Cardio overkill?

[kjrosenb]

So... a few months ago I did zero weight training and was REALLY overdoing the cardio. I did 60-90 minutes 6x per week. In the past 2 months, I cut my cardio down to 45-60 minutes 6x per week, and now lift weights 4x per week for about 35 minutes.

My question is: is all the cardio I'm doing hindering my muscle gain? I've heard that if you do so much cardio that you may burn some muscle for fuel. This is SCARY to me because it's not like I LOVE doing cardio, but I feel like I need to for fat loss. I guess I need some advice! I'm scared that if I cut cardio too much that I will get fat...major phobia of mine. I really want to have a lean and muscular physique, and I just want to know if I need to make some tweaks.

Here is my current workout:
* For weights, I'm using the Body-for-Life training program. I do 2 days of lower body and 2 days of upper body. I'm noticing that this is really effective!

* Cardio is always done AFTER my weight training. I usually do 40 minutes on the elliptical, 10 minutes on the rowing machine, and 10 minutes on the arc trainer.

THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE!

[cawagner01]

To answer your question on whether too much cardio eating away at muscle. The answer is yes. It is known as "muscle wasting". What exactly do you hope to accomplish with your workouts? Are you interested in competing in bodybuilding or figure competitions? Or are you looking for a general, all around strength and conditioning program? For bodybuilding or figure competitions, I am sure someone who is more qualified can help you with a program. However, for general strength and conditioning, try crossfit.

Here is their website.

www.crossfit.com

[terracotta]

The think about cardio is your body acclimatizes to it, so over time you burn fewer calories for the same activity. That is why weight training is a more reliable means for burning calories (you can always increase weights/reps/sets/something to make it harder).

I'd suggest reducing the cardio to a maximum of 3 hours per week total. Personally I rarely do cardio because I hate it, but I *can* lose fat with just diet and training (even if it is slower).

I'd also increase your lifting. 35 minute sessions are pretty short. You can definitely progress to something more substantial (I'd suggest at least 45 min a session). As an example, you can take a look at my current program (see signature for log), or have a look at the ones on my website, www.hotnfit.com

[SexyChic]

I only do cardio twice a week now at most....Some weeks I just get by on one day cardio for 20 mins.

[cfit82]

I hate long cardio sessions and they are a waste of time. I do 20 minutes of HIIT Training on the elliptical b4 1 hour and 10 minute weights and core conditioning(no breaks between sets), 4 days a week. On the other 2 workout days I do 15 minutes of Jump Rope and 1 hour Hula or Belly Dance(which is not really counted as cardio or weights, in my routine, but core training).
I usually burn 500-600 calories daily over my BMR this way. Always keeps me in a calories deficit to burn fat, but is hard enough so that you body will protect it's muscle, because it needs it.

Since april 16, I have lost 4% Body Fat this way(from 24%-20.2%) and gained 10lbs.

[MsFitFern]

I dont currently do any cardio. It is not for everyone, but I find I get too lean with it anyway. I do increase my heartrate for 30-40 minutes with supersets and light weight fast reps with weights.

[Belinda Benn]

I can relate to your question - I have grown to love the elliptical machine. And I make myself swim 1km because it stretches out the body and I think it shapes the whole body. Right now I am trying to transition to using aerobic for specifc areas that need more work, like while on the elliptical concentrating on my butt, or swimming using my core more. I think everyone is different so its about finding that balance for yourself, and the look that you like. Mental enjoyment is good too so if aerobic is important to you then do it, just try to modify it towards your body goals.