Low Carb Diva

I find it very difficult to exercise too, but I did find an easier way. 2 years ago I started doing research on far infrared saunas and suits. I then bought a sauna after learning using it (or should I say - relaxing in it) I could burn up to 900 calories for 30 minutes. I am addicted to how I feel and how much energy I have. I like that it is all medically proven and safe. they just featured it on Oprah with Dr Oz and The Doctors a couple of weeks ago, so now the secrets getting out and everyone will Skinny Minnie!

You may burn calories by sitting in a sauna but you are missing out on all of the health benefits of weight training and a little bit of cardio each day.

The only weight loss program that works is one that you are willing to do forever. It takes hard work, discipline and preserverance to lose weight and keep it off.

Of course a show on Oprah talking about these things would turn many people off as we are all looking for a quick fix. Unfortunately there isn't one.

Even Oprah who is rich beyond words can't manage to be successful at losing weight and keeping it off.

-LowCarbDiva

I dont agree with your advice on cardio, I used to do loads of it; a few years ago I cut it all out and started doing twice a week weight training. 2x30 minute sessions, that's it. Result: No change in weight, and I am a lot stronger, and even in better aerobic condition, based on how I feel whilst surfing or skiing. And I have a lot more time for other things in my life.

I really do not think that 30 minutes of cardio 3 x's a week is a lot of exercise.
Besides who knows how much you were eating when you were exercising since you did not
mention it. Surfing and skiing are cardio exercises. As is tennis even cleaning the house.
You don't have to spend your time on an exercise bike or treadmill to get your daily
cardio. Heck even parking farther away when you go to the store is a form of exercise.
My concern is people are a lot more sendentary these days, stuck at desk jobs etc. and
need to move a little everyday. Thus the 30 minute designation. if you are already pretty
active this would not really apply!

Thanks for your comments.

-LowCarbDiva

3x30 minutes a week translates into, really, 3 x 60 minutes or more - getting to the gym, changing clothes, doing the "dreadmill" or whatever, showering, changing, leaving the gym, etc....

that's a lot of time spent on an activity that, in reality, has almost no payoff.

You can get all the cardio benefit you need from a properly structured weight training program, even if you are completely sedentary otherwise. This is because the so called aerobic benefit really just comes from stronger muscles. You can strengthen your muscles a bit by doing aerobics, walking the dog, cleaning the house, parking in inconvenient locations, etc.... but not much really. You get a much better payoff doing strength training. Strength training trains all of the muscle fibers, aerobic training is limited to the slow twitch fibers.

btw, after I dropped cardio, I kept eating pretty much the same way - low carb, eating enough to satisfy my hunger. Without paying attention to calories, I probably was just wound up eating less once I killed the cardio program.

also, when my wife and I brought home a dog about a year ago (about two years post cardio), I've ended up walking her about an hour a day, and of course, once again, there was no affect on my weight. I probably just ended up eating a bit more.

While I agree strength training is important. I don't think a little cardio is too much to ask. I have seen plenty of men and women who were is great shape muscle wise but had no physical endurance.

When I used to watch survivor it was always the guys with the most muscles that wore down the quickest in challenges.

A balance between the two should be strived for and encouraged.

-LowCarbDiva

ah well, I think we'll have to agree to disagree! I have been convinced beyond all doubt that physical endurance comes directly from stronger muscles. I've proved it to myself, by doing crazy things like running 5 miles after more than a year not running at all, doing a personal triathlon (swim 30 minutes, bike 30 minutes, run 30 minutes) after more than a year of no cardio, surfing, skiing, etc.
There is a downside to "doing cardio," aside from the time wasted, - it's hard on the joints, and it has a wasting affect on muscles.
Just go easy, ok?