Is Cardio Really Necessary?

E

enjoi_life

0
hi there. ive been trying to lose a few pounds this past week and grew tired of the 30 minutes on the elliptical that i've been doing everyday. Is it really necessary to do cardio to lose weight? i have been, however, lifting weights and dieting. my goal is to lose most of my body fat and tone some of my muscles. will lifting weights and dieting suffice for losing body fat?

body composition:
male
5'7
182 lbs
 
In terms of losing weight, its a simple equation: cals in vs cals out. You need to use up more calories then you eat/drink.

So no, cardio is not essential for weight loss, but its alot harder without it as you need to make sure your eating alot less then you would if you were working out.
 
Another huge factor is YOUR GOALS and YOUR DETERMINATION. if you want to lose one pound be this time next year... versus if you want to shred 2 lbs a week until your at a desired weight of lets say 160, your time line is what determines what exercises you do. There are studies that suggest that muscle training may actually burn as many cals as cardio because as your muscles recover, they burn cals to heal.

im not sure what tone some of my muscles means, jerking off will tone your forearms real well. id say get mentally prepared to develop a healthy lifestyle so that you can not only LOSE the weight but KEEP IT OFF!! one of the best ways to accomplish your goals is to know EXACTLY what they are, set short term as well as long term, and keep them realistic, and put a time line with them. by doing this you have something to look at every day to show you what you HAVE done and what you WILL do.

You have made a great frist step by actively recognizing that you need to make a change, and by joining this community. Keep up with it and dont get lazy.

Good Luck
 
If you want to be 'fit', you need to train the heart, and lungs...not just the muscles you can see. Change it up...light running, brisk walks with the dog, biking, blading and swimming...all are great cardio. Many sports like tennis and basketball, and especially soccer, count too.
 
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