The Verdict on Cardio While Cutting

[Makeupmonsterdog]

I have been researching what amount and type of cardio is best for cutting and have been finding so many conflicting opinions in various threads--I guess it's that whole "more than one way to skin a cat" saying. But, I have hit a plateau and am trying to change things up to my routine.

I'm at 20% body fat now and am trying to get down to 15% (27 year old female). Up until now, I have been lifting and cardio-ing like crazy. Mostly 1 hour after weights, 6 days per week. Recently, I added 30 minutes on top of that Mon-Fri, first thing in the am on an empty stomach. I was stupid and lowered my calories at the same time, which turned me into a ravenous animal.

But, I'm thinking of changing my routine up--keeping the 30 min. fasted state cardio in the mornings and lifting in the evening, period. Will this be enough for fat loss? (In combination with a 500 calorie deficit daily)

Any thoughts or experiences or lectures would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,
Sally

[karatetricker]

In your case, I would bump the 30 mins in the morning to 40-45 mins and lose the post-lifting cardio.

By the way, isn't 15% body fat for a female like really low?

[Makeupmonsterdog]

Originally Posted by karatetricker

In your case, I would bump the 30 mins in the morning to 40-45 mins and lose the post-lifting cardio.

By the way, isn't 15% body fat for a female like really low?

Um, probably. I guess you could say I am a bit obsessive (as if all the cardio doesn't give that away?)

I just want to get to a point where my abs really show. At 20% they show a bit on a good day. So, if this happens at 17 percent or 18 percent, I'll stop there. 15% is more of an estimation. . . .

[Skoorb]

I can't picture how a female looks at 15%, but if I had to guess I'd say it's probably around an ideal level of fat, and I'd consider about 7-8% ideal on a guy - this is appearance speaking.

[taffer]

15% on a woman, is like 8-9% on a guy (women are naturally about 6% higher-than men)

as for cardio, have you ever considered slow-go cardio, i mean 55% HR for 45-1hr
or 20-30mins of slow-cardio after weights

currently im trying to break a plateau, and incorperating 7 cardio sessions a week, (i still take a day off ) however they are all low-intensity, i aim for 110bpm, although this is my first week doing it, i belive its working, low-intensity cardio targets the fat, and saves carbs, so your muscles will look fuller, and of course, who wants to burn carbs when you can burn fat