Monday, January 21, 2013

The myths about cardio

Why is it that when doing cardio we may seem more wiped out after our workouts and sweat more.

Well, I've got news for you - just because you sweat more, does NOT mean a superior workout.
Even if you are sore the next day or are totally wiped out after your workouts, it does NOT mean it was a better workout.

Why?

Let me see if I can explain this once and for all. I am so tired of people saying - well I need to get my cardio in.
What do you think will change your body more - 3 spinning classes a week or 3 strength training sessions a week consisting of push ups, pull ups and squats? If you could do 10 full push ups, 5 dead hang pull ups, and could squat your body weight - don'tcha think you'd look a lot better than spinning your wheels day after day?

Here's the scoop. Yes, its true, during a cardio session you can burn a ton of calories. But your metabolic rate returns to normal within 30 minutes of ending your workout.
HIIT workouts and/or strength training workouts CHANGE your metabolic rate permanently over time to be more efficient.
These types of workouts can keep your metabolism elevated for up to 48 hrs after your done.

You need to hormonally change your metabolic rate in order to lose fat and look better. Steady state cardio does not do that.
Muscle burns fat even at rest. More muscle means a higher metabolism. Muscle takes up less space than fat.

Strength training has a hormonal response on the body unlike cardio. It helps the body to produce enough testosterone to tone or build muscle. This is what changes your body.

Whether you want to tone your glutes, or build huge biceps, it is testosterone that does this. Testosterone is not affected (enough) by spinning, or step class or running outside. There has to be enough stress on your nervous system for changes to occur hormonally. This is why strength training is necessary to produce results.

I hope this makes sense. Send questions my way if it does not!

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