PostsThere’s so much debate about whether or not cardio’s useful, that it’s tough to know what to believe. However, take the time to look into this subject matter and you’ll quickly realize that “traditional cardio” is what’s worthless, not cardio in general. No other aspect of the average fitness regimen is so ineffective when misunderstood.
But what exactly is “cardio”?
Most people would consider cardio to be pumping away mindlessly on a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, or coasting on an elliptical machine, while watching the TV screen at their state of the art gym. This is what I call “traditional cardio”.
But if you look closer, “cardio” exercise can be considered any type of exercise or activity that strengthens the cardiovascular system. If this definition is taking into consideration when defining cardio then you can consider just about any exercise in the world as cardio even such things as weight training exercises because they are still strengthening your heart. Therefore, the next time you want to refer to weight training as solely a muscular system exercise, think again.
To the inexperienced, the bench press is considered only as a weight training exercise. However, I challenge you to do a hard set of around 10-15 reps on the C&P. If you used a challenging enough weight, what you’ll find is that your heart rate is probably up to about 80-90% of your recommended max, and you are huffing and puffing like you just ran a 100-meter sprint (which by the way, sprinting kicks the crap out of jogging any day if you want the easiest way to lose the flab).
Try the same thing for a set of 20 reps of one-arm snatches or swings with each arm with a kettlebell or dumbbell, and tell me your legs aren’t burning, heart racing, and you’re gasping for breath. How about trying 5 minutes straight of bodyweight squats, lunges, and push-ups with very little rest. Again, notice your heart pounding, sweat pouring off of you, and chest heaving for breaths!
Try and tell me you’re not conditioning your heart with this style of training! Conventional thinking says that these are weight training or strength training exercises.
Not only do you save time, but you strengthen and condition almost every muscle in your entire body with these full body exercises if you do them with enough intensity…something that can’t be said for that boring stationary bike ride or treadmill jaunt while reading or watching TV.
If you can watch TV while doing cardio in fact, I’d go so far as to say you’re doing it wrong Try making some changes and see if you don’t see better results, you’ll be surprised. However if you’re looking for specifics on better weight loss online, take a look at physical becomings.
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