3 July 2009

I’m a cardio junkie!

Reader Shanna writes:

I’m a cardio JUNKIE (seriously… i LOVE road runs, the tread mill, the elliptical, whatever, doing cardio gets me happy and makes me feel great) so I pretty much do cardio hard 6 days a week for about 45 minutes a time. I introduced a weight lifting element to my workouts after reading your advice to others, but I know I’m not getting 120 minutes of weights like you recommend. Should I give up one or two of my days of cardio to focus solely on weights?

Shanna, I used to be the exact same way! I’d skimp on strength training in order to focus on cardio, which I liked doing a lot more (partially because I actually felt like I was burning calories). But about six months ago, I focused on adding more strength training to my workouts and immediately saw positive changes in my body. I tightened up, got more muscle tone, and felt so much stronger and more confident.

If you’re not ready to give up your cardio completely, work up to it gradually. To start, on two to three days per week, do 15-20 minutes of cardio instead of 45 and spend the rest of the time weight training. Gradually increase the time you spend weight training so you eventually end up with two to three strength-focused days. 120 minutes per week is what I recommend because it’s what I had to do to get the results I wanted, but it’s just a ballpark. Do what you feel comfortable with. Just keep in mind the many benefits of strength training! I promise that the more you do it, the more you’ll like it.