You don't have to do cardio!!!

I don't mind going to the gym, in fact I love weight training. But I loathe cardio. And, going to the gym and not doing cardio always made me feel guilty, like what I was doing wasn't good enough. But I'm here to remind you that it's just not true!!!

I've attached a link to an article that summarizes nicely the cardio/weight lifting for debate, and its SHORT. But I'll summarize the findings even further (still read the article):

1. To knockout fat and keep it off? Strength training
2. To squash stress? Cardio
3. To love standing naked in front of a mirror? Strength training
4. To stay off the sideline? Strength training
5. To add years to your life? Cardio
6. To reach the finish line faster? Draw

Woo Hoo!!

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/cardio-vs-strength-tr aining-workouts

One of the things I love about my muscle pump class is that it combines both.  We use weights (bars mainly) to music and do lots of reps with little time between each muscle group.  My heart rate definately gets up as much as it does with Zumba.  The Sunday Zumba I do is Zumba toning with 1lb weights.  I guess both of my favorite classes has some of both.

I like a combination too. In particular, I always loved cardio kickboxing. Wish they offered it at my gym.

I've been reading lately that strength training is as good as, if not better than cardio.  The main reason I did cardio is to get my stamina up.  My lung capacity tends to be rather shallow and I have to work to build it up.  My legs can run for miles, my lungs, not-so-much.

I guess the other reason I haven't focused on strength training is because I really don't know what I'm doing.  I've joined gyms where they show you how to use the machines, but when i go to do it myself I wonder if I'm doing it right.

IF/WHEN I get to the gym again, I may need to hire a personal trainer.  Someone to make me accountable, egg me on, encourage me and show me how to do it right...

My lung capacity is weak too. I really do wish that I enjoyed cardio for that reason.

I didn't know what I was doing at first and was intimidated by the machines. Now I do a combination of machines and free weights. It's lots of fun. Fortunately I had my sister to show me the ropes. I think a personal trainer can be a huge help. And remember, you only need one or two sessions to get down some of the basics. You can always bring them back for more.

Lauren

My membership came with 1/2 hr with a personal trainer and it was helpful to get an orientation, plus I was still rehabing my new knee.  I have gotten her back again when I got stronger and able to do more.  But I really almost never go in the weight room.  I do so much better in a class where I am being pushed by the trainer and the group.  Then the issue is adjusting your schedule to the class offerings and that is hard sometimes. 

I just read something this week (can't remember where) that cardio burns calories, and weight training burns fat.  I think a good plan is to do both. I like to exercise at the "fat burning" lower intensity level on the machines at the gym, and do upper and lower body each 2x a week. I am too lazy to do the  "cardio training" level. LOL  don't want exercise to hurt for Gosh sakes.

If I hated cardio I wouldn't do it.  You have to find an exercise plan that makes you happy,not miserable.

Anne

Funny thing...I do better with cardio than I do with strength training...

Good to know, especially on those days I just want to do yoga.