Cardio? Seven days a week?

I

Ivy

Cathlete
Does anyone do cardio seven days a week even if they are varying their cardio and is that okay, it seems like it would be? :D
 
I guess you have to listen to your body. I usually try and rest after six days, but have done seven or more before. It kind of depends on how you feel. I know when I was getting ready for my class reunion last August, I was doing heavy cardio (incorporated with strength workouts) 6 days (or more at times) and sometimes my body said I was tired after the 5th or 6th day. For cardio, I was doing big workouts like the Imaxes, Rhythmic Step, Step Blast, Kick Punch and Crunch, etc. Plus I was incorporating heavy weight training as well (Gym Styles, Pyramids, etc.) You really do have to listen to your body (like Cathe has said but I don't always do!). Don't overdo it. After doing both the wrong and right ways, the right way is better, in my experience!

Julie
 
Never. I know some trainers o.k. it but when I asked Sean O'Malley about doing Cardio Coach on consecutive days he said he didn't recommend it.
 
I've always heard you should have at least 1 rest day. Your heart is a muscle and it needs rest too. But then again, I just heard about a "Streakers Runners Club" where people run every day for years, like 20 + years. That's a lot of cardio days in a row.
 
Ivy said:
Does anyone do cardio seven days a week even if they are varying their cardio and is that okay, it seems like it would be? :D
Click to expand...

Any plan I've read about that talked 7 days a week cardio usually had day 7 (like a Sunday) as an active activity day...Meaning activities like playing a game of basketball, taking dogs/kids to park and playing, rollerblading etc..In other words...Just being physically active vs couch potato.

Personally I am a huge believer that our bodies are healthiest when we listen to it- take rest days when our bodies are tired vs just every 7th day.... There are times when my body needs a rest day every 3-4 days and times its evey 10 days.....

Rest days are both mental & physical... Keep in mind if your mind doesnt need the break your joints, tendons, muscles do...I also think the intensity of your exercise must be considered..as always, theres no 1 size fits all.
 
I would think it depends on what type of cardio? Walking is considered steady state, right? I wouldn't do HIIT everyday. I consider steady state like a brisk walk an active rest.
I agree it that you need to listen to your body. There are some days I need to sit and read a good book or cuddle with someone:D
 
My DB pretty much exercises every day (biking to work; running a couple of miles at lunch; weight training). He's 57 and has been doing this for at least 15 years. He says it works better for him because it keeps him in the fitness habit. It's just part of his daily routine. Even when he travels, he'll do extra walking in the airport if he didn't get some exercise in! He's is awesome shape, BTW.

Kathy Smith says she exercises every day too--even if it's just 15 min of yoga or body weight exercises in her hotel room.

I think it's okay to do cardio 7 days/week as long as 1 or 2 days, you are doing a lighter workout (walking a couple miles, easy biking etc). I think TRAINING 7 days/wk is a problem, but not being active 7 days/wk.
 
I do a variety of very intense workouts throughout the week, with at least one easy day. My easy day usually includes a long walk with the dogs and maybe some yoga or other stretching.

Personally, if I take a whole day really truly "off" and do nothing, I end up eating like crap all day long. So I always do something, just to keep up my connection with my body so my diet doesn't get too crazy. I have had overtraining issues in the past (shinsplints, constant hunger, constant tiredness, etc) and I don't want to go there again, so I just pay attention to my energy level and my muscles and joints and go easy whenever it seems necessary.

Afreet/Lisa
 
I tried that

And I found I was constantly sore. Try it. Making sure to not repeat types of exercise or have two lower body or upper body wo in a row. It did not work for me. But, if you are only doing 30 minutes I guess it would be ok. I aim for an hour.
 
I think it's possible, and not harmful, if you are sure to vary the exercise intensity and modality. I also think when doing cardio this often, it's best not to do the same type of cardio two days in a row.

I wouldn't do Cathe-intensity cardio every day, or do step more than 3 days a week, or do high-impact more than 2-3 days a week, or do interval workouts more than 2-3 days a week (YMMV), but something like this would be fine:

day 1 : kickboxing
day 2: Interval step (IMAX)
day 3: hi-lo or kickboxing
day 4: power walking or other low-impact
day 5: step
day 6: hi-lo interval
day 7: lower intensity cardio

Just to give you an idea.
 
Wow, thanks for all the replies. I hadn't even had an opportunity to read through all of these good suggestions. Yes, when you think about it, there is nothing wrong with being active seven days a week, as long as it's built into a lifestyle that you could realistically maintain. I mean on the seventh day a person could go for a walk or do light cardio, we don't have to be couch potatoes. By the way the person who's husband has been working out everyday for the last 15 years because it's just good for him, bravo! I'll bet he is in good shape. I think your right it's about listening to the body and what it can do. Thanks
 
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