BRIENMALONE's CalorieKing blog
Thursday, Jul 24 2008 - Double Cardio... Every Day...
View BRIENMALONE's food & exercise for this day
"If I were overweight and I knew what I now know about fat loss, I would be doing cardio every day, possibly even twice a day, seven days a week until I was happy with my weight. Then and only then
would I cut back to three days a week for maintenance" (Venuto, 2004, p.277).
I've had that quote in my head for the past week and just now found where it came from. It is worth noting that by "overweight", he doesn't mean obese. He's talking about something that could be corrected in 2-3 months. A quote from earlier in the book puts double cardio into better perspective.
"[T]wice a day cardio is an extreme strategy that the average person simply doesnt have time for. Doing cardio twice a day is not a necessity. Its simply a tool you can use for short periods of time to break a plateau or to get extremely lean.
Many bodybuilders and fitness competitors use double cardio for six to eight weeks before competitions, then go back to cardio once a day.
...If interval training is employed, your metabolism starts racing far beyond its normal rate. Reserve this strategy as a last resort or for peaking if you are at the competitive level.
Never stay on double cardio for a prolonged period or aerobic adaptation may occur. This is a peaking or plateau breaking strategy" (Venuto, 2004, p.69).
Citation:
Venuto, T., (2004). Burn the fat, feed the muscle. Fitness Renaissance, LLC. http://www.burnthefat.com/
Just Once
At my peak dieting period back in February 2008, I managed a day where I did cardio 7 days in a row... Just one time per day. I built up to that, so it wasn't too tough to handle. 40-60 minutes per session. I'm trying to imagine what it would be like to do that twice a day. Since I'm only in the gym once a week these days, it's extremely hard to imagine *laugh*... Thing is... I know I need this sort of immersion to get back on track.
To Yak, or Not to Yak
Im meeting my trainer at 6am tomorrow. My last session didnt go so well. I only made it through about 4 exercises before I felt like I was going to black out. (I was still on antibiotics for strep at the time and hadnt fully recovered.) Im going to see if I have time (and energy) for 30 minutes of cardio and then Ill try to do it again that evening. Anyone want to lay money that I'll hurl? *laugh*
To be honest, I know I'll get used to the double cardio... I'm more worried about how I'll handle laundry! I've only got 7 pairs of workout clothes!
would I cut back to three days a week for maintenance" (Venuto, 2004, p.277).
I've had that quote in my head for the past week and just now found where it came from. It is worth noting that by "overweight", he doesn't mean obese. He's talking about something that could be corrected in 2-3 months. A quote from earlier in the book puts double cardio into better perspective.
"[T]wice a day cardio is an extreme strategy that the average person simply doesnt have time for. Doing cardio twice a day is not a necessity. Its simply a tool you can use for short periods of time to break a plateau or to get extremely lean.
Many bodybuilders and fitness competitors use double cardio for six to eight weeks before competitions, then go back to cardio once a day.
...If interval training is employed, your metabolism starts racing far beyond its normal rate. Reserve this strategy as a last resort or for peaking if you are at the competitive level.
Never stay on double cardio for a prolonged period or aerobic adaptation may occur. This is a peaking or plateau breaking strategy" (Venuto, 2004, p.69).
Citation:
Venuto, T., (2004). Burn the fat, feed the muscle. Fitness Renaissance, LLC. http://www.burnthefat.com/
Just Once
At my peak dieting period back in February 2008, I managed a day where I did cardio 7 days in a row... Just one time per day. I built up to that, so it wasn't too tough to handle. 40-60 minutes per session. I'm trying to imagine what it would be like to do that twice a day. Since I'm only in the gym once a week these days, it's extremely hard to imagine *laugh*... Thing is... I know I need this sort of immersion to get back on track.
To Yak, or Not to Yak
Im meeting my trainer at 6am tomorrow. My last session didnt go so well. I only made it through about 4 exercises before I felt like I was going to black out. (I was still on antibiotics for strep at the time and hadnt fully recovered.) Im going to see if I have time (and energy) for 30 minutes of cardio and then Ill try to do it again that evening. Anyone want to lay money that I'll hurl? *laugh*
To be honest, I know I'll get used to the double cardio... I'm more worried about how I'll handle laundry! I've only got 7 pairs of workout clothes!
5 comments so far.
5.
a decade ago
Hey Brein, I have not heard from you in awhile. Just be careful you do not injure yourself with double cardio.
by JENNCST
4.
a decade ago
First, don't listen to ^^^^^^^^^ about the laundry thing. 2nd I have to say that twice a day cardio is quite effective, but yes, who has time in the long run.....training for an event, sure....but I believe you can get very similar results by interval training during one session per day. I have some days where I do cardio twice a day, but definitely not every day.
by NMA5632
3.
a decade ago
I'm a first-time reader of your blog. I love the quotes and citations! Thanks for sharing, and remember, laundry is what wives are for!
:laugh5: (kidding!) I hope you didn't 
:barf3: during your workout today. Have a great weekend!
by CHARKY
2.
a decade ago
Hi Brien, Thanks for the comments on my last blog. It's great to meet you as well! I can relate to your situation. We do appear to have very similar backgrounds (even similar professions). I started with CK.com about a year ago and it changed my life. I went from overweight and out of shape to a total gym rat. In the last few months before my injury I was running on the treadmill 2x per day and lifting weights like there was no tomorrow. Then the injury happened and the subsequent surgery. Needless to say it's been a difficult few months. I know I'll be back it's just a matter of time. Sounds like you're doing great. Stick with the trainer because it will pay dividends. You just have to stay with it. If I may ask what type of surgery did you have?
by JBK101
1.
a decade ago
I am glad you clarified the double cardio thing - my first thought was WHAT WHO HAS TIME! I did double cardio one summer (1983). I quit my job and took the summer off before going back for my MBA. All I did was teach aerobics. I lost 30lbs without any drastic dieting. I would do it now if I had someone to do it with me. As it is exercising has become a bit of a lonely effort. Best of Luck - time to hit the sales!
by LORILOVE