SEMOROOKIE
Newb
What do you guys do for cardio? I usualy run 4-6 miles a day, but its rough on my knees.
Cardio??
- Thread starter SEMOROOKIE
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Swellin
Community Veteran
It depends on your goals. If you run 4-6 miles a day, your goals must not be to get as big as possible. That type of cardio will be catabolic. Most just walk 3.5mph 3 times a week for 45-60 minutes.
That will suffice for most of us who are just trying to get bigger and stronger. Much more than that, and you are trading off muscle development for cardiovascular fitness.
I do much more than that, but my goals no longer revolve around increasing my size and my strength as much as possible. fat loss and cardiovascular fitness are at the top of my list now.
My knees won't let me run either. try an exercise bike. It really helps.
That will suffice for most of us who are just trying to get bigger and stronger. Much more than that, and you are trading off muscle development for cardiovascular fitness.
I do much more than that, but my goals no longer revolve around increasing my size and my strength as much as possible. fat loss and cardiovascular fitness are at the top of my list now.
My knees won't let me run either. try an exercise bike. It really helps.
SEMOROOKIE
Newb
What if I dropped down to 2 miles a day and 60 min of the walking? Also I need to get my HR up to 120 and keep it there right??
B bOy CrAyOn
Learning the Ways
so lets say i wanted to still put on some size and get rid of the lil bit of fat covering my bottom 4 abs would walking first thing in the morning at 3.5 on an emtpy stomach 6 days out of the week be good enough cardio to cut that fat off ?
B bOy CrAyOn
Learning the Ways
just thought id ask cuzz i hate running
Walking is fine. The more intensely you work, the more calories you are going to burn. If you're just looking to keep fat down, walking gets the job done but it takes more time than running. I need cardiovascular fitness too, so I generally exercise at a higher intensity. I have a bad low back and running is hard on it, so I do a variety of cardio - running, bike, stairclimber, etc.
B bOy CrAyOn
Learning the Ways
so lets say 30 minutes of walking or so and 15 on the bike and 15 on a eliptical machine will be good enough?.... i just hate the intense stuff... i would much rather prefer a fast pace walk...that wont cut the fat down tho?
Juggernaut2148
Wolverine! Where?!
I've found that an eliptical set with a decent amount of resistance for 45 minutes works perfect for both dropping weight and getting the heart rate where it needs to be and stay there the duration. I set the resistance low and just start walking. Once I'm warmed up I can pick up the pace a little but not much.
Chicago Made
New member
I use the eliptical machine for anywhere from 45-60 minutes, at a fat burn pace (not too intense but just enough to keep the heart rate up).
Also, just to maintain as much lean muscle mass as possible I have JUST a protein shake prior. Later I may have "my shake" (w/ oats and all).
During my cardio I have my water bottle which has just a teaspoon of gatorade powder and 1 1/2 teaspoon glutamine. I do this so my body doesn't deplete too much as I do my cardio. When that's gone I just stop, go fill up w/ water, and continue. But it usually lasts the whole session.
I also take my 1st multi-vitamin of the day post cardio (If cardio is the first thing I do in a.m). Your body is going to be craving those vitamins and nutrients, feed it.
Also, just to maintain as much lean muscle mass as possible I have JUST a protein shake prior. Later I may have "my shake" (w/ oats and all).
During my cardio I have my water bottle which has just a teaspoon of gatorade powder and 1 1/2 teaspoon glutamine. I do this so my body doesn't deplete too much as I do my cardio. When that's gone I just stop, go fill up w/ water, and continue. But it usually lasts the whole session.
I also take my 1st multi-vitamin of the day post cardio (If cardio is the first thing I do in a.m). Your body is going to be craving those vitamins and nutrients, feed it.
The only cardio I do is the elliptical machine. I can get the heart rate up, burn fat (easily), and its easy on my knees!
I do 20 minutes on avg, but go to 25 minutes once in a great while.
I feel I can burn fat easy, while keeping size.
I will go moderate for 5 minutes which I kinda use as a warm up.
Then for the remaining 15 minutes I go one minute sprinting then one minute moderate and do that over again until my 20 minutes are up.
Sometimes it varies depending how I feel or what my goals are.
I do 20 minutes on avg, but go to 25 minutes once in a great while.
I feel I can burn fat easy, while keeping size.
I will go moderate for 5 minutes which I kinda use as a warm up.
Then for the remaining 15 minutes I go one minute sprinting then one minute moderate and do that over again until my 20 minutes are up.
Sometimes it varies depending how I feel or what my goals are.
Miss Muscle
New member
Swellin said:
What do you mean "that type" of cardio is catabolic? Running itself? Is there a difference with a different type of cardio?
I mostly run for cardio myself.
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