A Word on Cardio (Cardio = Not required for cutting....)

[Alphatier]

I was just reading an aticle about carb cycling, and at one point the author was discussing cardio. I'm not buying what he's saying, and I'd like for you guys to take a look at it.

Here we go:
"A Word On Cardio
Briefly: cardio sucks. Or, and perhaps more accurately, cardio is overrated. And, hence, it is over-utilized, to the detriment of the dieter-especially the muscular dieter. I expect this will be the second most controversial aspect of this article. Perhaps I'll add a section on religion, to take some heat of my views here.

So for most people, unless "skinny" (as opposed to lean) is the look you are going for, or you just love your cardio, I'd suggest dropping it. Period. Resistance training can provide most, if not all, of the physical benefits of cardio, and can do so more efficiently. Benefits such as improved heart rate, reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increased metabolism, and nutrient partitioning are generally more efficiently achieved with resistance training, and of course, resistance training carries the added benefit of muscle growth.

With that out of the way, cardio does have its use. If you have been dieting for an extraordinarily long period of time, it may be beneficial. If you are already very lean, and still seeking to get freaky lean, that would be a good situation to add controlled amounts.

A thorough discussion of different types of cardiovascular activity is well beyond the scope of this article. Generally, however, adding in a weekly session or two of high intensity interval training at the appropriate time is a good idea. "

Refference:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/par30.htm

[eatrainrest]

I was just reading an aticle about carb cycling, and at one point the author was discussing cardio. I'm not buying what he's saying, and I'd like for you guys to take a look at it.

Here we go:
"A Word On Cardio
Briefly: cardio sucks. Or, and perhaps more accurately, cardio is overrated. And, hence, it is over-utilized, to the detriment of the dieter-especially the muscular dieter. I expect this will be the second most controversial aspect of this article. Perhaps I'll add a section on religion, to take some heat of my views here.

So for most people, unless "skinny" (as opposed to lean) is the look you are going for, or you just love your cardio, I'd suggest dropping it. cardio and diet have all to do with you getting lean, wtf is this guy sayingPeriod. Resistance training can provide most, if not all, of the physical benefits of cardio, and can do so more efficiently. Benefits such as improved heart rate, reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increased metabolism, and nutrient partitioning are generally more efficiently achieved with resistance training, and of course, resistance training carries the added benefit of muscle growth.

this guy obviously doesnt know that resistance training is to deplete MUSCLE GLYCOGEN and cardio is to shed off fat during low intensity aerobics in a glycogen depleted state..

the only argument this guy can pose is by doing high rep (20-25) rep circuits with a short recovery HR and using this in fact as "cardio", but even doing this circuit you will only be maintaining muscle at best hitting the red slow twitch mucsle fibers and some white twitch in the end, depenidng on the intensity of the circuit. AND THIS IS NOT IDEAL FOR THE "LEAN" PERSON SO IN FACT HE HAS NO ARGUMENT BECAUSE IDEALLY A PERSON TRAINING TO BE "LEAN" IS WORKING IN THE 4-10 REP RANGE.

With that out of the way, cardio does have its use. If you have been dieting for an extraordinarily long period of time, it may be beneficial. If you are already very lean, and still seeking to get freaky lean, that would be a good situation to add controlled amounts.

A thorough discussion of different types of cardiovascular activity is well beyond the scope of this article. Generally, however, adding in a weekly session or two of high intensity interval training at the appropriate time is a good idea. "
-
i agree with this statement and is definately effective in bruning fat, making sure its followed by low intensity, and not ran in a carb depleted state, like an off day in carb cycling or ketosis.

Refference:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/par30.htm

comments in bold

[Alphatier]

Yup exactly what I thought. But why would anybody post something like that?

That's the excuse lazy people have waited for not to do cardio....

Thanks for chiming in bro

[eatrainrest]

Yup exactly what I thought. But why would anybody post something like that?

That's the excuse lazy people have waited for not to do cardio....

Thanks for chiming in bro

no doubt, some people are gearing toward resistance training as cardio, and i believe that the circuit is a great effective way to burn calories, but cardio is definately essential because we are not the average slug, and train in lower rep ranges than that and dont perform circuits because it sucks at stimulating muscle growth, but great for expelling calories..... stick to cardio regardless just remember that the body adapts and you will have to increase speed/intensity every 2-3 weeks about and change up routines and goals. thats why personal training is a business