There’s so much debate about whether or not cardio’s useful, that it’s tough to know what to believe. However, take the time to look into this subject matter and you’ll quickly realize that “traditional cardio” is what’s worthless, not cardio in general. Because of this assumption, cardio does become ineffective due to the fact that people are misunderstanding it.
But what exactly is “cardio”?
To many people, cardio is running miles on a treadmill, endlessly riding a stationary bike, or pedaling on an elliptical machine, while simultaneously watching their favourite TV show or reading the next Stephen King novel. This is what I call “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 leads you to believe that these exercises are strength training exercises only however; they are also cardiovascular training exercises. You can’t even deny the fact that these statements are true because from personal experience I have seen and felt it happen to others as well as myself. (Do you like the personal experience idea or not, you can always take it out if you do not like it)
So if today’s “weight training exercises” also are proven to strengthen your cardiovascular system then through these full body exercises you are strengthening and conditioning your entire body in nearly half the time! Now when you are pedaling on an elliptical machine for an entire hour, are you getting a full body workout? (NO!)
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.
