Cardio Coasting is Detrimental to a Fitness Routine

Cardio coasting is an exercise strategy where individuals do the same activity at a low intensity level for a long duration. This can be running, biking, or walking at a steady pace for an extended period of time. While this exercise style may seem like an easy way to burn calories, it is actually detrimental to a fitness routine.

Decreased Caloric Burn

Decreased Caloric Burn

The most obvious way that cardio coasting is detrimental to a fitness routine is that it does not burn as many calories as higher intensity cardio exercises. The body becomes accustomed to the same low intensity exercise, so it doesn’t require as much energy to complete. This means that the number of calories burned is significantly lower when compared to the caloric burn achieved with high intensity activities.

Reduced Fitness Improvement

Reduced Fitness Improvement

Another way that cardio coasting is detrimental to a fitness routine is that it does not promote fitness improvement. Doing the same low intensity activity over and over at the same pace does not challenge the body enough to improve. In order to effectively improve fitness, the body needs to be pushed to new levels of intensity and duration by varying the activities performed.

Increased Injury Risk

Increased Injury Risk

Another issue with cardio coasting is that it increases the risk of injury. When doing the same low intensity activity for an extended period of time, the body is not given the opportunity to rest and recover. This can lead to overtraining, which can lead to muscle fatigue, joint pain, and an increased risk of injury.

Decreased Motivation

Decreased Motivation

Finally, cardio coasting can also be detrimental to a fitness routine because it can lead to decreased motivation. Doing the same low intensity activity over and over can become boring and tedious, leading to decreased motivation to continue the routine. In order to effectively stay motivated, it is important to switch up the activities and intensity levels to keep things interesting.



Cardio coasting is an exercise style that can seem appealing due to its low intensity level. However, it is actually quite detrimental to a fitness routine due to its decreased caloric burn, reduced fitness improvement, increased injury risk, and decreased motivation. In order to get the most out of a fitness routine, it is important to vary the activities and intensity levels in order to challenge the body and stay motivated.