Kill Cardio and Still Lose Weight?

Many of you know that I’m not really into cardio, especially not traditional cardio. Many people ask if you can actually get rid of cardio and still lose weight. After all, most of us hit the treadmill any time we want to start losing weight. The truth is, you can kill traditional cardio, save yourself the time on the treadmill, and still lose weight while getting cardiovascular improvements.

First off, what does traditional cardiovascular exercise do?

If you aren’t used to running, walking, or riding a bike, you’re going to build a little muscle as you start to adapt to your aerobics routine. Your body also adapts by increasing your heart and lungs’ ability to handle the stress you put it through during a traditional cardio session. This is what most people consider the smart way to lose weight. That is absolutely not true, allow me to illustrate.

If you go to the gym, and do a set of weighted squats, you will get just as much cardiovascular benefits as you will during some of your common aerobics exercises. Don’t believe me? Test it out.

Go to the gym and do a hard, intense ( this doesn’t necessarily mean fast) set of weighted squats. Maybe you will do 10-20 reps.

Now when you put the weight down, how do you feel? If you used a good weight, chances are you are shaky and out of breath. Put your hand on your chest and you’ll feel your heart pounding.

Isn’t this the same thing that happens when you run on a treadmill?

It is, and you can get those benefits if you follow a good intense weight training routine.

In fact, you don’t even need to hit the gym to get the benefit of a stronger heart, better lung capacity and a lower body fat.

Try this. Do 5 minutes of Bodyweight squats, pushups, and mountain climbers. Do not rest between each set, just move straight into the next set.

Now feel your chest. I bet you’re heart is pounding again. In fact, if you do it intensely, you may not even be able to finish 5 minutes.

Why would you need to do a bunch of boring old cardio when you could do a simple 5-20 minute workout and get the same, and usually better, fat burning benefits without the treadmill.

Here’s a challenge to all of you who think that you have to run, bike or swim to lose weight. Try the ultra efficient workout I suggest in My fat loss book and tell me that you got better results with cardio.

I bet I know the answer.

Give one of these workouts a month or two and you’ll be astounded by the way your body changes shape.