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Old 04-14-2008, 07:51 AM   #12 (permalink)
Espi
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NLs
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Relying solely on low-intensity FORMAL cardio and doing it hours on end, won't lead anywhere. The body will adapt and become so used to it, that it will be able to do it, while expending very little energy.
As an example, back in the period between 1997 and 2003, when I would do 300+ K rides, about 200-300K into a ride, my heart rate would drop down to 125 bpm while cycling at the very same speed. During the week, rest rate would also drop back from the usual 40bpm for off-season to just about 30-32 bpm. One time it even dropped to 29bpm. I was freezing nearly all the time!

Fast forwards to 2008. I do no more SS cardio that lasts more than 45 min at the time, yet have managed to drop fat successfully and even gain LBM, especially in the upper body that used to have an emaciated look. The only thing I do is lifting HARD, but I do very little metabolic work, just low rep sets with heavy weights.

For SS cardio , I nearly solely rely on what I do outside the gym. Since I live in an urban area, I can go anywhere within town by bicycle. However, rather than take my bicycle, I've switched to walking everywhere if it's closer than 2 K (1-1.5mi) away. Takes more time, takes more effort , but burns more fat.
Groceries are invariably brought home on foot etc. etc.

All very small changes with an unexpectedly large impact. Somehow, stop & go activities, even when it concerns slow-motion non-formal activities seem to make a bigger dent than you'd expect. The best part is that it doesn't make me hungry and is easy to do.
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