What Is Mike Mentzer’s Prescribed Conversational Pace’ Cardio? Is Steady-State Cardio Actually Helpful for Fat Loss?

Most people, when they start their fat loss process instantly get dejected by the physical exhaustion they feel while doing excessive exercises to burn the most amount of calories as quickly as possible. However, things need not be that tough for the weight loss journey, as was suggested by one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, Mike Mentzer.

Both as a bodybuilder and an influencer, Mentzer has given much direction to the fitness world as an early proponent of the right and wrong ways of training. His proposed “Conversational Pace” exercises are typically what the present fitness community calls “Steady-state cardio” which seems to have gained a lot of popularity. But does it really help in fat loss?

What is Steady State Cardio?

Whenever an aerobic activity is sustained for a prolonged time without much variation, the individual who undergoes the fitness regime finds themselves in a steady state, and the exercise he undertakes in that manner can be classified as a “Steady State Cardio”. This particular exercise does not bring any significant changes in one’s intensity of training. Unlike other high-intensity workouts that do not provide any breather, the Steady State Cardios can afford to have enough oxygen in one’s body that they can even strike up a conversation.

Also known as traditional aerobic exercise, this cardio helps in increasing the endurance level of the cardiovascular system, that is the heart and also at times lungs. It is often noted that these exercises can actually keep the heart rate of the trainee at a balanced and sustained rate for a prolonged time and hence are proven to be one of the great techniques to have a healthy heart while losing calories.

Mike Mentzer also coined a term to best define the exercise. He called it “Conversational Pace” exercises and helped the community understand why it can be productive as well as less harmful.

Mike Mentzer’s Conversational Pace Cardio

In one of the most viral videos of Mentzer, he talked about how he preferred to run more because it can quickly burn more calories. However, the bodybuilder instantly pointed out that cycling instead of running is a better option for the same purpose even though the calorie burning is a bit moderate. He stated, “Bicycling is an advantage as it is less traumatic to the joints of the ankles and the knees.” The bodybuilder also pointed out how jogging a mile can burn up to 120 calories which counts as 15 Calories a minute. However, with a steadier pace, bicycling can burn about 8 calories a minute.

Furthermore, Mentzer also stated, “Your aerobic activities should all be performed at a relaxed pace.” He suggested that once a person is breathless they increase the risk of the proportion of sugar being used up as a fuel. Which in turn would reduce the chances of the body fat being used up thus reducing the chances of weight loss as well. Thus, Mentzer said, “If you can’t talk easily while jogging or bicycling you are working too intensely perform your aerobics at what is called Conversational Pace, and you will be using up to 90% fat as fuel so reduce your pace.”

Mentzer gave a perfect way of enjoying training while also losing weight as he claimed. But does steady-state cardio really help in losing weight?

Steady State Cardio for Weight Loss

Because these cardio workouts let people exercise for a prolonged period without giving them a sense of fatigue, the overall performance gets boosted by the available oxygen.

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With Steady State Cardio, the body fat usually gets used up as a fuel which is the primary reason why this exercise is one of the healthiest fitness regimes to lose weight without affecting one’s body much. Thus, the popularity of this cardio is increasing, and in order to do this people can do any of the following activities: Bicycling, jogging, walking, running etc.

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Most of the time the fitness industry believes in high-intensity workout methods for weight loss. However, if they look at the possibilities suggested by simple ways without leaving people breathless then they can easily reduce their fat and weight in the body. Let us know what you think.