Steady state cardio is a popular form of exercise, but it is not without its drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential drawbacks of steady state cardio and why it may not be the best choice for everyone.
Time Commitment
One of the primary drawbacks of steady state cardio is the amount of time it takes to complete. Depending on the intensity and duration of the exercise, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more to complete a steady state cardio session. This can be a challenge for those who have limited time in their day to dedicate to exercise.
Potential for Injury
Steady state cardio can also put you at risk of injury. If you are not careful to warm up and cool down properly, you may be more likely to pull a muscle or strain a joint. Additionally, if you are not careful to vary the intensity of your workouts, you may find that your body is not able to handle the strain of the same exercise over and over again, leading to injury and fatigue.
Drawbacks of Steady State Cardio can cause injury
Negative impact on muscle growth
One of the biggest drawbacks of steady state cardio is that it has a negative impact on muscle growth. This is because steady state cardio increases the amount of cortisol, a hormone that is released during periods of stress. Cortisol is known to break down muscle tissue, which can lead to a decrease in muscle mass. Additionally, steady state cardio does not provide the same level of anabolic stimulus that is provided by more intense forms of exercise, such as weightlifting or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). As a result, steady state cardio can limit the amount of muscle growth that is possible.
Risk of Overtraining
Although steady state cardio can provide many benefits, it is important to note that it can also increase the risk of overtraining. Overtraining is a condition in which the body is pushed too hard and is unable to recover properly. This can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and even injury.
In order to reduce the risk of overtraining, it is important to listen to your body and to not push yourself too hard. It is also important to take regular rest days, as this will give the body time to recover. Additionally, it is important to vary your exercise routine. By incorporating different types of exercises into your routine, you can help to reduce the risk of overtraining.
Potential increase in cortisol levels
There is evidence to suggest that it can lead to an increase in cortisol levels. This is because steady state cardio is a form of prolonged exercise and can cause the body to become stressed. As a result, the adrenal glands will release more cortisol in order to cope with the stress.
However, it is important to note that the effects of steady state cardio on cortisol levels are not necessarily negative. In fact, some studies suggest that steady state cardio can lead to a decrease in cortisol levels. This is because steady state cardio can help the body become more efficient at managing stress, which can lead to a decrease in cortisol levels over time.
Lack of Intensity
Another potential drawback of steady state cardio is that it can lack intensity. Many people find that they are not able to push themselves hard enough to get the most out of their workouts. This can lead to a lack of progress and frustration with the results.
Lack of Variety
Steady state cardio can become boring over time. If you are doing the same exercise every day, it can become monotonous and unenjoyable. This can lead to a decrease in motivation and a lack of desire to continue with the exercise. Steady state cardio can also become monotonous over time. As the same movement is repeated for an extended period of time, it can become boring and tedious. This lack of variety can lead to a decrease in motivation and adherence to the exercise routine.
Potential for Plateaus
Finally, steady state cardio can lead to a plateau in fitness level. As the body becomes accustomed to the same exercise routine, the body will become more efficient at performing the exercise, leading to a plateau in fitness level. To prevent this, it is important to mix up the routine and add variety.
Alternatives to Low Intensity Steady State Cardio
- High Intensity Interval Training
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that combines periods of intense physical activity with periods of rest. HIIT is a popular choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts due to its effectiveness in helping to improve physical performance, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. HIIT is a great way to get a full-body workout in a short amount of time. - Weight Training
Weight training is an effective way to build strength, increase muscle mass, and improve overall fitness. It can be done at home with minimal equipment or in a gym with a variety of machines and free weights. This guide will help you understand the basics of weight training and provide tips to help you get the most out of your workouts.
Conclusion
Steady state cardio is a popular form of exercise, but it is not without its drawbacks. It can take a significant amount of time to complete, and there is potential for injury due to the repetitive motion. Additionally, it can become monotonous over time and can lead to a plateau in fitness level. For these reasons, it is important to consider all of the potential drawbacks before deciding whether or not steady state cardio is the right choice for you.
It is important to make sure that you are able to commit the necessary time to the exercise, as well as take proper precautions to avoid injury. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you are able to push yourself hard enough to get the most out of your workouts, and to find ways to keep yourself motivated and engaged in the exercise.
