Anyone else a cardio addict?

[MRSchultz]

I am totally and completely addicted to cardio. Anyone else? I can do hours of cardio a day, but to get me to lift some weights is another story. If it's a circuit workout, well....OK, but give me my cardio. I'm trying really hard to add it in because I know the benefits are huge and it would help me lose weight, but I just can't get past my love for cardio all the time.

Anyone else feel this way? Maybe we can help each other out??

Marcia.

 

[lcobb2]

Marcia,

Here's my story--I am a cardio junkie as well. I used to run marathons. Although I only did six, I've run lots of other distances as well. After I set a personal record in a marathon, I tried to run the following week. I realized that I was injured with ITB (Illiotibal Band Syndrome). I couldn't run and it felt like I lost my identity. Then I discovered yoga. I started doing power yoga. Although it's not really resistance training, I was able to start sculpting my muscles. Then I discovered weight training. It was only after I started lifting weights did I actually see the changes in my body. Now I'm a yoga instructor and personal trainer (moonlighting). I've never been more fit. I still do cardio about 30-45 minutes per day, but once I started lifting heavy weights (!) is when I noticed the change in my body. Cardio strips the fat, weight training sculpts the muscles. I think that clean eating is 70-80% of the equation. This means that I can literally work my butt off in the gym, but negate everything that I've done with one meal. I eat to fuel my workouts and sculpt my muscle.

So, if it takes a while and you're will do go the circuit route. However, I promise you that if you make the commitment to lift weights (heavy for you) then you will really see the changes in your physique.

Take care,

Laura


"The difficult periods of life provide the best opportunities to gain useful experiences and develop inner strength. " ~ Dalai Lama

 

[Miss Lee]

I'm the exact opposite. I've always hated cardio (I started the cardio haters check-in group), and been addicted to lifting weights! I've come to realize that it took finding the right kind of cardio to encourage a proper addiction (machines -- I LOVE my elliptical, with Cardio Coach, of course!).

I think Cathe has some of the most fun weight lifting DVD's out there. I had worked out in a gym with a personal trainer for years and I really didn't think Cathe's workouts would do anything for me. I was quickly humbled.

The 4DS is my current favorite, and it's all I can do to contain my excitement over STS. I'm trying so hard not to get my hopes up for a summer release.

ETA that it really is so important to strike a balance between cardio and weights. Neither one of them can get the job done alone -- it requires both. Sad but true. ;-)

 

[endorphin_junkie]

I am a dyed in the wool cardio addicted endorphin junkie!! I love the way I can think or not think when my heart rate is racing. I indulged for years then joined a gym and started doing cardio/sculpt classes, saw what weights did for my physique and how muscular strength enhanced my cardio experiences. I started doing BodyPump classes and loved the way it was like a whooole different sweat to lift like that. I have now found a good balance between cardio and weights for endurance/strength. I admit that cardio is always a part of my workout even if it's just 10 or 15 minutes to get the cobwebs out and get the endorphins flowing. Cardio will always be my first love but I've learned to love the other stuff too.

Take Care
Laurie

 

[MRSchultz]

Thanks for all those responses, you have got me thinking. ;-) Seeing the change in my physique is what I'm looking for, so I guess I better start loading up on weights. I'll have to order some, since I don't have too many of the weight workouts, but all the cardio. ;-) (imagine that!)

Your stories have inspired me - thank you!

Marcia

 

[nspire]

OMG, I have to admit I'm a cardio junkie too. I got married at a very young age due to pregnancy(father made me) and I began working out basically cardio and found out the stress it relieved. I could run on the treadmill for hours. Between cardio and abs that was all I ever did. Uhm, come to mention it my abs were looking pretty good back then too. I eventually started lifting but cardio is still my heart. It's been hard for me to break the habit. I feel I don't get that pump if I'm not doing cardio.

 

[gogigi]

I enjoy cardio more and more now that I've discovered Amy Bento, Kelly Coffey-Meyer, Kimberly Spreen, and Sharon Twombly. I have to MAKE myself NOT do one of Amy's cardio every cardio day. I don't know that I'm up there with the addict status, but I sure do enjoy my cardio workouts!!!
Angela

 

[jdawnc]

I love cardio too that's my anti depressant.

For instance I did Gauntlet yesterday and woke up this morning in a good mood. My husband wanted to know if I was abducted by aliens ;-)