The Just Thought I'd Share Thread

[LikeAWillow]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

There is no question that cardio is good for the heart and it helps to develop fitness and stamina. But I am a bit skeptical about it as a means of transforming your body. The problem with cardio is that it tends to burn off carbs, then muscle, then fat. Hence, you don't see lots of big-muscled endurance athletes. And when the body is depleted of carbs, the tendency is for it to crave more and more carbs, which can be a vicious cycle. Muscle burns more calories at rest and actually transforms the shape of your body. Strength training not only helps to build/preserve muscle, it also helps to strengthen bones, improve posture and the increase in strength leads to an overall feeling of wellbeing. I hate to say it, but I think people who do only cardio are, well... lazy. Not physically lazy, but mentally lazy. Cardio is mindless and repetitive and requires no concentration at all. Weight training, especially when you are working your muscles to the point of absolute fatigue (which is needed to stimulate growth and strength gains), requires absolute concentration and mental focus. If you are really serious about attaining/maintaining an ideal physique, I think weights (supplemented with a sane, non-gimmicky diet) are the way to go; walking and taking the stairs should be all the cardio you really need. Just IMHO.

Also, contrary to popular myth, women are not going to become instantly "bulky" from weight training. Unless you are in the gym 6 hours a day and bench pressing 300 pounds, you aren't going to get bulky. It's hard enough for a man to build muscle mass; it is a gazillion times harder for a woman.

I've been reading a lot about how this idea is become the new school of thought in the fitness world. I feel like I, personally, need to keep cardio at least for now, though. I'm in pretty terrible shape, and the smallest things will leave me out of breath. I'm just lucky that I have a fast metabolism.

Another question-- is there any time of day that is most effective for a work out? Should I aim to get up every morning and go or are afternoons/evenings preferred?