A lean, athletic body without cardio? Yes, it’s possible.
Exercise is important. If you’re looking to build an amazing physique then you definitely want to exercise. Most people don’t choose the right type of exercise for their physique goals.
What’s Your Goal?
Do you want a leaner, more shapely body? Want to reveal those arms proudly in a tank top this summer? Get that 6-pack you’ve always wanted?
Skip the cardio and get weight training! Most people get it backwards, thinking that just because they want to be leaner (which will reveal a sexy midsection and make your arms look firm and “toned”) then they need to spend endless hours doing cardio.
Nope!
Excessive cardio could reduce your muscle mass and eventually make it harder for you to maintain your weight or get leaner.
What you really want to do is build muscle in both your upper and lower body so that you can create the body shape you want. You’ll also enhance your body’s calorie-torching capabilities because the muscle you build needs more calories to sustain itself.
I’m not saying that cardio is a complete waste of time. If you’re concerned with your health you should definitely get your heart pumping regularly, but your heart doesn’t care what activity you’re doing, as long as it’s forced to pump blood faster. Doing weight training in circuit-style will get your heart rate up, while also building muscle.
Do What You Love
If you really like jogging, dancing, swimming, cycling, or team sports then, by all means, do those activities for your own enjoyment. Those activities are a great way to get your body moving and feel more energetic. They also allow you to socialize…or spend quality time on your own, if that’s what you prefer.
There are few people, however, that really enjoy endless hours on the stairclimber or stationary bike at the gym. Most people do them because they think they’ll get the result they want (leanness) by doing them. Skip those boring cardio activities and do something you really like as a pastime. I love going for walks outdoors, but I don’t consider it part of my training.
Training is what you do to get the physical result you want.
If a lean, toned physique is what you’re after then weight training fits the bill. Do what you want just for fun, but spend your training time wisely.
Ivana Chapman
