Today we dove into the topic of cardio, asking if it’s really as important as people think, if it’s overblown, and what kind we should actually be doing. Let me break it down for you.
First off we have to point out that the world feels like it’s on the edge of chaos, whether it’s war, another orchestrated pandemic, or civil unrest. My mission is to help you get your body ready for whatever’s coming, not out of fear, but to honor the body God gave you. I don’t deal with the spiritual side, that’s your choice, but I’m here to help you get physically strong and independent from Big Pharma and Big Food.
Now, onto cardio. The idea that you need to pound the pavement or hit the treadmill hard to be healthy is way overblown. A lot of advice about cardio comes from doctors who, frankly, don’t know much about exercise. Most of them have zero training in exercise science or nutrition, yet they’ll guilt you into thinking you need to run to stay healthy. I’ve seen it myself, and it’s time to debunk that myth.
I’ve been in the fitness industry a long time, and I’ve noticed something. Plenty of people who do cardio, like running or cycling, still struggle with insulin resistance, blood sugar issues, or even borderline diabetes. Take pro cyclists, some of the fittest people out there, and yet some are borderline diabetic. Why? It’s because high-intensity cardio, where your heart rate is jacked up, relies on glycolysis, burning carbs for quick energy. That’s great in the moment, but it doesn’t help you burn body fat or regulate blood sugar when you’re not exercising.
Here’s the deal. When your heart rate is low, like when you’re sitting or walking, your body burns fat because it’s a slow, steady fuel source. When you push your heart rate high, like during a run, your body switches to burning carbs through glycolysis. Sure, you burn more calories overall with high-intensity stuff, but if you’re trying to lose body fat, that’s not the way. Walking for 30 minutes at a low heart rate burns about the same calories as an 8-minute sprint, but the walking pulls more from fat stores, actually changing your body.
And here’s another kicker, weight training is just as good for your heart as traditional cardio. When you lift, your body creates waste products, your blood pumps to clear them, and you build an oxygen debt that your aerobic system pays back. Plus, more muscle mass means better blood sugar regulation, something cardio-only folks often miss out on because they don’t build muscle. That’s why so many cardio enthusiasts still have that stubborn belly fat or blood sugar issues, they’re not training their bodies to burn fat efficiently, and they’re often only active seasonally.
So, my recommendation? Walk. Keep your heart rate low for longer to burn fat and reshape your body. Pair that with weight training two or three times a week to boost your cardiovascular health, stimulate your hormones, and improve blood sugar control. Forget the high-intensity cardio obsession, it’s not the key to health. Watch this episode again to soak it in, and share it with your friends, family, even your doctor, because they might need to hear this too.
Oh, and one last thing, I’ve got a 12-week online personal training and nutrition program (Enter promo code: JULY4) with a big 4th of July discount. Check the link below if you want my guidance to get strong and ready for whatever’s next.
Doctors Don’t Know Exercise: Debunking Medical Cardio Advice
First of all, cardio advice is usually coming from our overweight doctors. So let's just face it. We go to our primary care physician. Physician comes in. Not all physicians, but a lot of them are overweight, out of shape, not practicing what they preach. You know, they went to school for basically managing symptoms through pharmaceuticals. They did not go to school for nutrition. They did not go to school for exercise science, exercise physiology, personal training, whatever. They didn't go to school for that, so they know nothing about exercise, okay? They literally know nothing about exercise and it's no disrespect to them, but they don't do any exercise classes in the doctorate degree. OK, to become a doctor, you don't have to have any knowledge of exercise. You have to have one semester of nutrition, no training in exercise whatsoever. So your doctor comes in to you when you go to see him or her, and they say, are you doing your cardio? Are you running? Whatever they say, okay? And then you're supposed to feel bad because you say, no, I'm not doing it, but I'm going to try. I'm going to try harder. And the doctor says, yep, I think that's a good idea. Because you need to be healthy and this and that and they go off on this rant that they have no idea what they're talking about. I've had it happen to me. And I know a lot of people that have had it happen to them. So let's just debunk that right now, that doctors don't know what they're talking about with exercise. They don't.
GET THIS EXCLUSIVE OFFER WHILE IT LASTS!
12 Week Body Transformation now only $79: https://www.danlyonsfitness.com/sales-page-a6002c53-19af-4ee9-966f-0d9cc36c29a9
Use promo code: DAN
Are you a middle-aged woman or man who wants to transform your body?
If you are age 40-70 and want to get your body back, this program is for YOU! Whether you are beginner or experienced exercise/diet enthusiast, this program has all the tools you need to transform your body.
Exercise physiologist and certified personal trainer Dan Lyons created this proven program with the goal of getting middle-aged clients in shape. Clients also receive Dan's proven nutrition plans, along with direct access to Dan for support.
REGULAR REGISTRATION $165
LIMITED TIME OFFER $79
Top features:
✔️26 pre-recorded personal training sessions.
✔️Nutrition plans
✔️Weight loss
✔️Muscle toning
✔️Beginner friendly
✔️Direct access to Dan
✔️Equipment needed: dumbbells, mat and exercise ball
Sign up now at DanLyonsFitness.com
