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.

Well what 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 is what I call “traditional cardio”.

But by definition, cardio exercise is considered any motion that strengthens the cardiovascular system or in other words makes you breath heavily. If this definition is taking into consideration when defining cardio then you can consider just about any exercise in the world as cardio even such things as weight training exercises because they are still strengthening your heart. Therefore, the next time you want to refer to weight training as solely a muscular system exercise, think again.

At first glance, most people think of the barbell Clean and Press only as a weight training exercise or strength 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 squats for a set of 15 reps? Again, you will find yourself breathing heavily and breaking a sweat.

Try and tell me you’re not conditioning your heart with this style of training! Conventional thinking says that these are weight training or strength training exercises.

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!)

If you can watch TV while doing cardio in fact, I’d go so far as to say you’re doing it 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.

 

More weight loss tips