Does cardio only once a week provide health benefits when on cycle?

[Mags]

Hey guys.

Not sure if this should be here in the Anabolic Zone or Training, but what is the best amount of cardio to improve one's health but not hinder gains when on cycle.

I've read through a lot of accounts here and on the web, with mixed opinions: some don't do any cardio to avoid burning calories that could be used for growth, some do reduced amounts to keep their end in, and others continue their set regime as usual.

For me, I currently do not do any cardio. Most of the examples of cardio on cycle I've found suggest 30-40min sessions three times a week. I was planning on running or swimming for that amount of time, but only once a week on weekends. Is that enough to increase my health without being detrimental to my gains, or is cardio once a week, on or off cycle, pretty ineffective?

Cheers.

 

[cavtrooper96]

Everyone should do some sort of cardio at least a small amount. It is good for you. Just know how many cals you burn and adjust your diet accordingly to compensate for the burned cals to make sure you hit your target cals.

 

[pyes]

I would say 30 mins a day is suffiecient. I would not do more than 45 mins a day. Also running up and down stairs is much more effecient than running on a tredmill. You can also try HIT (High intensity training)...This is where you walk for 1 min, then sprint top speed for 1 min, and Alternate that for about 20-30 mins.

 

[Mags]

Cool, nice one, guys.

 

[LAM]

technically you can be doing "cardio" if you are performing high intensity resistance training with little rest between sets. I know when training legs and back my heart rate gets up to 180BPM. people don't realize that the higher your VO2Max the longer you can exercise for at high levels of intensity. the greater the difference between the max exercise heart-rate and resting heart rate the greater the EPOC and the more fatty acids the persons body will use in the hours post exercise.