Should I do cardio if im trying to put on mass???

The Jedi · 05-30-2006, 10:34 PM

I weigh 173lbs at 5/11 I'm trying to put on some weight, I eat as much as possible and take about 200 grams of protein a day. My question is should I do cardio? Will it effect me putting on mass??

**P-funk** · 05-30-2006, 10:36 PM

a) depends on how much cardio you are doing
b) depends on how many calories you are eating
c) depends on what kind of training you are doing
d) depends on how intense the cardio is in relation to your weight training

in short....it depends.

bigss75 · 05-30-2006, 11:35 PM

I think some amount of cardio is neccesary for overall good health. I usually do cardio during a bulk around two to three times a week for about 20 minutes each time. Remember if bulking your doing it to maintain your cardio condititioning not to burn fat.

**gopro** · 05-30-2006, 11:37 PM

As P-Funk said...it depends.

However, my advice would be to limit cardio to no more than 2-3 medium paced sessions per week lasting no more than 20 minutes.

Malley · 05-31-2006, 12:50 AM

Well if you know what your body takes to run through its maitenence level take about 1,000 past that then cardio shouldnt hurt you. Cardio is always good though if you are into sports activities. I always hate playing back yard football and cant get through 10 minutes of it.

sonofman · 05-31-2006, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

a) depends on how much cardio you are doing
b) depends on how many calories you are eating
c) depends on what kind of training you are doing
d) depends on how intense the cardio is in relation to your weight training

in short....it depends.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

As P-Funk said...it depends.

However, my advice would be to limit cardio to no more than 2-3 medium paced sessions per week lasting no more than 20 minutes.

So, you wouldn't suggest HIIT 20min. 3 times a week when trying to put on mass

**P-funk** · 05-31-2006, 07:12 AM

I would go with one HIIT cardio day and one steady state cardio day.

thebarbarianway · 05-31-2006, 05:45 PM

As it has been noted...it depends. P-funk asked some really good questions for you to make your decision.

However, from a ex-skinny guy...you should defintely be doing cardio.

A better cardiovascular system and more dense capillariy network will help promote better blood flow and oxygen to your muscles...two vital components to muscle building.

I find that too much H.I.I.T. cardio can strip muscle but deliver that more athletic look.

And lots of low intensity cardio is better for a hard bodybuilder look.

Tough Old Man · 05-31-2006, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

As P-Funk said...it depends.

However, my advice would be to limit cardio to no more than 2-3 medium paced sessions per week lasting no more than 20 minutes.

I agree with the boss on this one. But i would keep it to TWO for 20 min's

**CowPimp** · 06-01-2006, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

As P-Funk said...it depends.

However, my advice would be to limit cardio to no more than 2-3 medium paced sessions per week lasting no more than 20 minutes.

Yup, that's usually what I suggest, though I think a little longer is okay. I do about 25 minutes of pretty high intensity cardiovascular activity, though it isn't pure running so my legs don't take the entire beating.

**gopro** · 06-01-2006, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonofman

So, you wouldn't suggest HIIT 20min. 3 times a week when trying to put on mass

No, I suggest three medium 20 minute sessions per week at best. When I started training I did ZERO cardio for the first couple of years because my main goal was pure mass and bodyweight.

You have to prioritize your goals here and not try to accomplish two things at once.

The Jedi · 06-01-2006, 11:00 PM

Thanks for the info! I do a pretty heavy cardio workout twice a week. I guess twice a week is not that bad...I just cant get over 173lbs??

**CowPimp** · 06-02-2006, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jedi

Thanks for the info! I do a pretty heavy cardio workout twice a week. I guess twice a week is not that bad...I just cant get over 173lbs??

Start counting calories.

**gopro** · 06-03-2006, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jedi

Thanks for the info! I do a pretty heavy cardio workout twice a week. I guess twice a week is not that bad...I just cant get over 173lbs??

Well, I would ether cut those out, or back off on the intensity. You might have very limited recovery ability and are tapping too far into it with the cardio.

Also, like CP mentioned, it is time to get more meticulous about your food intake. If 3000 cals per day, for example, is not helping you gain weight, then bump to 3500. You must continue that process everytime your body plateaus.

05-30-2006, 10:34 PM	#1
The Jedi Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: TEXAS Posts: 19	Should I do cardio if im trying to put on mass??? I weigh 173lbs at 5/11 I'm trying to put on some weight, I eat as much as possible and take about 200 grams of protein a day. My question is should I do cardio? Will it effect me putting on mass??

05-30-2006, 10:36 PM	#2
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,574	a) depends on how much cardio you are doing b) depends on how many calories you are eating c) depends on what kind of training you are doing d) depends on how intense the cardio is in relation to your weight training in short....it depends.
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! Ivonne's Blog on Health and Wellness! Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

05-30-2006, 11:37 PM	#4
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Florida Posts: 10,521	As P-Funk said...it depends. However, my advice would be to limit cardio to no more than 2-3 medium paced sessions per week lasting no more than 20 minutes.
	Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. GOLIATH LABS Sponsored Athlete/Board Rep www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

05-31-2006, 07:12 AM	#7
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,574	I would go with one HIIT cardio day and one steady state cardio day.
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! Ivonne's Blog on Health and Wellness! Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

05-31-2006, 05:45 PM	#8
thebarbarianway Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hamilton ON Posts: 38 Photos: 5	As it has been noted...it depends. P-funk asked some really good questions for you to make your decision. However, from a ex-skinny guy...you should defintely be doing cardio. A better cardiovascular system and more dense capillariy network will help promote better blood flow and oxygen to your muscles...two vital components to muscle building. I find that too much H.I.I.T. cardio can strip muscle but deliver that more athletic look. And lots of low intensity cardio is better for a hard bodybuilder look.
	http://www.ironmagazine.com/article200.html Author: NoNonsense Muscle Building: Skinny Guy Secrets To Insane Muscle Gain

05-30-2006, 11:35 PM	#3
bigss75 Let Me See Yo Grill Elite Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 5,123	I think some amount of cardio is neccesary for overall good health. I usually do cardio during a bulk around two to three times a week for about 20 minutes each time. Remember if bulking your doing it to maintain your cardio condititioning not to burn fat.

05-31-2006, 12:50 AM	#5
Malley Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 10,021	Well if you know what your body takes to run through its maitenence level take about 1,000 past that then cardio shouldnt hurt you. Cardio is always good though if you are into sports activities. I always hate playing back yard football and cant get through 10 minutes of it.

06-01-2006, 11:00 PM	#12
The Jedi Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: TEXAS Posts: 19	Thanks for the info! I do a pretty heavy cardio workout twice a week. I guess twice a week is not that bad...I just cant get over 173lbs??

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