Too Much Cardio

There’s no disputing that cardio is an essential component of any total-body fitness regime. It boosts metabolism, strengthens the heart and lungs, improves endurance, promotes lean muscle,and burns excess fat like few other activities can. But you can be doing too much and it will take a toll on your body that is for sure. You need cardio workouts.

Cardio is generally hard on the body… which is part of why it’s so effective. However, the constant impact of feet against concrete or treadmil, the constant grinding of knees on an elliptical or bike, and the ceaseless rotation of shoulders during swim laps begin to take their toll. Little by little, cartilage and protective cushioning is worn away and replaced by pain. As well, the force of the exercise on the body starts moving outward from joints into other nearby parts of the body, causing such injuries as stress fractures (most commonly in feet and ankles), bone spurs, tendonitis, and more. Make sure that your cardio exercises are all working really good for you.

Unless you’re training for an event like a marathon or triathlon, most of us can get optimal cardio benefit from 2 to 5 miles of jogging at a moderate pace. Walking, biking and swimming should also be taken on in conservative distances, especially when starting out. If you find that your weight loss is tapering off, the answer may not be more cardio – it may be more intensity. Begin by raising inclines or adding resistance in the form of stairs, reverse current, or by carrying additional weight before you automatically add more distance and time.