MONSTER4X4

How often and when do you guys start alternating your forms of cardio while trying to drop bodyfat? As with any form of training, the body tends to adapt and not work as hard if you do the same thing after a period of time.

My dilemma is this: I've been doing the elliptical (legs only, I don't use the arm part) for 3 mornings a week, 45 mins a time for the last 6 weeks and I believe my body is beginning to adapt and not pull as much body fat for energy despite dropping my cals by 300 a week and a half ago. This morning I switched to the recumbant bike. It was a little harder to get my heart rate up, but I did feel more burn in my legs. My diet is exceptionally clean and my macros are 30%F/30%C/40%P. My lifting performance is satisfactory.

Should I be alternating forms of cardio each cardio workout, weekly or biweekly? What do you guys think?

Dr. Pain

Your contentions that "Change is Good" are correct, as the body adapts quickly, to Cardio, and even to nutritional programs!


But, as w8 and maybe soon TCD are learning, CARDIO is not "ALL THAT!" You are ALWAYS at rsik of burning LBM and precious Glycogen (why some take steps to minimize that) in hopes of moblizing and oxidizing some FFAs.

The end result is usually lower BW due to LBM loss, feeling tired and run down, and no gains or a decrease in lifting performance.

You would make much gr8er progress by changing your macronutrients to 50/20/30 ...P/C/F (lower sugars and starches) and if you must do cardio, HIIT, or see TCD's Journal on "Early Burnout" (my nickname for that style of cardio)


DP

Chest Rockwell

You are correct in stating that the body will
adapt to almost anything in regards to
dieting and training.
I usually do cardio three to four times a week
and try to change up my routine as much as possible.
Switch up the machines you use.
Switch up the intervals and the duration of your cardio.

example
mon-25 minutes interval
wed-40 minutes low intensity
fri- 30 minutes high intensity
or you can always go for a nice walk.
Try going for a nice slow walk after meals.
And ALWAYS switch up the machines you use.

Cardio is not only beneficial to your health
but it will also tap into muscle fibers that
weight training will not.

A few examples of people who do cardio all friggin day long
and are ripped to shreds and have muscles fa dayz:
Shannon Sharpe
Any friggin runningback in the NFL
Take a look at some wrestlers.
or those guys who fight in the UFC.
Also, take a look at some pro boxers.
Ripped and Huge!