Dropping The Cardio If Resistance Training Amps You Up
Question:
I usually do 3 sessions of full-body resistance exercise per week, with each session lasting about 30-40 minutes. I do two sets of twelve reps, with 12 different movements per set. I use moderate weight for my size (I’m a 150-lb man and usually use 20-30 pound dumbbells) and do not take much of a break between exercises, so I do get my heart rate up. For example, at the end of my last routine I measured my heart rate at 160 bpm.
So, since my heart rate gets elevated for an extended period of time just like it would with cardio, can I then do less traditional cardio (like jogging)? If not, why not?
It seems to me that since my resistance training is full body and it gets my heart rate up, it provides every benefit that cardio does, in addition to keeping my muscles in shape.
Thanks!
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One Response to Dropping The Cardio If Resistance Training Amps You Up
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Have you checked with a heart rate monitor all during working out? Sure it will get quite high while doing squats or some other large muscle group but it may not stay there.
Please see any of the online calculators or charts to get the maximum rate numbers for your age etc.
If your workout keeps your heart in the range of 80% of your maximum rate for 30 minutes then that is maybe minimal.
You really should be doing some form of cardio every day.
Remember that if your heart goes down, it does not matter how good strong your body is. Also it gives you the endurance for more intense strength training workouts.