Question about my workout...

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I try do some cardio about six days a week Umm, I've been using my treadclimber since the end of August. The treadclimber kicked my ass for awhile, but now I'm at a point where even on the max speed it takes over an hour to feel like I'm getting a good workout.

So I'm curious as to what's the best way to go about continuing to get an effective exercise? I can't really afford more equipment, since the "cheap" (haha) treadclimber pretty much sucked up my budget for the time being. I've been trying to alternate my cardio with jogging/running outside, but the weather still kind of sucks at times... Also, would it be unsafe or ineffective to do cardio over a certain amount of time? (someone said an hour is probably the max)

 

[Steve]

Excessive cardio, especially on lowered calories, can* be catabolic (as in muscle wasting).

What's excessive?

I'd definitely say over an hour per day while on reduced calories is excessive.

*If you've got a lot of weight to lose, this isn't as much a concern.

 

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I don't know what's considered a lot of weight... I'm at 200lbs now and 6'... Although back in late July I was at 223ish. I'm aiming for the 180 mark...

Question, if I'm attempting to do strength training, that would that help reduce the amount of muscle loss during weight loss? That always seemed like the logical process, but I know sometimes things can be more complex than they may seem.

 

[Steve]

Most definitely.

If I could mention just two things to minimize muscle loss in the face of a caloric deficit it would be adequate protein consumption and a balanced strength training program.