Do You Really Need Cardio?

In this article, I have an intriguing discussion about cardio training, which will hopefully get you thinking differently, and trying new things.

You may know I’ve been called the anti-cardio guy before, but this week I’m back posing the question to you…Do you really need cardio training to get lean and in great shape? By the way, you’ll see in a minute that I’m not really “anti-cardio”, just “anti traditional cardio”.

Most fitness buffs, weekend warriors, or anyone trying to get in shape or lose body fat, consider it a fact that they need “cardio” exercise to accomplish these goals. They would never even question it. However, I’m not only questioning it, I’m going to refute it! In fact, you may be surprised to know that some of the leanest and meanest people I know (men and women), NEVER do any type of normal or traditional cardio. And I’ve spent over 15 years working out in various gyms, and hanging out with athletes of all sorts, so I’ve seen it all. I will say that there can be a place for low-moderate level cardio for really overweight or deconditioned people, but even in those cases, there can be more effective methods.

Aerobic Fitness

Aerobic fitness is a body’s ability to endure and sustain an activity that causes the heart to work at 70 to 80 percent for a prolonged time. Aerobic activities include walking, running, stair-climbing, swimming, dancing and biking as well as many others; anything that elevates the heart to an aerobic level and maintains it for a minimum of 12 minutes.

Aerobic activities provide oxygenation of the blood, muscles and organs which strengthens the body overall.

A body’s ability to endure heightened levels of activity is an important part of life in general but can be the difference in the ability to survive a crisis situation such as floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Being aerobically fit can help you to survive a crisis as well as helping others to survive. Although this may be the extreme of the benefits, the list of benefits goes on.