Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
Questions about suicide? Call the NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Sports & Exercise > Cardio exercise
Posted on: 03/12/2010
Question
I have been doing regular cardio one hour per day, four to five days a week. I have started hearing from my friends that doing regular cardio is not good and burns your muscle instead of fat. They also say doing it regularly and not constantly will not help muscle confusion, which is bad. Could you please advice me if it is OK to continue cardio without ups and downs to create muscle confusion?
I am also taking less protein as I am a vegetarian guy. Will that have any impact on my body due to regular cardio?
I am also taking less protein as I am a vegetarian guy. Will that have any impact on my body due to regular cardio?
Answer
I do not know what is meant by "muscle confusion" but I am not aware of any adverse effects of doing "regular cardio". It does burn fat, not muscle, under normal circumstances. Muscle is only burned if you not eating enough in the diet to meet the caloric demands of the exercise, then the body will burn muscle to get the needed calories.
