Mr.X & Vets!- Cardio, How Much Is TOO Much???

[THE PROTOTYPE2000]

Mr.X, what time limit do you set on Cardio? How much do you consider to be EXCESSIVE when dieting, naturally? I'm talking to the point of losing muscle mass. 45 minutes? 60 minutes?

 

[MrRTTB]

It's individual. 40 minutes low intense would be fine I think even on an empty stomach. Never over do it though. BUT, I rahter eat a little more and up on the cardio that the oposite. Start with 30 minutes in the morning on an empry stomach, when results slow down bump it to 40 minutes. If I went over 60 minutes I would add some protein at 15-20grams before the morning cardio. You could also try some type of HIIT training, and eat some protein/carbs or protein/fat before the session and post session wait about 40-60 minutes before eating anything. The food before the session help you with the energy that might be needed for the session. One idea would be to eat your last meal, then do a HIIT session for 20 minutes, then go to sleep. Your metabolism will be pretty high for quite a while when you are asleep. I've tried it and liked it, but it's hard to follow because of the fact that I hate working out or doing cardio in the evening

 

[iced earth]

3 to 5 days a week should be a good range. 3 times a week minimum, 4 to 5 days a week (for more fat loss). Too much will cause muscle loss.

 

[gymtime]

If your diet and lifting regimen are sound, you should not need very much cardio, especially if you're a hardgainer. IMO, am/empty stomach cardio will rob you of muscle gains, even at 20-30 minutes.

I think the best time to do cardio is post workout, 20-30 minutes, three days a week.

 

[Mr.X]

Mr.X, what time limit do you set on Cardio? How much do you consider to be EXCESSIVE when dieting, naturally? I'm talking to the point of losing muscle mass. 45 minutes? 60 minutes?

For each individual, the so called "excessive" point varies. I would suggest trying it step by step, maybe start w/ 3 sessions a week AM 30min/per, than add 1 session than add 10min per session. You can do these things in 1-2 week intervals, depending on how you feel your body is responding.

Mr.X

 

[My End Over Mad her]

gymtime is right u dont need much cardio to lose fat believe me i have had experience with this. for 2 months straight i was running around 5 + miles a day, around an hour to an hour and a half. most of it am empty stomach. i lost hardly any weight at all. my abs were more visible but the scale didnt show much change. and i know i didnt gain muscle as i wasnt going to the gym seriously. of course my diet was shitty and my friends that is a lesson i learned the hard way. my body fat percentage was about 10 maybe at the time dropped maybe 1-2 percent . unless u are doing like 4 hours of cardio a day as bruce lee did, u cant get very much fat loss with just cardio. i know thats not the question but i hope it helps all of u

 

[THE PROTOTYPE2000]

So, start at 30 minutes three times a week on alternate days from weight training? Then, add another 30 minute Cardio session after one of the weight training sessions? When the results slow down, bump the cardio sessions up to 40-45 minutes. I know it varies from individual to individual, but don't you think four 45 minute Cardio sessions is the max a natural bodybuilder should do without sacrificing muscle?

 

[moosecles]

should you be performing cardio on an empty stomache? I recently read a very good article stating how cardio on an empty stomache (while natural of course) is a great way to lose fat and also a great way to lose muscle. The article talkd about high intensity cardio with supplementation before and after. Any thoughts on that?

 

[Texas Ranger]

I don't think that info was too accurate. You "may" experience a little muscle loss doing cardio on an empty stomach, but not anything drastic as long as your diet is order. The dramatic fat loss will off set the slight muscle loss.