How much cardio?

[JuliaBelle]

Hi - I'm new to this board and kinda new to Cathe workouts. Since I bought my first Cathe workout - Maximum Intesity Strength - I've been hooked! I'm now a HUGE Cathe fan and am starting to see some great results! My main goal is to reduce my body fat. That being the case, how much cardio should I be doing? I currently do about 1/2 hour to 45 mins of cardio 5-6 days per week, and 45 mins. to an hour of strength training 4 days per week. Should I up my cardio? I'm making progress, but slowly. Any advice would be appreciated.

Julia

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, Julia Belle! Welcome to the Bored - er, the Board! }(

I think in times of DURATION, i.e. time spent each day and per week, you're doing plenty of cardio. What you may want to think about is the intensity level of the cardio work that you're doing. If the exertion level feels very comfortable, it may be time to up the intensity, making sure at least one workout a week includes interval blasts, making sure that you're incorporating a lot of plyo work that recruits the thigh muscles a lot, and making sure you're varying your cardio modes (step, hi/lo, kickbox, circuit).

If you want any further input, just list what you've been doing for cardio AND strength here and I'm sure you'd get a lot of good responses. You may be overdoing the strength work just a tad in terms of duration, but again it would depend on how heavy you're lifting.

Let us know - HTH -

A-Jock

 

[JuliaBelle]

Yes, that does help - and thanks for the welcome! I've been doing a periodization schedule that looks like this:

Week 1 - cardio only (this is 45 mins. per day of step or hi/lo)
Week 2 - Slow & Heavy - I do 20-30 mins. of cardio and one of the tapes in the series on Mon., Tue., Wed. then Thurs. cardio only, Fri. rest, Sat. 30-45 mins. of cardio plus a total body strength workout like Maximum Intensity Strength, Sun. cardio only.
Week 3 - Pure Strength - just like week two except PS instead of S&H
Week 4 - Circuit tapes, like Cardio & Weights or Firm workouts.

Waddya think? I've seen some great changes in my arms and legs, but the stubborn belly fat is my problem. I think my abs are in good condition but I still have a layer of fat over them. Other factors - I'm 44 years old and peri-menopausal:-( - I eat clean, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, no sugar or white flour, and never cheat except a bowl a low carb ice cream once per week. I eat 1700-1800 calories per day. I'm 5'7" and weigh 140.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Julia