Summary: Excessive cardio used to be a part of my daily routine until I realized it was doing more harm than good. After months of running for hours and not seeing any significant changes in my body, I decided to switch things up. Here are the 5 reasons why I stopped excessive cardio.

1. Cardio wasn’t helping me reach my goals

I used to believe that cardio was the only way to lose weight and get in shape. However, after months of running and not noticing any muscular gains, I realized that I needed to incorporate strength training into my routine. Cardio alone wasn’t going to help me achieve my goals of building muscle and getting toned.

Moreover, studies have shown that excessive cardio can lead to muscle loss in addition to burning fat. Running for too long without incorporating weight training can lead to a decreases in lean muscle mass. This can lead to a decrease in metabolism, which actually makes it harder to lose weight in the long run.

I started incorporating weight training into my routine and saw significant changes in my body composition. I started to notice more muscle definition and my body began to look leaner overall.

2. Excessive cardio was causing injuries

Running for hours on end can take a toll on your body, especially if you’re not taking the time to properly warm up and cool down. When I was doing excessive cardio, I began to experience knee pain and shin splints – both of which are common injuries associated with running.

I took a break from running and focused on stretching and foam rolling on my off days. I also started doing low-impact exercises like yoga and Pilates which helped me stay active without putting additional stress on my joints.

When I eventually incorporated running back into my routine, I made sure to start slow and gradually build up my mileage. This helped prevent injuries and allowed me to maintain a consistent workout routine.

3. Excessive cardio was causing burnout

When I was doing excessive cardio, I found myself feeling burnt out both mentally and physically. Running for hours on end can be monotonous and boring, which can lead to decreased motivation and even depression.

I started incorporating different types of physical activity into my routine to keep things interesting. I joined a kickboxing class, tried spin classes, and even started taking dance lessons. By switching it up, I was able to stay motivated and engaged with my workouts.

Moreover, when you do the same type of workout day in and day out, your body adapts to it and you eventually hit a plateau. By incorporating different types of physical activity, I was able to shock my body and break through plateau periods.

4. Cardio was making me hungry all the time

After a long run or intense cardio session, I found myself ravenous and craving anything and everything in sight. Studies have shown that intense cardio can increase hunger hormones, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.

I started incorporating more whole foods into my diet and eating more protein throughout the day. This helped keep me fuller for longer and prevented overeating after my workouts.

I also started focusing more on fueling my body properly before and after workouts. This meant incorporating more carbohydrates into my meals to give me the energy I needed for my workouts and replenishing my body with protein and carbs after my workouts to aid in recovery.

5. Cardio wasn’t sustainable for me

I found myself dreading my cardio workouts and struggling to maintain a consistent routine. As I mentioned earlier, cardio can be monotonous and boring, making it hard to stick with in the long run.

By incorporating strength training and different types of physical activity into my routine, I was able to switch things up and keep my workouts interesting. I found myself looking forward to trying new exercises and challenging my body in different ways.

Switching things up also helped prevent injury and burnout, making it easier for me to maintain a consistent workout routine.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, excessive cardio may work for some people, but it wasn’t working for me. By switching things up and incorporating strength training and different types of physical activity into my routine, I was able to see significant changes in my body composition and overall health.

I also found that by diversifying my workouts, I was able to stay engaged and motivated, preventing burnout and injuries. If you’re someone who has been doing excessive cardio and not seeing any significant changes, it may be time to switch things up and try something new.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always a good idea to consult with a trainer or healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your workout routine.