Too much cardio??

[lov2bfit]

I need everyone's expert opinion on what works best for them. I am trying to lose around 20 pounds and am a total cardio junkie. However, I read conflicting information in regards to what is the best way to lose fat and build lean muscle mass (imagine that). I lift weights 3 times a week, but I always do at least 20-30 minutes of cardio after my weight workout. I also do full cardio workouts 2 to 3 times a week. So, essentially I'm doing cardio 5 to 6 days a week. I guess my question is, am I doing too much cardio and should I refrain from doing extra cardio on my weight training days? I have read that too much cardio actually hinders results more than helps them, but at the same time I know that weight loss has so much to due with "calories in/calories out" so by doing more cardio I'm burning more calories per workout. I always wear a heart rate monitor when I workout so mentally I have a difficult time thinking I got a good workout after lifting weights when I've only burned 200 calories.
Any thoughts or experiences you ladies have run into would be greatly appreciated.

Katie

 

[pressju]

Can I ask Katie how your diet is? That is half the battle. I will also say there has been a ton of discussion on this topic so search the forum. I used to do 5-6 days a week cardio and was not really firmed up the way I wanted. Cut back to 4 days, with one day interval training, added heaiver weights (I actually switch it up alot - weeks of heavy weight low rep, then high rep low weight, some weeks alot of resistance work with no weight - pull ups , push ups, etc.). And that did it, I got pretty ripped. When I cut back the weight training I go mushy - not heavier but mushy. Also, good idea to take rests from time to time. I just went through several weeks of easy workouts after hitting a wall.

Hope that helps.

Julie

 

[dr.mel_PT]

I used to be a cardio junkie too. I was doing 5-6 days and now I'm down to about 2 days of weights (no cardio), 1 day circuit, and 2 days full cardio. I think when you do too much cardio, it depletes your energy and your next session doesn't get your "all." At least that was the case with me. Once I cut down my cardio to a couple days a week, I find I have more energy and am able to put in 100% effort. The weight lifting helped me lean out and sculpt muscles too, so that also has helped me keep the weight off.

Hope this helps!

 

[moni_stout]

I maintain my weight with no cardio other than walking my dogs a few times per week. I also do practice yoga daily, sometimes a vigorous practice, some days more of a still and introspective practice. I think that eating is really what makes the biggest difference, although cardio certainly can speed it up.

Monica

 

[lov2bfit]

Thanks for your responses ladies. My diet has certainly not been stellar lately, but I am focused right now on eating very clean, all lean protein, whole grains, fruits and veggies. I try to eat around 1400-1600 calories a day, although I am having a difficult time getting that many calories in my diet.
I think my issue is mostly mental. I did P90X 2 years ago and got in the best shape of my life. Unforutnately, I have no air conditioning in my home workout room, so I'm doing all my workouts in a gym until the weather cools down. I do much better when I follow a workout program like P90X, so I think that's where part of my frustration comes from.

 

[drover]

julie, what do you consider "easier workouts"? i just took a whole week of rest, did no workouts, and i am still tired. i just started meso 3 today, and when i get finished, i am gonna kick back some too. i am just worn out. this is my 2nd round w/STS this year, and combined w/the horrible heat down here, i am just fried. i would like to up my cardio some when i finish STS for about a month, and then maybe do a month of firm style workouts, cardio/weights combined. but some of those are not very easy.
but, i kinda like your idea too , melissa
i can't hardly get in more than 2 days of cardio right now doing STS. just too tired.