Just doing cardio

[haganah]

Is there anything wrong with just doing cardio for a month straight? I'm assuming a mix of jogging/biking and interval training 4 times a week.

I know abs are made in the kitchen but would it be so bad to limit the workouts to just cardio? I'm not a chub chub, I just want more definition.

 

[imageWIS]

Well, as far as I understand it, cardio will help shed the fat in front of your abs (along with proper diet as you noted), but the only thing its going to help define is your legs and your abs.

Jon.

 

[IUtoSLU]

I'm not an expert. I think cardio will help you look more defined, but probably not as defined as lifting mixed with cardio. My reasoning is, the lifting will help maintain muscle on the rest of your body. Also, muscle in general burns a lot of calories, therefore having more muscle and maintaining muscle will help you lose more fat.

 

[greg_atlanta]

If you do too much cardio your body may try to conserve energy and you'll stop burning as many calories. 30 mins of cardio per day is enough. Diet is still way more important.

 

[Eason]

Originally Posted by IUtoSLU

I'm not an expert. I think cardio will help you look more defined, but probably not as defined as lifting mixed with cardio. My reasoning is, the lifting will help maintain muscle on the rest of your body. Also, muscle in general burns a lot of calories, therefore having more muscle and maintaining muscle will help you lose more fat.

You're correct, cardio without lifting weights = lost lean mass.

 

[remn]

No, do not just do cardio. You haven't mentioned your fitness level but even if you are a weak bastard, you shouldn't JUST do cardio. A mixture of interval training with weights and sprints will get you a hard body with strength too. Mix in some abdominal circuit training in with your workouts and you'll be golden.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to just run long-distance to lose weight. Doing that will eat away at that precious lean muscle you want.

 

[rjmaiorano]

Originally Posted by IUtoSLU

I'm not an expert. I think cardio will help you look more defined, but probably not as defined as lifting mixed with cardio. My reasoning is, the lifting will help maintain muscle on the rest of your body. Also, muscle in general burns a lot of calories, therefore having more muscle and maintaining muscle will help you lose more fat.

yep.