08/19/2026
Many people think that cardio programs can help the build muscle.
Sure, they can help. But it takes a looooonnnnngggg time. Enough time for you to quit and start another program and still be disappointed.
Personal training results vary, but the amount of effort, intensity and progressive overload matters.
If you see classes with 5lb dumbbells, high reps, fast movements, and feeling like your heart will explode out of your chest, that’s cardio.
No amount of marketing buzzwords like “functional fitness” or “metabolic conditioning” changes the outcome when the delivery mechanism is a cardio class.
Slow, controlled movements. Heavy weights. Lower reps, higher sets. These are the ingredients for building visible muscle definition. We have 100 years of research at this point, so there’s no question of lifting weights.
Pools of sweat aren’t a sign of muscle. Just a sign your internal cooling system is working.
If you are tired of trying the same thing expecting different results, it’s time to get personal training to figure out what’s missing from your routine.
