Why Too Much Cardio Might Be Holding You Back
By the coaching team at Strength Warehouse
Picture this: You’re in a sauna, and every two minutes, you toss a scoop of water onto the heater. Steam rushes up, making the air feel hotter for a moment—but you’re actually cooling the heater down, making it less effective at doing its job.
That’s exactly what happens when cardio is your go-to for weight loss. It feels productive—you’re sweating, your heart’s pumping—but if cardio is your main strategy, especially if you’re over 40, you might be spinning your wheels instead of making real progress.
The Cardio Trap
Cardio burns calories, yes—but your body quickly adapts. Over time, it becomes more efficient at using energy, meaning you burn fewer calories for the same effort. Worse still, when cardio takes priority over strength training, you risk losing muscle—not just fat.
And if you’re over 40, muscle is something you absolutely can’t afford to lose.
Why Muscle Matters—Especially After 40
At Strength Warehouse, we coach people through intentional, effective strength training because muscle isn’t just about looking good in the mirror. It’s what helps you move well, stay active, and maintain a fast-burning metabolism. Here’s why building and maintaining muscle should be at the top of your list:
- Boosts metabolism – More muscle means more calories burned at rest.
- Reduces joint pain – Strong muscles support your joints and reduce stiffness.
- Improves energy – A stronger body performs better and feels more capable.
- Prevents injury – Strength training builds resilience for all of life’s demands.
The more muscle you build, the better your body handles everything—from everyday movement to long hikes, bike rides, and even aging itself.
The Fix: Strength First, Cardio Second
We’re not anti-cardio at Strength Warehouse. We just believe it has a time and place. If your goals are fat loss, strength, and long-term health, your foundation needs to be built on strength. Here’s how to shift your focus:
- Prioritize strength training – We recommend lifting at least 3x per week.
- Train with intention – You should finish your sets feeling like you had one or two solid reps left in the tank.
- Use cardio strategically – Short bursts of higher-intensity cardio (like rowing, biking, or sled pushes) are more effective than long treadmill sessions.
- Fuel your progress – Make sure you’re eating enough protein to support muscle growth and recovery.
Ready to Rethink Your Routine?
If you’re over 40 and have been logging mile after mile without seeing the results you want, it’s time to change the strategy. At Strength Warehouse, we specialize in coaching strength training for people who want to feel strong, look better, and live a long, capable life.
💪 We’ll meet you where you’re at and build a program that works for you.
👉 Book your free No-Sweat Intro today and let’s get started: