Although cardio shouldn’t be the focus of a fat loss program, it should definitely be a complimentary strategy. The main problem here, however, is that too many women are making the same cardio mistakes day in and day out.
So here are 5 things to avoid when performing cardio for weight loss:
1. Not using a wide variety of equipment: The more equipment you use here the better. Not only will this prevent adaptation, but it will also distribute the stress across your entire body. As opposed to always using a treadmill which mostly stresses your lower body.
2. Not going hard enough: While there are many benefits to doing low intensity cardio, you do have to push the envelope here for maximum results. You see, by cranking up the intensity you can spend less time doing cardio while simultaneously burning more calories.
3. Prioritizing cardio over resistance training: For best results, resistance training should always take precedence over cardiovascular training. Doing this will prevent you from destroying your metabolism and getting slower results.
4. Doing abs before cardio: You need your core to be as strong as possible before doing cardio and before lifting weights. If you fatigue your core prior to doing cardio, you are more at risk for injury. You see, your core makes sure that stresses get applied in the least damaging manner throughout your body.
5. Going on empty: Please do not think that doing cardio on an empty stomach is an effective way to burn more fat. You see, you actually burn less fat, burn more muscle and feel absolutely horrible. Even worse, you burn less overall calories.
6. Focusing too much on cardio: Cardio is great in moderate amounts, but in excess amounts it does more harm than good. So make sure you add in cardio sparingly and see how your body is reacting. If you go overboard here you will decrease long term chances of success.
Author Katherine Crawford, an exercise physiologist and recent arm fat sufferer, teaches how to get rid of bingo wings. Figure out how to get sexy and sculpted arms by exploring her blog with arm exercises for women that work now!