how important is cardio?

yello911

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According to some recent studies, rowing is topping the charts for the best cardio exercise. If you choose running as your method of cardio, I recommend sprints. For example, warm up at a fast walking pace. Next do a 2 minute light jog, followed by a 1 minute all out sprint, followed by a 2 minute jog and keep repeating. That is the best way to burn fat doing running cardio.

That said, if it's the 6 pack you are after, you really need to focus on free weights. The most effective being lower body workouts such as the squat, deadlift, and even adding some clean and presses. Leg workouts release the most growth hormone and continue to burn calories for many hours after the workout. Additionally, the more muscle mass you can pack on, the less efficient your body becomes. This means that even at resting state, your body is burning more calories than it was throughout the day. Core exercises are very important too, however, not necessarily for the 6-pack. Sit ups will not give you the six-pack you desire as you burn very few calories in respect to other exercises and I can almost guarantee that you already have a 6-pack under the fat pad. Nearly everybody does!

Bump up your protein consumption, preferable with "whey" protein. You will need good fats in your diet such as the fats from avacados and nuts. Contrary to popular belief, eating fats does not make you fat. Excessive calories make you fat. The only problem with fat is that it's 9 calories per gram where as protein and carbohydrates are only 4 calories per gram. But you need to eat fat! Carbohydrates are the enemy for the 6-pack. Limit your carbs throughout the day (except for prior and post workout) and for god sakes, stay away from sodas and most fruit juices.

Lastly, how do you know your cardio is working? Easy, you can keep a good pace without huffing and puffing. You may find there are times when you can keep a good pace while just breathing through your nose. You may find that your legs start feeling tired well before your lungs do. Also, you will notice your heart rate will return to normal in only a matter of minutes.
 

ali777

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OK, I'm not an expert on the subject but I go jogging now and then....

A proper jogging should be done at 60-70% of the maximum heart rate. If you go over 70%, you'll be out of breath and tire very quickly. As yello says, the aim is to feel the muscles burning with the lactic acid and not being out of breath.

I did jogging for a year, I lost weight and my energy levels improved but strength wise it didn't do anything for me. If anything, I was slower over short distances.

Now, I jog for 5-10 mins and then I do 100m sprints until I drop, I run for about 20 mins in total. Sprinting is much better for muscle development and some experts believe pushing the heart rate to the maximum is much better as the heart gets a proper work out. I've read somewhere that stress pushes the heart rate to the maximum and sprinting prepares the heart to deal with such situations much better than jogging.

reywdo said:
Where should I "feel it"?

For me it is the feel good factor the day after. If I feel more energetic and fresher, then my cardio is working.

When I say I sprint till I drop, I make it sound like I'm spent for a long time. I don't push myself to the absolute limit, I want to recover in 30-60 mins so that I can continue my day. So overall, after a good session I feel much fresher in 60 mins.
 

CCS

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reywdo said:
what are the best forms of cardio? Is running a good form?

If so, how many days a week would I go for a run and for how long? How long would do the trick?

My goal is to lose some body fat which are hiding my abs - or so I think.

Would the key be to combine cardio with weight lifting and healthy eating?

Is that the key?

Thanks for any answers.

yep. you got it. maybe work up to 30 minutes a day, 3-6 days a week.

You know it is time to stop when you start slowing down. As long as you can keep the same pace, and it is not super slow, keep it up. When I run around the track at the gym, I lap all the guys many many times. They are slow. And I run longer than them too. If they are going to jog that slow they should not even be there. If you can't do a mile in 8 minutes or less, you should do a combo of walking and running until you can.
 
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