The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss
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 The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss

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Marc David

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The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 11:09 AM
Copyright © 2006 Jonathan Perez

People looking to lose weight / burn body fat, feel that cardio is the way to go.

This what they have been told that cardio does:

Cardio supposedly burns calories during the actual session.

Cardio supposedly burns calories after the session.

Cardio supposedly raises the body’s metabolic rate.

Cardio supposedly puts the body into a calorie deficit.

And all in all, it supposedly burns body fat.

Regardless of how many so-called scientific studies someone may quote you, regardless of what everyone else seems to be blindly doing, and regardless of what all the magazines and internet sites say………it all comes down to observing what happens in the real world.

Plain and simple.

Sure, cardio does do every one of the things listed above, but as I’ve demonstrated over and over, the amount of calories cardio burns, the amount of fat cardio burns, the degree it raises the metabolic rate, or the amount of calorie deficit it achieves is so low, so little, that it is not going to make absolutely that big of a difference in how your body looks.

Period.

I’ve kept stating the same real world examples over and over, and I’m going to do it again to drive the point home:

Compare those that do cardio to those that don’t.

Let’s look at professional bodybuilders, since no one is more qualified than a pro bodybuilder to demonstrate the most effective way to build the most muscle, while carrying the least amount of fat.

Look at Darrem Charles, Dave Henry, Gerard Dente, Vince Taylor, and for over the first decade of his career, Dexter Jackson (along with a ton of other big name amateurs).

These guys don’t do any cardio whatsoever. Never. Not offseason. Not precontest.

They don’t even come close to a treadmill, stairstepper, bike, or any other cardio contraption.

Yet these guys, consistently, contest to contest, are always the most ripped, defined, vascular, and muscular bodybuilders on stage.

They are always in much better condition than any of all the other bodybuilders that do perform cardio day in and day out.

Now, please don’t say, “Oh, but what about working the heart, blah, blah, blah?”.

Do you honestly believe that your heart isn’t getting an intense workout when you do a set of heavy lunges, pulldowns, presses, or any other big movement exercise??

Those that don’t think so have obviously never weight trained in an intense manner.

I guarantee you that you are working your heart to a much higher degree when forcing the body to lift heavy weights than any type of cardio you can think of.

Do you really think that a little treadmill works the heart more than getting in a leg press machine, pile on the weights, and start knocking rep after grueling rep out???

Listen, we’ve already established in my past articles that heavy, intense weight lifting does everything that cardio does, and to a much higher degree.

It burns calories, it burns fat, it raises the metabolic rate for days afterwards, it can cause a calorie deficit……….and, most important of all……………it builds muscle mass!!!!!!!!!

No cardio exercise whatsoever can build muscle mass.

And everyone knows that building lean muscle tissue is the most important factor in being muscular or toned and with low body fat.

What should matter most to you, if you are in search of the most effective and efficient ways to lose weight and burn body fat, is what works in real life, in the real world.

What actually w-o-r-k-s!

Go tell that to all of those people at the gym who spend hours at a time on a treadmill, like gerbil, or in aerobics or spinning class.

Those people, you see them today, and look at them 12 months later, and they’ll still look the same!!!

Yeah, they are working up a real sweat, and may feel excellent afterwards, but I prefer to actually look good without a shirt.

Focus on heavy, intense weight lifting, and correct calorie eating.

That’s what will actually make a difference in how you look in the mirror.

As with everything, as we experiment and test, test, test, and test some more, for months on end, we sometimes find better methods that lead to gain muscle weight / fat burn at a quicker and easier rate.

But after many many months of testing and measuring rate of fat burn / muscle mass weight gain, and taking a step back and looking at what is happening in the real world and observing other very successful bodybuilders, I have come to the conclusion that cardio is not necessary.

You no longer have to do cardio at all!

Again, focus on the “Big Two”…..heavy, intense weight lifting and proper calorie eating.

I noticed that cardio always severly depleted my energy levels, it made me take longer for my muscles to recover, it would cause me to lose some of my hard-earned muscle mass, and it would chew up a lot of my time.

As soon as I stopped doing cardio, concentrated on my special way of weight training I immediately noticed that my muscles would remain “full”, I had a lot of energy, and I was able to burn fat a lot faster and easier.

Part of this is because cardio is VERY catabolic (eats up muscle tissue).

You’ll have more time and more energy on your hands. Trust me.

So, say “goodnight” to cardio.

------------------------

How did a Cleveland Firefighter discover how to lose over 50 pounds of fat weight and 10 inches off his waist in 3 and half months WITHOUT using any supplements, doing NO cardio, and no fad diet? Jonathan Perez has created the *ultimate* guide - "Fat To Buff!.....How To Lose Weight Eating Any Foods You Want Every 4th Day, Using No Supplements Whatsoever, and No Cardio"

FREE Details: -------> http://www.FatToBuff.com
Marc C. David
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No Quarter

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 11:47 AM

ORIGINAL: Marc David


Look at Darrem Charles, Dave Henry, Gerard Dente, Vince Taylor, and for over the first decade of his career, Dexter Jackson (along with a ton of other big name amateurs).

These guys don’t do any cardio whatsoever. Never. Not offseason. Not precontest.

Yet these guys, consistently, contest to contest, are always the most ripped, defined, vascular, and muscular bodybuilders on stage.

They are always in much better condition than any of all the other bodybuilders that do perform cardio day in and day out.

What about the best of the best, Ronnie Coleman? I'm pretty sure he does cardio on a regular basis, and beat the most "ripped" bodybuilders out there.


ORIGINAL: Marc David
Now, please don’t say, “Oh, but what about working the heart, blah, blah, blah?”.

Do you honestly believe that your heart isn’t getting an intense workout when you do a set of heavy lunges, pulldowns, presses, or any other big movement exercise??


If this is true, why after training hard for 3 years with almost no cardio, I'm out of breath after a very short jog? Or a climb up a few flights of stairs? Why can I only swim for 5-10 minutes before my body nearly gives out?




danmirage

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 12:28 PM
Well, the problems in this article are many...he is 1/2 right and 5/6 wrong.
 
Pro bodybuilders use drugs.  They should not be compared to Jane who only does gerbil runs.
 
Use of this type of logic is a common fallacy called "Exclusion of the middle."
Present the extremes to justify your argument.
 
Once you bust out with the logical fallacy...you trip the Bu**S**t detector and you invalidate your whole presentation.
 
There is a way that he could have been right...but he obviously does not really understand how it all works for a drug free athlete.
 
This is an example of someone who has no clue.  Who neither understands the sport, the physiology, nor the mechanics.
 
I could spend the next 30 minutes explaining why every line of that is just not right.  But it is such a mess...its better to just laugh at it and move on!!!
 
This is not the real thing.  He is a fake creating more misinformation and confusion!
 

 


If this is true, why after training hard for 3 years with almost no cardio, I'm out of breath after a very short jog? Or a climb up a few flights of stairs? Why can I only swim for 5-10 minutes before my body nearly gives out?

What he absolutely demonstrates is that he does not know the answer to this question.  I will answer it in case you were serious. 
 
There are functionally 3 types of muscle:
Type I - oxidative
Type IIa - oxidative/glycolytic
Type IIb - glycolytic
 
As a power lifter and strength athlete, your training favors the Type IIb fibers and and programs the Type IIa fibers to be more glycolytic.  This also tells your body to down regulate the growth and development of the Type I and Type IIa - oxidative fibers.  These Type I and Type IIa - oxidative fibers are the ones that efficiently perform repetitive movements.  These burn more fat because they have the high number of mitochondria.  
 
You however favor the Type IIb and and Type IIa glycolytic fibers which use glycogen and creatine for energy!  Since these latter two energy sources are only able to fuel brief bouts of action...you tire quickly.  You have very little of the other muscle fibers and so the few fibers you have struggle in vain to do the work...with the help of the big guys!
 
If you had included higher rep training (now you know why I keep bringing this up for athletes!!), you would have stimulated these Type I and Type IIa - oxidative fibers and your experience would be very different! 
 
In that case, if you incorporate certain types of training and certain diet strategies..you could avoid doing cardio and still have all the benefits.
<message edited by danmirage on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 12:36 PM>
No Quarter

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 12:34 PM
But Dan my heart and my lungs are also part of the problem, they're not anywhere near at full capability, as they've had it pretty easy these past few years.
danmirage

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 12:35 PM
Yes...but I am talking also about them!
No Quarter

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 12:37 PM
Ahh I see, so these fibers can be specifically trained in the heart and lungs too...thanks for the insight.
Marc David

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 12:41 PM
Is Cardiovascular Work Necessary?


Some individuals with a well-defined interest in exercise — for example, bodybuilders — view the need for and the benefits of aerobic training with a heightened sense of skepticism. To a degree, their misgivings about whether to get seriously involved in aerobic training are rooted in the wealth of misinformation that exists concerning aerobic fitness. There seem to be almost as many myths and misconceptions about the “how’s” and “why’s” of training your heart-lung complex as there are individuals willing to advance an opinion on the subject. Realistically, before most individuals will be able to make a firm personal commitment to engage in a sound aerobic training program, they must be able to separate fact from fiction regarding aerobic fitness. The following twelve beliefs relating to aerobic fitness appear to be among the most common myths.

Aerobic fitness is not important for everyone.

Not true. Everyone needs to be able to efficiently take oxygen into their lungs and blood and pump it to their working muscles where it is utilized to oxidize carbohydrates and fats to produce energy. If you are concerned about your health, particularly the risk of heart disease, you need to accept the fact that aerobic training can have a critical effect on the quantity and quality of your life.

All time spent exercising aerobically would be better used in the weight room.

Not true. Aerobic fitness is among the most preventative medicines available. How strong you are, how well-sculpted your body is, and how good you feel about yourself will not be sufficient consolation to you if you become seriously ill. While muscular fitness is certainly important, aerobic fitness is also essential. No logical justification exists regarding why you should compromise your health. Make time for both components of fitness.

Aerobic training improves only the heart-lung complex, not your muscles.

Not true. In fact, your muscles are the primary target organ of aerobic training. Aerobic training increases the muscles’ ability to use fat as a source of energy. It also increases the size and number of the cellular units (mitochondria) that produce energy aerobically. It also increases the levels of specific enzymes in your muscles that are required for the aerobic transformation of “fuels” into energy. When you consider how aerobic training improves the condition and efficiency of your breathing muscles and your heart (undoubtedly the most important muscle in your body), it is little wonder that relative to aerobic fitness, “muscles do matter.”

More is better when it comes to aerobic training.

Not true. Research shows that an aerobic exercise program that exceeds more than four 45-minute sessions per week has a limited effect on improving your aerobic capacity. You burn up more calories if you aerobically exercise more, but you won’t necessarily wind up with a heightened level of aerobic fitness. In addition, exercising aerobically more than 1.5 hours per week may be counterproductive, if your goal is to maximize your level of muscle mass.

The best aerobic exercise is running.

Not true. The best aerobic exercise for you is one that you enjoy, one that is safe for you, and one that you will perform on a regular basis. One person’s trash is another individual’s treasure. Pick an aerobic activity that you personally like, stair climbing, treadmill, swimming, etc., and make it a regular part of your workout regimen.

Aerobic exercise is expensive.

Not true. Your body, except for your feet, has little concern about what you wear when you train aerobically. If you’re into running, you do need good shoes, which usually range in cost from $50 to $100. Except for shoes, however, your financial outlay for aerobic training can be a relatively bare-bones payout. Many aerobic activities (walking, running, etc.) require little or no equipment. You may, however, have to become a member of a fitness club that has a pool or independent stair climbing machines if non-impact aerobic exercise is your preferred mode of training.

Aerobic training is extremely time-consuming.

Not true. Compared to the time that you might usually spend lifting in the weight room, for example, aerobic training is a virtual walk in the park. Most exercise scientists recommend exercising aerobically 20 to 30 minutes per workout. Some individuals exercise for longer periods of time, but such a time commitment does not appear to be necessary.

Aerobic fitness is achieved by raising your heart rate.

Not true. Aerobic fitness is attained when you elevate the metabolic rate and oxygen consumption of your muscles and you sustain the elevation sufficiently long enough to overload your aerobic enzyme systems. Heart rate is only an external indication of oxygen consumption. Sustained metabolism is the cause of aerobic fitness; heart rate is only a byproduct of the process.

Engaging in sports is a good way to develop aerobic fitness.

Not true. Playing sports (e.g. basketball, racquetball, etc.) does not provide the sustained level of metabolism that you need to elicit the physiological responses in your body to develop aerobic fitness. For the most part, you should already be sufficiently aerobically fit before you participate in sports.

The harder you exercise, the faster your level of aerobic fitness will improve.

Not true. Exercise scientists suggest that the best way to approach your goal of conditioning yourself aerobically is “to make haste slowly.” Trying to do too much, too soon will usually result in you either being injured or discouraged. Keep in mind that it takes time to elicit the stream of physiological adaptations from your body that are both necessary and desirable. The ISSA recommends that you exercise aerobically at an intensity level ranging from 55% to 85% of your maximum heart rate, with a suggestion that unless you are a serious athlete in tip-top aerobic condition, you train at the lower end of the intensity range.

You have to sacrifice your joints for your heart.

Not true. Not all aerobic activities involve orthopedic trauma. Three of the most currently popular aerobic activities are non-impact in nature: exercise cycling, rowing, and independent stair climbing. Compared to cycling and rowing, independent stair climbing offers a critical advantage (beyond the fact that it controls and eliminates the stress on your skeletal joints) in that it is a weight-bearing activity. Exercise scientists have found that your bones respond in several positive ways (e.g. they become stronger) to weight-bearing exercise.

It may be too late for you to begin an aerobic training program.

Not true. The benefits of aerobic fitness remain in effect regardless of how sedentary a lifestyle you have previously led. While your initial level of fitness will influence your rate of aerobic improvement (not surprisingly, the less active and fit you are, the faster you will improve aerobically), the health justification for aerobic training is valid regardless of your exercise habits. In fact, for example, even a 70-year-old individual can expect a substantial (10%) improvement in aerobic fitness from regular exercise. In short, it is never too late.

-Source: ISSA Complete Guide to Fitness 8.1.5
Marc C. David
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DA

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 1:03 PM
Dan, I am confused, do you agree with mark or not? 
Marc David

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 1:05 PM
  1. Nobody agrees so far.
  2. I don't agree with it.
  3. It's also NOT my article.
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DA

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 1:07 PM
Ah, I guess I should read more clearly into things :D.

Marc, this is COMPLETELY unrelated, but you're kinda hard to get a hold of, how informative is "Burn the Fat and Feed the Muscle"?
danmirage

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 1:14 PM

Ahh I see, so these fibers can be specifically trained in the heart and lungs too...thanks for the insight.

Right!
 
When you lift a particualr weight for 4 reps max..you train the heart to do short intense pumping...
 
When you train with the lighter high rep movement...or swim...or jump rope...or sprint...you train the heart and lungs and other systems to perform at a sustained level...
Marc David

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 1:24 PM
Hard to get ahold of?

Send me a PM or an email. 

LONG review thread on BFFM
Marc C. David
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danmirage

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 1:37 PM

Dan, I am confused, do you agree with mark or not? 

You thought I was rippin Marc a new A**Hole!
 
LOL
 

Copyright © 2006 Jonathan Perez

That is not Marc's pen name!
gzinkl

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Thursday, September 14, 2006 5:46 AM
Rats.  I was reading the first post, thinking, cool, I don't have to go do my intervals this morning.

Of course I knew better, but I wanted it to be true.

Sigh.

Oh well, and now I've been inspired to use the stairmaster this morning.  I hope I don't die .
"If there's nothing else that's relevant, I'll be leaving now"

"Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground"
danmirage

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RE: The Final Verdict On Cardio and Weight Loss - Thursday, September 14, 2006 8:40 AM

but I wanted it to be true.

That is the allure that the writer is hoping will reel em in!
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