But What About Cardio? Is it Even Necessary?

Each and every week without fail, someone will ask me “What do you do for cardio fitness?” I have different replies but usually I name the activities I don’t do such as:

• I don’t jog
• I don’t live on a treadmill
• I don’t use a stair climber
• I don’t “spin” or use a recumbent bike

Since I covered most of the usual forms of cardio they usually ask me again “Then what do you do for cardio?”  I reply “I proper strength train in a total body workout once a week for less than 30 minutes”. My strength training workouts are performed at a high intensity level using proper form to prevent injury and that is how I get the cardio effect-during my high intensity workout.

I have always led an active lifestyle. I played competitive city league, AAU, and Master’s level basketball competition after college, playing my last basketball game at age 54. I also wrestled for almost 3 years after college. Today I practice martial arts and self-defense and I proper strength train!

Proper strength training (weight training) should be the exercise base for everyone. Yet, today strength training is still taken for granted, neglected, or used an adjunct exercise.

When performed properly weight training will provide the following 11 benefits:

• Increased muscular strength
• Increased muscular size
• Increased muscular endurance
• Increased fat burning (at rest)
• Increased flexibility
• Increased cardio-ability
• Improved bone density
• Improved functional ability
• Improved posture
• Improved Aesthetic appearance
• Reduced potential for injuries

I challenge you to find another form of exercise that will provide all 11 benefits and in less than 1 hour per week. There is none to compare with high intensity strength training.

Remember: Properly performed strength training is the “total package” and will help you accomplish your health & fitness goals with only two weekly 30 minute High Intensity Strength Training workouts.

Follow my simple strength training program, The Last Rep Advanced Video Series and you will be on your way to  greater strength and muscle mass for better quality of life!

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