... I think we are ALL on the same page here. Agreed?

You were about a size 18, 39% BF. Last I remember you made it down to a 14 and 30% BF which is fantastic!

But I'd like to know exactly WHAT you are doing for cardio before telling you what is too much. I may get reamed for this but I do think 3 days of intense HIIT with 1-2 days of easy/moderate is okay for YOU if you can handle it. Especially while you still have excess fat to come off and feel you will NOT burn yourself out. Too much cardio is one major reason I often see uneducated women fail. (uneducated in the benefits of HIIT & Weights)

That is still 4-5 days of cardio, but 3 days HIIT, pick 1-2 other days to be a class, tae bo, pilates, something like that (if you feel you need to DO something).

When I 1st started my log I did some HIIT sessions - 5 min warm up, 5 min cool down and 20 minutes all-out-balls-to-the-wall intervals. I mean people were staring, whispering, I sounded like I was going to come through the floor... One minute go all out, one minute recover or 30 sec ALL OUT / 30 sec recover... whatever works for you. Heck, 30 minutes, I was done. I would shower, leave an hour later and STILL see the same people on the same cardio machine (sometimes even another) same pace, every day, same size, no results.

Lets see exactly what you are doing for cardio and go from there (and I mean exactly please )

 

[mermaid]

Hey girl. I remember you really wanted to see results fast = frustration. You are on the right track, seeing results and things will only get better if you stick with it and listen to your body.

I can see all sides of this issue here with cardio, too much, not enough, plenty, the right kind, etc... While there is truth to everything stated above, you need to find what works for you. Eventually, after awhile, what has worked in the past may no longer give you such awesome results, hence the term ‘plateau’…In that case you would need to change up routine (cardio, DIET and/or weight training split) to shock your body etc... I think we are ALL on the same page here. Agreed?

You were about a size 18, 39% BF. Last I remember you made it down to a 14 and 30% BF which is fantastic!

But I'd like to know exactly WHAT you are doing for cardio before telling you what is too much. I may get reamed for this but I do think 3 days of intense HIIT with 1-2 days of easy/moderate is okay for YOU if you can handle it. Especially while you still have excess fat to come off and feel you will NOT burn yourself out. Too much cardio is one major reason I often see uneducated women fail. (uneducated in the benefits of HIIT & Weights)

That is still 4-5 days of cardio, but 3 days HIIT, pick 1-2 other days to be a class, tae bo, pilates, something like that (if you feel you need to DO something).

When I 1st started my log I did some HIIT sessions - 5 min warm up, 5 min cool down and 20 minutes all-out-balls-to-the-wall intervals. I mean people were staring, whispering, I sounded like I was going to come through the floor... One minute go all out, one minute recover or 30 sec ALL OUT / 30 sec recover... whatever works for you. Heck, 30 minutes, I was done. I would shower, leave an hour later and STILL see the same people on the same cardio machine (sometimes even another) same pace, every day, same size, no results.

Lets see exactly what you are doing for cardio and go from there (and I mean exactly please )

I can't send you karma. I "loff" you *Bunny*

 

[Evil_Frisky]

With Proper diet alot of that cardio can be avoided. I would still do it a few days a week but don't kill yourself with it. Some intense training and a good clean diet can and will do the trick.

 

[want2bhot]

Thanks Bunny...Well, I do 30 minutes on the eliptical, at an interval setting, I usually start out at a 6, and then move up to 8 and just hit it hard then cool down about 5 minutes, so it is like 5 min. warm up, 20 hiit (I think...), and 5 minutes cool down...this is post weight training...Then when I do strictly cardio, no weights I do the same as above and then I add 30 minutes of walking on treadmill at incline of 10, i go up and down every like 4-5 minutes.

Let me know,

Hey girl. I remember you really wanted to see results fast = frustration. You are on the right track, seeing results and things will only get better if you stick with it and listen to your body.

I can see all sides of this issue here with cardio, too much, not enough, plenty, the right kind, etc... While there is truth to everything stated above, you need to find what works for you. Eventually, after awhile, what has worked in the past may no longer give you such awesome results, hence the term ‘plateau’…In that case you would need to change up routine (cardio, DIET and/or weight training split) to shock your body etc... I think we are ALL on the same page here. Agreed?

You were about a size 18, 39% BF. Last I remember you made it down to a 14 and 30% BF which is fantastic!

But I'd like to know exactly WHAT you are doing for cardio before telling you what is too much. I may get reamed for this but I do think 3 days of intense HIIT with 1-2 days of easy/moderate is okay for YOU if you can handle it. Especially while you still have excess fat to come off and feel you will NOT burn yourself out. Too much cardio is one major reason I often see uneducated women fail. (uneducated in the benefits of HIIT & Weights)

That is still 4-5 days of cardio, but 3 days HIIT, pick 1-2 other days to be a class, tae bo, pilates, something like that (if you feel you need to DO something).

When I 1st started my log I did some HIIT sessions - 5 min warm up, 5 min cool down and 20 minutes all-out-balls-to-the-wall intervals. I mean people were staring, whispering, I sounded like I was going to come through the floor... One minute go all out, one minute recover or 30 sec ALL OUT / 30 sec recover... whatever works for you. Heck, 30 minutes, I was done. I would shower, leave an hour later and STILL see the same people on the same cardio machine (sometimes even another) same pace, every day, same size, no results.

Lets see exactly what you are doing for cardio and go from there (and I mean exactly please )