Too much???

[Cinnakiss]

I do cardio 5 times a week.. ranging from 35- to 45 minutes... is this too much?

[2Scoops]

As long as you are able for it it isn't too much (from an overtraining point of view). I run 7 days a week: it's ok for me but I wouldn't expect a complete beginner to do that much.

How long have you been exercising like this? If have been doing so for some time and aren't experiencing any ill-effects then it's not too much. If anything, as you have adapted to it, it may be too little! Let me just qualify that by saying you could increase the intensity of the exercise and not just the duration.

It all depends on what you want to get out of your running (e.g. weight/fat loss? general health benefits? increase fitness/running performance?) Different amounts and intensities of running are more suitable than others for what you want to achieve so determine why you run and ask again and I'm sure you'll get lots of advice on what's best.

[Klinger]

Originally Posted by Cinnakiss

I do cardio 5 times a week.. ranging from 35- to 45 minutes... is this too much?

The answer depends entirely in your goals. If you do it because you want to be in good cardiovascular shape and have a lean physique, then it's fine. But if you want to add muscle mass, that much cardio is counterproductive.

Tell us your long-range goal and we can help more.

[Cinnakiss]

I want good cardiovascular shape and have a lean physique

[Klinger]

In that case, I think your cardio regimen is fine. I would make two suggestions: mix up the cardio work. Do longer, sustained bouts one time, intervals the next, hills the next, etc. And if you use machines at a gym, use the treadmill, elliptical, rowing machine, etc. for variety.

And try a full-body weight workout once or twice a week. Weight training is good for adding and keeping lean body mass. Do it circuit style and it almost feels like a cardio session.