Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Cardio--Is It Really What You Need to Reach Your Fitness Goals?




Simple Question for you. Which of these two pictures better represents your fitness goals? Look carefully, now! Which body do you wish you could model yours after?

Most of us have established that we want to look better and feel better and be HEALTHIER! And most of us think that the best way to do that is through cardio, cardio, and MORE cardio. Because that's what's been drilled into your head for years. Decades, even.
For years, my dad has told me that he can always tell when a particular friend of his cranks up his running routine because he starts looking sick! I always noted that that was true, but I never could figure out why in the world a seemingly healthy activity like running would always tend to make a person look like they were about to keel over dead.
Now, I know.
Those marathon-running people (and I'm so not one of "those" people) cannot possibly eat enough carbs to keep their bodies from eating away at muscle. They are over-trained cardiovascularly and severely under-trained strength-wise. And because of their rigorous cardio training, there's no way they can eat enough carbs to keep up.
The other picture is not a body builder, but rather a fitness competitor. (Please note that my research indicates that you can have certain parts of your own body look exactly like certain parts of her body--For about $5,000. But, that's another post.)
The fitness competitor does some cardio, I'm quite sure. But her focus is more on weight training.
You sold, yet? A picture says a thousand words, they say!
Next post: Let's get started on some weight training. It's not just for boys!

2 comments:

Lisa said...

I'm looking forward to what you have to say about strength training. I'm a big cardio person and eat very well, but my metabolism is SO slow. I know I need to add weights to help with this...and I do weights, but not enough or the right way, or something.

Mom: Fitness Junkie said...

Common problem. We, as women, are so ill-informed about weight training. Never fear! I'm here to enlighten you!

And, yes, weight training will definitely help you increase your metabolism. And increasing your metabolism is the ultimate goal here.

Okay, so, weight training blog is on the horizon. I'm going to try and get it done in time for Fit Friday.