Myths About Steady State Cardio Workouts
So you want to be lean and mean?
There is a common misconception that steady state cardio (doing aerobic exercise on a cardio machine of your choice for an hour without changing speed or intensity levels) is good for you.
It is percieved that steady state cardio helps you lose weight, helps you get lean, and makes you feel great because you work up a tremendous sweat! This is one of the biggest training myths out there. Here are five reasons why you should ditch this form of cardio workout.
Increases Cortisol Production
Steady state cardio elevates cortisol (stress hormone) levels in your body: Read fatty deposits in your mid-section and a bigger waist line.
Is Catabolic
Being in a catabolic state is muscle wasting. Hours of cardio causes muscle tissue breakdown. You want your body to be in an anabolic (muscle building) state. Use this time to do some strength training.
Causes Injuries
Repetitive stress in the same movement pattern causes wear and tear and makes your body more injury prone.
Is Time Consuming
A shorter interval workout (change the speed and intensity of the workout in intervals) at a higher intensity level will help you get lean much faster.
Is Boring
I don't think anyone truly enjoys running on the treadmill for an hour. Get outside and ride your bike, do some interval runs in the park, go for a hike or swim, lift some weights.
