The love Hate Relationship Between your body and Cardio

I want to know...

For some people, walking into the gym and hopping on a cardio machine like the cardio bunny they are is routine, and for those of us like Fat Amy, it is not the most desirable situation.  

Maybe there is a reason some of us want nothing to do with the weight room...maybe that reason is that you don't know how or haven't read my blog about why you should want everything to do with the weight room. 

But that doesn't cut us iron addicts any slack.  As much as we would like to deny that cardio is beneficial, it is. 
      Keep in mind though, lifting weights can definitely be a form of cardio, try a moderate to heavy weight for 10-12 reps at full range of motion and exertion. ex: Squats, moderate to heavy weight that you can just get to about 12 of, get in a good moderately quick pace up and down without lock out/pause on top and trust me, you're going to be breathing like you just did a sprint.

Neither people are wrong, but neither are right either.  There are a lot of pros and cons to cardio and lots of controversy behind types and times, my motto is find what works best for you and stick to it.  

So let's get to the point...

Pros: 

1. Stamina and endurance increases w/ progression
   
2. High intensity cardio=greater Excess Post Oxygen Consumption=higher metabolism=more calorie burn
   
3. Risk of Chronic Disease reduced
   
4. Lower Resting Heart Rate (endurance from demands on heart during exercise exertion)
   
5. Weight loss 
   
6. Burn excess and extra calories (More calories out than in= weight loss)
   
7. Burn fat with both long duration and HIIT sessions depending on fitness level, dedication, and how you do them.
   
8. Increase Energy
   

Cons:

1. Wear and tear on joints, ligaments, and muscles without proper progression or rest
2. Cellular damage if inadequate amt. of antioxidants
3. THE GYM RATS BIGGEST FEAR: Atrophy of muscles=definition: "waste away, typically due to the degeneration of cells..."  (frequent long, extensive, and heavy cardio will cause this) need to replace with calories and glycogen so body doesn't eat the muscle for energy and instead uses fat and glycogen stores
4. Injuries which develop overtime and remain like tendonitis, joint pain, osteophytes, shin splints, and more.
5. Can be boring and repetitive 
6. Even though it increases energy, that can have a negative affect on people trying to get some sleep right after their cardio session, try early afternoon or morning sessions if it keeps you from sleeping!
7. Cannot build and tone muscles on its own to their fullest potential 
8. Being in the "fat burn heart rate zone"  on the Cardio Machines don't tell you exactly what or how your body is reacting. High intensity is better for overall fitness training whether it be athleticism, fat burn, or weight loss.  I believe anyone of any level can do HIIT. Like any form of training there are different levels! If you are a beginner start with tabata type training with 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds without work for 10 min and work your way up to more intense training.  I have a FREE HIIT PROGRAM with both modifications and advancements so anyone can give it a shot or reach out to me with any questions regarding the program!

Now it is up to you, get in the gym and mix it up.  You need to do all types of training for the best results.  Variation within a consistent routine plan and program is good and keeps your muscles, mind, and body guessing. Hit the weight room and throw in some High Intensity Interval Training! You will not regret it and your body will thank you for it!