Does cardio count as a “workout day” or just days that I am weight lifting?
I am on a 3 day split routine (chest and triceps Mondays, back and biceps Wednesdays and shoulders and legs Fridays) with Cardio on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
I am taking some new suppliments (creatine) that have directions to take on “workout days” so I am trying to figure out if cardio days count or just my lifting days.
Any day that you get “off the couch” and do something other than watch TV is a workout day…Cardio in any form is just as much considered exercise and workout as is strength training and has benefits as well. Some benefits of cardio exercise:
Helps with weight loss
Makes your heart and lungs stronger
Increased bone density
Reduced stress
Reduced risk of heart disease and some types of cancer
Temporary relief from depression and anxiety
Helps you sleep
Gives you more energy
A good workout schedule should always include cardio and even on the days you do weight lifting you may want to incorporate a 10 minute warmup of cardio such as the treadmill or elliptical.
In a word “yes.” A “workout” can generally be defined as any exercise routine. That being said, the concept of a workout is also very subjective and relative to what a person “normally” does for exercise. For example, a marathon runner may NOT consider a 3-mile run for a workout at all, but may consider lifting weights for 15-minutes a real workout. Relatively and subjectivity are the keys when trying to define what a workout consists of.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]
Of course it counts! Depending on how much time you have in your schedule, it’s great to have a dedicated day for cardio. Remember, it can be a class like kickboxing or spinning. I think that you can use this opportunity to also focus on stretching or yoga afterwards, centering yourself.
Before taking supplements, I always recommend you find a doctor that is well versed with them and do bloodwork if necessary. They may have other ideas for you to help.
Be proud of yourself for being all over it!
