Do I need cardio too?

[mommy2]

I've been hearing conflicting information about the role cardio plays when you are trying to tone up, not lose weight. I have been doing the FIRM videos, alternating between toning one day and cardio the next. My goal is to build muscle and get definition. Do I need cardio too?

Thank you in advance!

 

[atiman]

Yes, but in your case it's to keep your heart healthy and for weightloss. You don't need more than 30 minutes 3 times a week.

Namita

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

Weights and strength training **build** muscle but cardio **uncovers** muscle.

You want both for several reasons. Overall fitness, healthy heart and lungs, burn off fat.

If the muscle is covered by a layer of fat, it won't be seen. If you don't want to lose any weight, increase your lifting intensity to replace the fat mass with lean mass. Then you will have more muscle covered by less fat.

I'd go for 3 days of cardio a week to start and see if that helps bring out the muscle tone. Evaluate weekly and adjust from there.

Don't forget about diet! It's 82% of it!