A few questions I’ve had recently so wanted to give you a summary ..
Firstly, consider that to lose weight you need to be in a calorie deficit. Whether you do that just through food and some resistance exercise or no exercise, does not really matter when it comes to weight loss….
However…
1- What is cardio?
This is the first question. Cardio could mean steps to one person and a run to another.
The difference?
Both will have cardiovascular benefits on your heart, you would perhaps get more with higher intensity / running / jogging / skipping.
The fitter you then get, this could help you with life, from running to get the train (does anyone actually do that? I’m usually waiting as they are delayed ;-))
2- Does cardio make you more hungry?
I’ve started doing a few 5k runs recently and really enjoying it. For my heart health fitness and mind.
However, my hunger does increase when I run compared to when I walk.
That’s just me.
The key part?
Have I had enough protein? Fibre? Could I increase it?
After all, if you run to “burn” calories but then just end up eating more?
The main benefits will be heart health, and mental health rather than weight related
Compare this to when I walk?
Sure, I burn fewer calories but
If anything I actually find it lowers my hunger.
The takehome?
Trial it and know what works for you.
3-Do I need to do cardio to help increase my strength?
Too much cardio in the same session as your resistance work / strength work could actually blunt / decrease the effectiveness of your strength work as your energy may be lower (chase two rabbits get none).
In an ideal world?
If your main goal was strength,
You’d probably do strength work separately.
Not possible ? Eg time.
Then perhaps try to do your strength work in the session first.
But know this..
Doing higher rep resistance exercise could still be increasing your strength relative to you ..
Whilst also increasing endurance due to the number of times you are doing it e.g. high repetitions.
And this is why I love resistance exercise.
It’s so versatile.
You can get heart health benefits …
And still focus on changing your body shape and focussing on what you can do
Without putting too much pressure on joints / potential old running injuries .
4- Will resistance exercise and Fruci Fit workouts help with my running / walking?
Absolutely yes, I spoke about this more here: https://youtube.com/shorts/Wpa1Y35zIzE?si=IKo2rl_LmoPj_-H0
And here is a little glimpse of just some of the workouts we did this week from muscle strength, to full body, to no floor, to back to basics, to Tai Chi, pilates and yoga..
Be it from home or in the studio so you can make it as personal or convenient as you like
Watch here: https://youtube.com/shorts/0AbXvGPLnTY?feature=share
Anyway,
Hope that helps
Matt