Volume training > cardio?

Hey guys, I'm currently following the workout plans made by a guy named nick cheadle. He is one of Layne Norton's recommended coaches and he releases his workouts on instagram sometimes. Basically there are about 24 sets in most workouts and most exercises are supersets, triple sets or giant sets (4 exercises). I have found that using this program has enabled me to do zero cardio (although he recommends one session of HIIT a week) and still lose weight, keep fit and get stronger every week.

Is there a reason cardio must be included in a training program or can I go beast in my workouts and increase the volume each session effectively having the aerobic and anaerobic portions mixed into one workout? also, I try to include 1 or 2 abs sessions a week of about 16 sets.

What I would really like to know is, is there a way to calculate how many calories your workouts burn so you can better workout your TDEE and use training and diet alone to achieve your goals? (I do this roughly by adding and subtracting cals daily based on my sessions and I'm down 10kgs and maintaining)

Hi SuTHy,

I imagine it will be really difficult to accurately measure the calories you burn lifting weights or doing functional training. I would think it much easier to calculate your caloric needs for maintenance and drop that by 200-300 calories. Use a calculator/calculation that takes activity level into consideration, as well as body fat %.

if you're goal is fat loss and you're maintaining and not losing, it means you're not in a caloric deficiency. By the sounds of your routine, its mainly strength and fitness, but you might want to define that for us.

For exercise, keep rest times short and heart rate up.

I think SuThy knows his shit but enjoy testing the waters...

One does not NEED cardio unless you are a professional bodybuilder looking for the slightest edge in which case you wouldn't be asking your questions here. As someone who loves sport but strongly dislike cardio in the gym (even swimming), for me the benefits of cardio versus the effort put in is not at all worth it.

If you looking to use gym to look good but for your health too, do cardiovascular exercises too, the effects on prolonged heart health, cognitive enhancements too..

If you just looking to get size then no you don't need to