IS CARDIO HEALTHY FOR YOU PART I

Most of us have been ingrained and marketed with the idea that aerobic exercise, otherwise known by its nickname "cardio," is necessary to become more fit, lose weight, strengthen our cardiovascular system, and prevent heart disease. Of course we all know cardio as running, cycling, swimming, time on the treadmill, time on the stairmaster, etc. Now we won't sit here and tell you that it doesn't achieve all those things previously mentioned, it's just not the best way...or the healthiest way. Aerobic exercise has its physiological disadvantages.

Let's define aerobic exercise as exercising the cardiovascular system to elevated or maximum stress levels for sustained or unbroken periods of time, usually thirty minutes or more1. Cardiovascular exercise is a catabolic stressor that elevates glucocorticoid (stress hormones) production2. These catabolic hormones break down tissue that is highly metabolically active (burns lots of calories).

What this means is that you are breaking down much-needed muscle as well as bodyfat. Think of how different a world-class marathoner looks (thin and boney) versus a world-class sprinter (muscular, toned, defined). Obviously the marathoner spends the majority of his/her training time using the aerobic energy system. Now ask yourself who you would rather look like.

Paul Chek, holistic health practitioner, is also quick to point out that "aerobic fitness atop the standard american diet (SAD) of carbohydrates, refined sugar, additives and preservatives (CRAP) will NOT offer resistance to disease. In fact, it may well bring it on. If you add more tension to an already stressed system, it will crash3."

In part 2 we will talk about what how to get more quality out of your cardiovascular training time (over quantity) and at the same time, becoming more fit, losing weight, strengthening your cardiovascular system, and reducing risk of heart disease.

References:

1Jordin Rubin N.M.D, PhD, The Maker's Diet: 173
2Paul Chek, Holistic Health Practitioner, Cardio Training, 10/2/04, Mercola.com
3Paul Chek, Holistic Health Practitioner, Cardio Training, 10/2/04, Mercola.com