A popular fitness misconception, is that you do not need cardiovascular exercise in your fitness routine. This myth comes from the bodybuilding community, where exercise is purely aesthetic. I think it's fair to say, that the average person wants a great body, but also Health Benefits, like better stamina, and a more efficient heart.
Let's Break Down These Myths:
Myth #1: Cardio will make me lose muscle
As the name suggests, cardiovascular exercise is a workout for your heart. What's the point of having a great body, if you can't even make it up the stairs without huffing and puffing? Furthermore, it would take A LOT of cardio to burn first through glucose storage, and then fat, before your body will turn to muscle, as its primary source of fuel.
Don't worry about this! 20-45 minutes of cardio 2-5 times a week will not only make you feel great, it will help burn the layer of fat on top of those hard earned muscles, for a more toned and defined overall appearance.
Myth #2: I can get my cardio from weight training.
This point is debatable but look at it this way, your program needs to be specifically focused. You can't be lifting weights to build muscle and lose weight at the same time. Cardio becomes heart healthy after 20 minutes of sustained exertion. Lifting weights requires breaks in between sets. This is not constant movement. Do you get sweaty during a weight routine? Probably not that much. If you are trying to build muscle, you are lifting heavy and resting for longer periods of time, so there is not much cardio there. If you are trying to lose weight, you could in theory, do circuit training, and it works for some people that only have a few pounds to lose.
While it is true, that having more muscle mass, burns more calories, it's a pretty small amount on a daily basis, considering it would make a nice bonus, on top of a cardio workout! From training my own clients and myself, nothing works better than separate cardio and strength workouts.
Myth #3: Cardio is boring and repetitive.
A lot of people don't add a cardio workout in to their routine, simply because they think it's too boring. The misconception here, is that most consider a cardio workout, to be parked on a stationary machine, in the gym for a half hour. Personally speaking, I love cardio and you'll never find me in a gym! Cardio can be enjoyable, you just have to find the exercise that excites you. There are a ton of activities to choose from: Cycling or running outside, rowing, rollerblading, speed walking, dancing, hula hooping, trampolines, swimming, hiking, calisthenics, etc etc.
Cardiovascular exercise is a necessary component to any fitness program. Whether it's for heart health, weight loss or endurance training it should be worked in the routine by using activities that appeal to, and interest you.
Do Cardio!
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