Is there a thing as too much cardio?

[Silver]

Hi everyone,

I am just starting out with fittness I aint in bad shape but wanna get into great shape. I just want to know is there a thing like too much cardio and how will it interfear with lifting weights. At this stage the cardio exercises I do are stepper, boxing and tae bo. If I box everyday will that overtrain my muscles and stop me from being able to build muscle?

[.V.]

Yes there is. However it is a totally individual thing. I've found that a small amount of cardio helps me in the gym because I don't get as short of breath when I lift what is heavy to me.

If I do too much cardio then muscle growth seems to be really slow. Something about the different types of muscle fibers, endurance training vs strength training, and which type will be dominant.

Again, it's totally individual so try it out, if you aren't gaining - eat more. If you still aren't gaining - do less cardio. When you find the balance that gives you the best results ride it as far as it takes you. When it stops, re-evaluate.

Sorry, no perfect formula such as 15 minutes of HIIT with 45 minutes of lifting that works for everyone.

[.V.]

If you are stumped as to where to start give this http://www.ast-ss.com/max-ot/max-ot_intro.asp a look. It's a brutally effective workout program with a good description of an equally brutal but effective cardio program with a way to time both for the best effect. You have to register to read it, but it's free and you DON'T have to buy their suppliments. Although if you can afford them, the ones I've tried have been very good...but more expensive than others.

[Silver]

Thanks for the advice. I am only starting to lift weights today and I never do more than 30 mins cardio at a time but will it be ok to do 20 mins cardio in the morning and then 15 mins of it before I lift weights?

[Streetman]

Do your cardio after you lift weights. You need as much glycogen in your muscles as possible to move the maxmum amount of weight and tear the most muscle. Conversely, in cardio you want minimal glycogen stores so your body has to tap into fat for fuel.

Got all that?

You may still find that 5 minutes of cardio will get the blood flowing. However, you could do the same thing with some very light warm up sets.

[Silver]

What about streching must I strech before I lift weights?

[Maxgain]

Originally Posted by Streetman

Do your cardio after you lift weights. You need as much glycogen in your muscles as possible to move the maxmum amount of weight and tear the most muscle. Conversely, in cardio you want minimal glycogen stores so your body has to tap into fat for fuel.

Got all that?

You may still find that 5 minutes of cardio will get the blood flowing. However, you could do the same thing with some very light warm up sets.

But you dont want to be using protein which you will after weight training

[LiftGirl]

Originally Posted by Silver

What about streching must I strech before I lift weights?

Stretch after cardio.:

[mangotango]

Yeah, I think stretching after cardio is really important...Actually, I like to do a light stretch before cardio and then a lengthier stretch afterwards. I think it helps to reduce possible injury and makes my muscles feel great post-run, etc.