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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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??

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.