I totally agree with what Mark is saying here. Cardio when done in a very targeted and balanced manner is EXTREMELY beneficial. It's NOT a waste of time.
In fact, I include it all my muscle building programs as well! But for optimal fat loss, interval training is key.
Just like any type of training, cardio is a tool that should be used when it's warranted. I think the way a lot of people think of cardio is comparable to hammering a nail with a screwdriver...eventually, the nail may get driven in but it's NOT the most efficient way to go.
It's an essential part of a balanced program. Bottom line.
Nick Nilsson http://www.fitstep.com
Anonymous
· 2 years ago
I couldn't have said it better myself Nick :)
I know from personal expreience that in order to get that last bit of bodyfat to really get a move on, all it takes is some well-planned cardio - and sticking to it of course - while keeping up the weight training and proper nutrition.
Valid for guys and gals :)
Sarah http://www.trainwithsarah.com
Anonymous
· 2 years ago
this was tom venutos article
Marc
· 2 years ago
No. This was MY article after I took extra time to write it. I cannot help it if somebody beats me to the punch to post a comment on a news story.
I will agree they are talking about the same "story."
Steven (Vengeance)
· 2 years ago
I don't think interval training is what people are talking about when they say cardio is a waste of time. I think they're talking about the hours long monotonous biking or jogging. Interval training is anything but monotonous.
If you're going to call interval training "cardio", then you might as well call strength training cardio as well, they're two different categories(hell, scientists are saying that guys looking at boobs is a sort of cardio workout). Haven't you ever heard fighters talk about conditioning, conditioning, conditioning? Conditioning is key? Interval training is basically what fighters do, called "conditioning"; more like sprinting, with short bursts of all out effort. Por ejemplo, a boxer would go all out on the punching bag, then jump rope for a while, then go all out doing pushups, then jump rope for a while, then go all out running laps around the ring, then jump rope for a while...that's called conditioning, or what you guys are calling interval training.
The monotonous exercise dubbed "cardio" goes by no other name but cardio, wherein I think the miscommunication lies. In my opinion, that "cardio" is a waste of time for any healthy individual. Only maybe if you're severely obese or have slight heart problems, you may want to start off there, then move on to strength training and conditioning when you're ready.
Steven (Vengeance)
Marc
· 2 years ago
"I don't think interval training is what people are talking about when they say cardio is a waste of time."
Actually in some "new" diets that's exactly what they are saying.
I'll use this quote from one author.
"If you want to lose weight, then you should never do cardiovascular exercise."
And by that it meant, no interval training, no monotonous cardio and no conditioning.
Just strength training.
Aerobic training (interval training, cardio, conditioning) is part of a sound fitness program.
Excessive or monotonous cardio as you say would be detremental and if only these books were making mention of that but clearly some of them are not.
Lu
· 2 years ago
I'm gobsmacked that anyone should say that cardio training is a waste of time. Though I'm no body builder, but a fitness freak, I do a fair amount of weight training as well as cardio conditioning.
By the way, fabulous blog Marc, glad I discovered this just in time for my research for my website.
Lu Junyong http://www.articlesjoy.com/body-building/
All Comments
In fact, I include it all my muscle building programs as well! But for optimal fat loss, interval training is key.
Just like any type of training, cardio is a tool that should be used when it's warranted. I think the way a lot of people think of cardio is comparable to hammering a nail with a screwdriver...eventually, the nail may get driven in but it's NOT the most efficient way to go.
It's an essential part of a balanced program. Bottom line.
Nick Nilsson
http://www.fitstep.com
I know from personal expreience that in order to get that last bit of bodyfat to really get a move on, all it takes is some well-planned cardio - and sticking to it of course - while keeping up the weight training and proper nutrition.
Valid for guys and gals :)
Sarah
http://www.trainwithsarah.com
I will agree they are talking about the same "story."
If you're going to call interval training "cardio", then you might as well call strength training cardio as well, they're two different categories(hell, scientists are saying that guys looking at boobs is a sort of cardio workout). Haven't you ever heard fighters talk about conditioning, conditioning, conditioning?
Conditioning is key? Interval training is basically what fighters do, called "conditioning"; more like sprinting, with short bursts of all out effort. Por ejemplo, a boxer would go all out on the punching bag, then jump rope for a while, then go all out doing pushups, then jump rope for a while, then go all out running laps around the ring, then jump rope for a while...that's called conditioning, or what you guys are calling interval training.
The monotonous exercise dubbed "cardio" goes by no other name but cardio, wherein I think the miscommunication lies. In my opinion, that "cardio" is a waste of time for any healthy individual. Only maybe if you're severely obese or have slight heart problems, you may want to start off there, then move on to strength training and conditioning when you're ready.
Steven
(Vengeance)
Actually in some "new" diets that's exactly what they are saying.
I'll use this quote from one author.
"If you want to lose weight, then you should never do cardiovascular exercise."
And by that it meant, no interval training, no monotonous cardio and no conditioning.
Just strength training.
Aerobic training (interval training, cardio, conditioning) is part of a sound fitness program.
Excessive or monotonous cardio as you say would be detremental and if only these books were making mention of that but clearly some of them are not.
By the way, fabulous blog Marc, glad I discovered this just in time for my research for my website.
Lu Junyong
http://www.articlesjoy.com/body-building/