Does it count as cardio?

Dancing Paws started this discussion · 5/16/2013

So, even though I am strong, I m outta shape. Holy crap. Anyways, my question is: If I'm doing strength training like squats, plank slides (for the abs), and other calisthenics type activities for strength training, and my heart rate gets up in my target zone, does it count as cardio too? I know that you are supposed to cardio train 3-5 days per week; I frigging hate running, and I don't have room anywhere to hoop, so I'm hoping my strength training counts, as I am heaving like a little wimp.

8 replies

abcollins1 · 5/16/2013
Yes, strength training that gets your heart rate up and can keep it there, is considered as cardio. Circuit training is really useful for this :) cardio in and of itself really isnt necessary at all, and no one said cardio had to be running. Any activity that gets you moving and gets your heart rate up is cardio!
Dancing Paws · 5/16/2013
That's what I always figured. I just started questioning it when I kept reading things that separated them into two entities, but never mentioned a fusion.
chemgoddess1 · 5/16/2013
I think they make the distinction of things that are *mostly* cardio, like running, Zumba, biking, etc, as for the most part these will not build muscle. At least this is how I always separated the two.
pegasusaerialfitness · 5/18/2013
Do the "talk test".....if you are able to hold a conversation that's low intensity....if you are working so hard you can't talk you are near your max heart rate.. Just keep up the with the circuit and it can be cardio. They have these things called air ropes too. They r pretend jump ropes.. Adding some intervals of the will help keep your heart rate up too. I also like mini tramps, glider discs, and Bosu's...these r more low impact.
Angie La · 5/19/2013
When I get down from dancing on the pole, back and fourth from static and spinning, or even just up and down the pole doing normal stuff, immediately after it hard to carry a normal conversation, for me. I am breathing between every word... But it was my understanding that you have to keep your heart rate up, below the maximum for a period of time, say at least 30 minutes or so, as opposed to anaerobic activity which means without oxygen, and you go super hard, meet your vo2 max, and can't carry a conversation after, bc your huffing and puffing. I find I am somewhere between, bc I am breathing or else I would pass out, but I can't dance it out for a straight 30+ min. This has kind of confused me...but I'd say if I don't let my body cool and I keep working on stuff, then I feel like I am getting a cardio workout. I've seen on YouTube where people do like pole aerobics... But I don't see how I would enjoy that every much...it reminds me like pole step aerobics...maybe I would like it, and just haven't tried it.
Angie La · 5/19/2013
When I get down from dancing on the pole, back and fourth from static and spinning, or even just up and down the pole doing normal stuff, immediately after it hard to carry a normal conversation, for me. I am breathing between every word... But it was my understanding that you have to keep your heart rate up, below the maximum for a period of time, say at least 30 minutes or so, as opposed to anaerobic activity which means without oxygen, and you go super hard, meet your vo2 max, and can't carry a conversation after, bc your huffing and puffing. I find I am somewhere between, bc I am breathing or else I would pass out, but I can't dance it out for a straight 30+ min. This has kind of confused me...but I'd say if I don't let my body cool and I keep working on stuff, then I feel like I am getting a cardio workout. I've seen on YouTube where people do like pole aerobics... But I don't see how I would enjoy that every much...it reminds me like pole step aerobics...maybe I would like it, and just haven't tried it.
pegasusaerialfitness · 5/19/2013
If you are at your max.. And can't talk...that is not something you probably will not be able to maintain cardio wise. There are many, many good theories out there about what is the best way to do cardio...in my personal opinion I think mixing it is best....somedays low and slow, and others days I feel need and desire to do more interval training. We could talk about the Kreisler cycle and all that..but I think the real point is to somehow....get the heart rate..it doesn't Really matter if you break it up into 10 minute bouts or keeping it at 40 minutes....(whatever) vacumming the house can be cardio too.. The only time I think you have to get super duper critical about what type or how long or when to do it is if you have a medical issue that warrants monitoring your heart rate..or you are an extreme athlete that warrants it in a training technique. Just move, sweat, (if your a sweater) listen to your body...if your miserable slow down...if your spunky speed up.. For me I need 40 minutes of cardio every other day..I do that for my " head" or else I would be a farret Icage
pegasusaerialfitness · 5/19/2013
In a cage....arrrrgggg..iPadsiPads