5 Cardio Myths You Need to Stop Believing

People say cardio exercises are the best part of their workout routine. Cardio has also been a favorite exercise for many people. Also, people who start a weight-loss journey typically have a preference for aerobic exercises. The term "cardiovascular exercise" refers to a variety of aerobic exercises that demand a high oxygen intake. The body needs more oxygen for this type of workout because breathing and heart rate both increase. This causes the lungs to breathe more to satisfy the demand. 

So, if you are a fan of cardio and want to know some tips, read this article. This article debunks the top 5 cardio myths you need to stop believing, so go on.   

If you don't have a whole hour to do cardio, it's not worth it

This is simply untrue. According to many top medical professionals, three 20-minute cardio sessions at a high intensity (e.g., running) are equal to five 30-minute sessions at a moderate effort (e.g., rapid walking). Doing so for even ten minutes at a high level is helpful. Furthermore, a new study indicates that short, occasional sessions of slow running can also benefit your heart. So don’t make excuses for cardio! 

Doing cardio on an empty stomach burns down maximum body fat

This myth stems from the notion that your body will use its stored calories to decrease that muffin top if it doesn't have access to any calories from eating. But this is sadly not true. A 2011 meta-analysis found fat burn is constant whether or not you eat before working out. Additionally, other studies demonstrate the detrimental effects of skipping a pre-workout snack on muscle catabolism, also known as muscle loss. Food is a source of energy that your body requires to function. This isn't an excuse to overeat, but eating a small snack before doing cardio will improve your performance. 

Cardio is the only way to lose weight faster

Spending hours on those frantic exercise machines is a guaranteed method of losing weight because, after all, it's just calories in against calories out, right? In a way, yes, while cardio alone may help you lose weight more quickly, it's the incorrect type of weight. Cardiovascular exercise alone burns only fat and muscle. So, strength training must be incorporated into your routine if you want to see long-term results. Gaining lean muscle mass with weight training will increase your metabolism and fat-burning even when you're not exercising. You can attempt metabolic resistance training. It is a hybrid approach that involves quick bursts of weight training that allows you to have only a little recovery time. Kettlebell training is one example of this type.  

It's important to be in the "fat-burning zone" if you want to burn fat 

This cardio fitness myth is only partially true, much like many others. Exercising at a lower intensity, within the heart rate zone known as the "fat-burning zone," results in burning a higher percentage of calories derived from fat. However, the total calories burned are what really counts when trying to lose weight. In summary, you can lose more pounds by exercising more intensely.   

If you go for a ride or running session, you can skip a leg strength workout

Your workouts won't give you anything to help you gain muscle unless you're performing intense uphill sprints or pushing the bike's resistance until you can hardly move the pedals. Even though your legs and glutes seem to have worked a little, you still need to include strength training exercises like squats, deadlifts, and lunges. You need these to reap the amazing metabolic benefits and development of muscles. Strength training will also improve your running and cycling.  

Final thoughts 

Hopefully, this article should have cleared the myths about cardio in your mind. All the best for a strong cardio routine and a stronger you!