: Cardio vs. weight training question

January 26, 2003

> ,

This is from my other group. I thought of you because of how you say

you don't do cardio. I know you have done wonderfully but this explains

I think why it is good to do both.

Take care,

Gena

> He is right, actually--but not about the health aspects.

> Yes, weight training does provide a heart healthy boost, but not in

> the same manner as cardio. Cardio also boosts your fitness level much

> better than strength training alone. Show me a weight lifter who does

> not do cardio that can run 2 miles.

>

> Twice a week is all that you need to build enough muscle and maintain

> that muscle, but you will have to work every single muscle group in

> one day, which can take more time than you like. The goal is to train

> each muscle group twice a week, for instance, M-W lower body; Tue-Th

> upper body. Body building and fitness competitors only train one

> muscle group per week: M-bi's, T-chest, W-back, etc. They train so

> hard that they need a week to allow that muscle to rebuild.

>

> I think that your trainer was rightly concerned that you will

> compromise your ability to gain muscle doing that much cardio--cardio

> demands a lot of energy and what isn't supplied by your glycogen and

> available fat is supplied by your muscle tissue. If you enjoy your

> cardio, please don't let that stop you since you probably aren't

> trying to look like a body builder anyway. You will still be able to

> gain plenty of muscle for an energy boost, strength and firmness. I

> am always flabbergasted by people who can run more than 5 miles!

>

> So listen to your heart. Your trainer sounds like he knows his stuff,

> but there is no harm in continuing your cardio. The most important

> factor in losing fat without compromising your muscle gains too badly

> is NOT to lose more than 2 pounds a week. Once you get to your goal

> you can add all the muscle you want (muscle growth takes more

> calories).

>

> ~Stacie

>

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