The most asked question I get is “Can I do cardio in Phase 1 of Jamie Eason’s Livefit Trainer?” I think some of us are taught to think cardio is only way to lose weight, burn fat or be fit. There are also some people who truly enjoy cardio and don’t know how they can give it up for 4 weeks. I myself was a cardio queen and thought cardio was the best way to get in shape. I did cardio atleast 5x week with very little strength training, but still wasn’t getting the results I wanted. I decided to do Jamie’s program because I liked her physique, I wanted the toned look. I came to the conclusion, that I needed to change things up, so I gave LiveFit a chance and gave up cardio.
Now don’t get me wrong doing NO cardio was hard, it just didn’t feel natural to me. I had to really change my mind set and believe I would see results without it. I had to trust the program. During the first phase I did feel “fluffy” as I call it. This feeling was a result of muscle growth that I was achieving with the weight training. In Jamie’s phase 1 video on bodybuilding.com she explains that Phase 1 is designed to use weight training for muscle growth and the goal is to build muscle. I was feeling “fluffy” because I still had a layer of fat on top of my new muscle. This is a normal feeling so don’t worry because shedding the fat will occur in Phase 2, the FUN phase. Jamie also explains that the calories you are consuming in Phase 1 are important for muscle growth, if you add in cardio you are taking away those calories that are needed to build muscle. Bottom line, if you want to look toned you need muscle! To achieve this it is important to focus on building the muscle FIRST. It is also important to follow her meal plans, because you have to EAT to gain muscle.
I hope this helps some of you understand Phase 1 a little more. Jamie also talked about this on her facebook page and this is what she said: Quote via Facebook
A common question that I get about the LiveFit trainer is whether or not someone should do it that is training for a marathon?
My answer: It’s difficult to do the LiveFit trainer and train for a marathon because the excess cardio will not allow you to build the muscle that really creates the toned physique that the plan was created for. The first month of no cardio is a huge piece of the puzzle.
- Increased appetite
- Muscle soreness
- Clothes fitting a little tighter
- Lost 5lbs
- Gas and bloating (due to increased protein and change in diet)
If you have completed LiveFit do you have any tips to add for someone just starting?
Im so glad you posted this! I’ve been thing about doing it and was wondering how am I going to give up cardio. Now I just need to start!
Thanks for sharing! Can you please advise if you took any supplements and if so, which ones?
Thanks
DPC
Hey Dede! I take BCAA before,during and after workouts, MRM Protein, and Multivitamin.
I was taking a powdered BCAA and found myself dehydrated. Considering a different brand. Thank you!
Such a great post!!! Explains alot.. Ok so I’m up to week 5. I had a week off because I had blood poisoning.. I went back and did a full body and I was sooo week in going to start back at beginning of week 4 tomorrow.. While during phase 1 I was really slack on my diet.. And I went for the occasional walk… I am feeling fluffier but I’d thought id just put on fat before I red this!! Do you think I should
Go back to the beginning and do it following the diet stricter aswell or Just start back at week 4?? Thanx for
Your help 🙂 x
It’s up to you were you want to start. Diet is really important, so maybe go back to week 4 and really focus on diet.
Ok I will do that thankyou.. Did you really eat that many egg whites.. How did you eat them? Like 3 omelettes a day?? I’m not sure how to eat that many like that..
Hey Bec you could also do greek yogurt or cottage cheese both are a great source of protein.
Awesome post, thanks for the tips. I’m on day 2..and like you was a little apprehensive about the no cardio…thanks for your insight. Love you blog!
No problem:)
Hey there! I have a question- when you completed LiveFit the first time did you take some time off or go right into your second round? I am on week 11 of my first round by got in a car accident a few days ago so my plans are on hold for now. I am debating between starting the program again from phase one once I am recuperated (just strained some muscles and got whiplash) or if I want to start with phase 2. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
Hey Ally! If you want more muscle I would go back to phase 1. If you are happy where you are and want to maintain staying is phase 2 is fine.
Thanks for blogging about your experiences with LiveFit. I’m on Week 1 and VERY sore! Did you double up on workouts at all (ie Back & Biceps with a leg workout) to fit each workout in every week? I’m considering doing this in a few weeks as I am going out of town for a weekend and won’t have access to a gym. Love the blog!
Hey thanks for blogging. I coach a group of my students to run the LA marathon through a program called Students Run LA. I really want to tone up and lose fat and like the program so far. Is it possible to still do the program but keep 4 days of running and have three of just muscle building? Then when I am done with the marathon do phase 1 again?
thanks for your help,
Marianna
Hi Marianna,
If you are looking to gain more muscle yes go back to phase 1. Phase 2 if you want to maintain.
Good info. It’s great to see the proper use of cardio explained. Too much emphasis on that can deplete muscle mass over all and certainly put you at risk of overuse injuries (speaking from experience about that). Using muscle building programs like phase 1 and mixing it up with some tabata style workouts appeals to me.
Me too! I love tabata!
I’m waiting for my stack to arrive and start the program but i dont know how i should incorporate all the 4 products :s Would you please be so kind to help me? at what time should i take each one, and how much should i take ?
I only used the protein powder and bcaa. Protein powder post workout and bcaa before. I would also just follow directions on the bottle.
And also if taking MRM Smart Blend, should you also take flax/fish oil?
Hey I was just wondering, on your ‘Transformation’ page you have an image of you at 140lb and 24&BF and then the next image is ‘first round’ 124lbs and 17%, was it the Jamie Eason 12 week live fit that got you from that first image to the next?
And also did you follow it completely or did you go even further with your own dieting and cardio/training techniques?
Thanks, your a real inspiration!
I Cherish. Yes that was from LiveFit. I followed the program, but was not perfect. I had some “cheat” meals.
How can I find your transformation page on bodybuilder.com? I’m trying to stay encouraged by looking at them.