I remember a thread where a bunch of you Tabata type guys were talking about your training regime. I was impressed to say the least. The thing that I didn't get, and was about to post on that thread, was why you maintain such a grueling schedule and keep such a high level of conditioning that is usually reserved for a world class athlete. I use to train like a maniac but I was a very serious competitive athlete. Even then I often found it hard to justify. A person can look good, even great, just training with weights 3-4 times a week and following a decent diet. If you are prone to flab some mild cardio might be necessary. But weight training along with any high intensity cardio type routine just to stay in shape is insane.
Weight training was never really hard for me because I can endure muscular pain no problem. But the type of training where you are really sucking wind was always a bitch for me. I always felt so miserable resting my hands on my knees just gasping for air. It's been years since I've done any serious cardio let alone any Tabata type conditioning.
You are seriously fucked up.
pellius (and im not saying this cuz you are my friend) you make many valid points
honestly, it's all a sort of psychosis we get into were we NEVER want to lose our "edge". A morning I don't run, or do sprints or work kettlebells is a morning that someone else is.
Also, even though I, really, have little respect for my family (I actually hate my parents) I still have respect for my uncles (on both sides) who were all serious athletes and the way they trained hard
my philosophy on training frequency and it's relation to intensity is that if I have the energy to do it- then do it
If I, honestly, feel over trained, then I won't work out and not feel guilty about it because i know i work my body hard enough that i deserve a day off
btw, the type of cardio that makes you suck serious wind does suck HOWEVER it is such a short duration that it is over in very little time (ie tabata)
