Is too much cardio bad?

Question

II am trying to loose fat.I usually do an hour of moderate cardio on the proctor ellliptical. I burn about 650 calories an hour. Its not so intense that I burn out which is why I can go long. Sometimes like 2-3 times a week, I do 1.5 hours of cardio. It feels great but is this bad for fat loss?

Answer 1

You can never have too much cardio, especially if you're burning fat. The more calories you burn, the more your body fat will be reduced.

Answer 2

This is a common mistake I see alot of women doing at the gym...hours and hours of cardio...all you need to do is 20 minutes of high intensity of cardio 3-4 times a week and you will see the fat melt off. When you do 1.5 hours of cardio all your body is doing is getting used to that and becoming more efficent and therefore you lose less fat and calories that way. You are just burning needed energy. After a few weeks you will start seeing no results. I know I know you are thinking if I do more should'nt I lose more...NOPE!!!!!!!! Wrong...incorporate weights in your workout as well...Now I'm not talking about heavy lifting however, if you do 20 mintues of cardio and 20 minutes of weights you will see the results much faster.

So let me help you...
Start by either doing the elliptical, treadmill, or bike...the key here is do 20 minutes but push yourself. For example...dont do 20 minutes at the same intensity...start with a warm up then every 2 minutes increase intensity till you can't go anymore then slow it down...then do it again until your 20 mintues is up...thats how your burn the most calories and make your body into a fat burning machine!

Secondly start doing weights...trust me you wont get bulky...I've been working out for 7 years and I'm as tiny as the day I started, key here is...work different muscle groups each day...One day do arms, next day back...then legs, then abs. Your muscles will love you for this. Plus your body will be more efficent in burning calories if you do weights...This is for long term benefits. In addition you will like the way you look, more lean and toned...

Thirdly, Diet. Please NO STARVING...if you are working out this much you need your energy thus you need to eat. I'm not telling you to eat candy everyday...but you must consume protein, vegtables, and good carbs 5-6 times a day. Another misconception we all have...yes eat 5-6 small meals a day and your body will burn more. Instead of eating 3 big meals cut that down and eat 6 small meals. Make sure each meal has some protein...ie fish, chicken, egg whites...you get the point. Good carbs include brown rice, whole wheat breads/pastas. Avoid fats...you dont NEED them. But avoid Sodium as well! Trust me you wont miss them as soon as you see results.

Lastly, Take ONE DAY off from working out a week and enjoying a "free day". Now dont go over board and eat a whopper 3 times that day, but if you are craving ice cream go ahead and have it that day. Again moderate eating.

I've done this for years and trust me this is the only thing that works. Pills, drinks, or fast way of losing is all unhealthy...it will come back and bite you in the *** later in life so just avoid it.

Hope this helps...if you need any further info try www.bodyforlife.com it has a list of foods you should eat thats good for you and you arent starving.

Answer 3

You might reach your plataue faster doing the same thing or doing the same level of activity. Try different things so your body doesnt get used to it. Also, so that YOU dont get bored.
Keep up the great work!!!!

Answer 4

definitely not. this is great and keep it up!

just remember doing too much may wear you out, and may not be necessary- as your body can only take so much excercise before becoming too tired to do other more important things

Answer 5

Sounds good to me, keep it up and good luck.

Answer 6

i do the same as you and I think that's fine!

Answer 7

no, it sounds really good.