There’s so much debate about whether or not cardio’s useful, that it’s tough to know what to believe. The truth though, is it’s not cardio that’s worthless… it’s traditional cardio No other aspect of the average fitness regimen is so ineffective when misunderstood.
But what exactly is “cardio”?
Most people would consider cardio to be pumping away mindlessly on a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, or coasting on an elliptical machine, while watching the TV screen at their state of the art gym. This type of cardio will actually give you no results and therefore I consider it to be “traditional cardio.”
But if you look closer, “cardio” exercise can be considered any type of exercise or activity that strengthens the cardiovascular system. To keep it simple, if it gets your heart pumping, and gets you huffing and puffin, it’s cardio. I don’t care if you’re holding dumbbells or a barbell and everyone calls it a weight training exercise…it’s still conditioning your heart.
To the inexperienced, the bench press is considered only as a weight training exercise. But if you do it correctly for 12 reps and a challenging weight you will often find yourself out of breath with an increased heart rate, as if you just endlessly rode a stationary bike.
Even with something as simple as a push-up (which is not simple when done correctly), try doing as many push-ups as you can and when your finished you will be huffing and puffing gasping for air. How about trying 5 minutes straight of bodyweight squats, lunges, and push-ups with very little rest. Again, notice your heart pounding, sweat pouring off of you, and chest heaving for breaths!
Weight training exercises are conditioning your heart! Conventional thinking says that these are weight training or strength training exercises.
Not only do you save time, but you strengthen and condition almost every muscle in your entire body with these full body exercises if you do them with enough intensity…something that can’t be said for that boring stationary bike ride or treadmill jaunt while reading or watching TV.
Well now that you know exactly what cardio is and have some ways to try it out, go try one and let me know if you can still watch your favorite TV show. If you can, then you’re most likely doing something wrong. Through these types of exercises you will see the results that you could never find in your “traditional cardio.” However if you’re looking for specifics on better weight loss online, take a look at physical becomings.
