Trainer sais I don't need cardio with my circuit training....

Hi,

I'm would like to decrease my body fat and build muscle. I am not looking to get bulky just get a nice toned physique.

I recently got a new personalized program from a very popular trainer in my area. She trains men and women for fitness competitions and is very experienced.

She has put me on an eating plan which consists of 6 or 7 small meals a day and has made me a program which consists on circuit training (free weights and some machines) and NO cardio. She said I do not need any cardio, which I find a little bizarre, and I do not know if I'm comfortable with the idea. Is this normal?

Like I said, this trainer is very experienced and has always had fantastic results from her clients who have followed her programs strickly.

Maybe she intends for you to work very hard during your circuits so your heart rate is elevated the whole time, thus eliminating the need for stand-alone cardio sessions.

Circuit training is cardio.

The whole point of circuit training is to combine cardio and resistance training all in one. Since you are constantly shifting from exercise to exercise with no rest, and only taking a minute break in between circuits, your HR will be elevated the whole time. This takes away the need to do regular cardio. Now if you wanted to challenge yourself, you could try to do some form of HIIT after you were done. However, that is only if you are up to it.

Original Post by vyperman7:

The whole point of circuit training is to combine cardio and resistance training all in one. Since you are constantly shifting from exercise to exercise with no rest, and only taking a minute break in between circuits, your HR will be elevated the whole time. This takes away the need to do regular cardio. Now if you wanted to challenge yourself, you could try to do some form of HIIT after you were done. However, that is only if you are up to it.

 What'****?..... (edit: removed quote)

WHAT'****?

HA! I think you asked what HIIT was but it *****'ed you out bc you had the s in front of it.

Anywho, HIIT is high intensity interval training. It takes 20 mins to complete.

You can chose any form of exercise although most make it a sprint or cycle HIIT.

Go as fast as you can...and then go faster than that..do that for 30 secs..slow down for 60. repeat for 20 mins.

Vyperman is the HIIT man...he'll 'splain in more detail...since I'm running late for an app as usual!

Some info on HIIT

Yes that was exactly my question fitness girl! I didn't understand why I couldn't type it! lol Thanks for the advice.

Original Post by starbright222:

 What'****?.....

WHAT'****?

this is my life

I know for me my heart rate gets sky high quickly on my heavy lifts.  It takes a lot of work for me to get my heart rate with 10 bpm on any piece of cardio equipment in fact..  So to add to what already has been said

Weight lifting is cardio

and IMHO a much better way to burn the calories and reshape the figure