Can you be fit if you have strong core but can't do cardio?

09-11-2016, 07:54 PM

Hey all - I have a question...I am generally cardio-intolerant right now due to some comorbid health issues, but I have a strong core and can do planks for long periods of time, full-body rollups, sit ups, or hold yoga poses for a long time...I'm sure my exercise intolerance (out of breath just after walking up stairs, chest pains, dizziness, tachycardia, problems breathing with just light cardio) is a result of my health problems and not because I'm just extremely unfit. I am a bit overweight, but nothing startling - I can't wait until the health is more under control so I can start really getting back into cardio, I'm still waiting for the "O.K.".

So essentially, my question is, you know how some people are so out of shape or overweight that they can't handle cardio - well I'm just wondering, I wouldn't be able to do all the core exercising as easily as I do if I was simply extremely unfit, right? Can I kind of be "fit" but unable to do cardio for health reasons? I know cardio is an important indicator or fitness, but I'm almost positive my cardio issues are only a result of my health and not because I'm just really unfit?
Hahah sorry such a mess of a question! Thanks all!

09-12-2016, 11:02 AM

Cardio and fit are two different terms. In the exercise world, cardio has to do with heart health; being able to run without being winded or riding a bike for miles without stopping....fit, means something different entirely, it usually has to do with strength.
It sounds like you have great core strength; exhibited by your comments about planks and situps and yoga poses, but this does not mean that you can run or that you have cardio.
As a former dancer, I have not one oz of fat on my body and am incredibly strong for my size, however, until about a year ago, I would get winded trying to run a half mile. I had zero cardio! I started training with a trainer, working my way up to being able to run 5 miles without stopping; along with being able to swim 20 laps without stopping, exercises which are controlled by breathing and having a strong heart. Now I am both fit and strong!
Does that make sense?

09-29-2016, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSNik

Cardio and fit are two different terms. In the exercise world, cardio has to do with heart health; being able to run without being winded or riding a bike for miles without stopping....fit, means something different entirely, it usually has to do with strength.
It sounds like you have great core strength; exhibited by your comments about planks and situps and yoga poses, but this does not mean that you can run or that you have cardio.
As a former dancer, I have not one oz of fat on my body and am incredibly strong for my size, however, until about a year ago, I would get winded trying to run a half mile. I had zero cardio! I started training with a trainer, working my way up to being able to run 5 miles without stopping; along with being able to swim 20 laps without stopping, exercises which are controlled by breathing and having a strong heart. Now I am both fit and strong!
Does that make sense?

This is more true than you know.

Go with this response!

12-07-2016, 05:07 AM

It is not a major problem if you can't do cardio very well. But you do need to increase your strength for cardio because cardio helps to make your body active and the workout gives better results when you do cardio and warm up before it.

02-19-2017, 11:55 PM

I know plenty of people who are quite "fit" and don't do cardio. Usually, people who practice yoga and watch what they eat.

Like one of the previous posters said, cardio is about heart health

Can you be fit if you have strong core but can't do cardio?

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