I am frequently asked about cardio... How much should I be doing? What is the best type of cardio? Is X amount too much? Too little? Will I lose weight if I do X amount of cardio? I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is no definitive answer to these questions. What works for one person may be the exact opposite for another person. There is a general guideline however and according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), "American adults (aged 18-65 years) should accumulate at least 30-minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 5 days per week OR engage in 20-minutes of vigorous activity 3 days per week". Now does this mean that you need to completely change your routine. No, it sure does not. What you should do however, is get moving and listen to your body.
Do you feel fabulous when you get in 20 minutes of cardio 4 days a week? Great, stick to it! Do you feel like you would feel better by adding in another 10 minutes a couple days during the week? Awesome, add it in after work or during your lunch break. Whatever it is that makes you feel like your best self, stick to it! I used to be a cardio girl and when I mean cardio girl, I mean just that. I did cardio. ALL. DAY. LONG. I would run and run and run (almost as much as Forest Gump) and steered clear of the weights. However, my love for running is not nearly as strong as it is for lifting heavy iron!
Nowadays, I stick to moderate to intense cardio a couple times a week for 20-30 minutes. I feel like it gives me the energy I need, it keeps my heart healthy, and when I am on track with my diet, I do not feel bad about cutting my date with the treadmill short. :) I love HIIT workouts because 1. They kick my butt every time and 2. They are short, sweet, and too the point. Plus, I love a workout that leaves me nice and sweaty.
Here is an incline treadmill HIIT workout for y'all to give a shot when you need a change of pace.
Take care of you!
J
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