Cardio on weight training days?

[Jessie]

Hi Cathe,

You have been so helpful to me in the past that I thought I would ask this of you (and anyone else!).

I have recently joined a gym and am loving the machines there. I am doing upper body alternated with lower body. My question is: how many minutes of cardio is considered good for helping with body fat loss? I usually like to use the treadmill.

I am not so much interested in weight loss, but more in decreasing my body fat.

Thanks in advance!
Jessica

 

[competition bound]

Hi Jessica!! I'm not Cathe but this is what I have been taught.During the first 20min of cardio your body uses glucose in your muscles for fuel. After about 20min of steady aerobic activity, your body taps into it's fat stores. People say a minimum of 20min. I believe a minimum of 30min is better. For optimal fat loss cardio should range 45-60min.
Hope this helps ya!

Aimee

 

[MadnNatsmom]

I agree with Aimee, although we are all different.

I was running 3 or 4X per week for about 30 minutes, but really didn't see significant fat reduction until I increased my running duration to 45-60 minutes.