Question about Cardio

flex_wannabe · #1 02-02-2007, 08:26 PM

I am thinking of trying something a little different in my cardio. How about splitting up the cardio over 4 or 5 10-11 minute sessions over the day at low-medium intensity?

If spreading the calorie intake evenly throughout the day is effective, why wouldn't spreading the cardio calorie output evenly over the day be effective?

Are there any studies that prove/disprove this idea one way or the other? Any opinions on this?

badblood909 · #2 02-02-2007, 08:36 PM

Cardio isn't simply about wasting calories, it's about burning fat, when you're running or jogging or whatever for 10 minutes, you're mostly burning sugar, not fat.

flex_wannabe · #3 02-02-2007, 08:39 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Cardio isn't simply about wasting calories, it's about burning fat, when you're running or jogging or whatever for 10 minutes, you're mostly burning sugar, not fat.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks. I had the idea to do the cardio immediately before meals (maximum spacing from the last meal and minimum from the next meal to minimize catabolism). But isn't it total calories that count though? Or am I just burning off glycogen stores?

badblood909 · #4 02-02-2007, 08:47 PM

It's not all about calories and it's not all about macronutrients (protein, carbs and fat), it's a combination of the two (along with your training and cardio) that determines what happens to your body (growth, maintenance, fat loss, muscle loss).

Guess you gotta wait for someone else for a more scientific answer on how to balance all these variables [img]/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

yne055 · #5 02-03-2007, 12:27 AM

One or two strenuous cardio sessions a day four or five days a week should be sufficient, depending on what your fitness goals are...

j-dub · #6 02-03-2007, 01:12 AM

I think, at least for most people, the fat burning effects of cardio aren't really seen in the first 10 minutes or so. That is why longer, moderate pace cardio is usually recommended, like at least a half hour. You'll hear all kinds of things, and to an extent it's true that you'll lose weight by burning the extra cals, but I think the issue here is more of what kind of cals you're burning.