Will MORE cardio ruin my gains?!?!
Are you struggling to balance your cardio routine with your strength training goals? There’s a common belief that too much cardio can hinder muscle growth and strength gains. But is it really true? In this blog post, we’ll bust the myth about cardio and muscle gains, and provide you with evidence-based insights on how to optimize your workout routine for both cardio and strength training. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just curious about how to keep a balanced workout routine, keep reading to learn more.
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Accredited Practicing Dietitian
APD. Holly Baxter
Ms. Dietetics
Bs. Food Science & Nutrition
Online Nutrition & Physique Coach
2x Natural World Champion Fitness Model
For all coaching inquiries, please email me
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Introduction:
It’s a common misconception that more cardio equals less gains. Many gym-goers believe that if they increase their cardio, their strength training and muscle building efforts will suffer. But is this really true? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the relationship between cardio and gains to determine whether or not more cardio will ruin your gains.
Heading 1: The relationship between cardio and gains
Subheading 1: How cardio affects muscle growth
One of the main concerns about cardio and muscle growth is that cardio can interfere with the body’s ability to build muscle. This is because cardio burns calories and can create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss but can also make it harder to gain muscle.
However, cardio can also help with muscle growth in several ways. It can increase blood flow to the muscles, improve endurance, and help with post-workout recovery. Additionally, cardio can help to reduce stress levels, which can be beneficial for overall health and muscle growth.
Subheading 2: Can you do cardio and still maintain muscle mass?
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between cardio and gains. You can still do cardio and maintain muscle mass, as long as you approach your workouts strategically.
For example, you can do low-intensity cardio, such as walking, on your off-days from strength training. This will help to keep your body moving and burning calories without putting too much stress on your muscles. Additionally, you can try high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves short bursts of intense cardio followed by rest periods. HIIT has been shown to help with fat loss while also preserving muscle mass.
Heading 2: How much cardio is too much?
Subheading 1: Understanding the concept of overtraining
The concept of overtraining is when you push your body too hard and don’t give it enough time to rest and recover. This can lead to a host of negative effects, including fatigue, decreased performance, and even injury.
Overtraining can occur with any type of training, including strength training and cardio. This means that it’s important to find the right balance and not do too much cardio or strength training.
Subheading 2: How to determine the right amount of cardio
The amount of cardio that’s right for you depends on several factors, including your goals, your fitness level, and your recovery ability. As a general rule, it’s recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week or 75 minutes of high-intensity cardio per week.
However, if you’re looking to gain muscle mass, you may want to limit your cardio to 2-3 days per week and focus on strength training. If you’re looking to lose weight, you may need to increase your cardio to achieve a calorie deficit.
Heading 3: Conclusion
In conclusion, more cardio doesn’t necessarily ruin your gains. It’s all about finding the right balance and incorporating cardio strategically into your workout routine. By doing so, you can reap the benefits of both cardio and strength training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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Can cardio interfere with muscle growth?
A: Cardio can interfere with muscle growth if done excessively and without proper rest and recovery. However, if done strategically, cardio can actually enhance muscle growth. -
How much cardio should I do per week?
A: The amount of cardio you need depends on your fitness goals. As a general rule, it’s recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week or 75 minutes of high-intensity cardio per week. -
Will too much cardio make me lose muscle?
A: Too much cardio, especially if done without proper rest and recovery, can make it harder to gain muscle mass. However, as long as you approach your workouts strategically and balance cardio with strength training, you can maintain muscle mass while doing cardio. -
Should I do cardio before or after strength training?
A: It’s generally recommended to do strength training first, as this will allow you to focus on building muscle mass without being too fatigued. You can then do cardio after strength training or on off-days. -
Can cardio help with post-workout recovery?
A: Yes, cardio can help with post-workout recovery by increasing blood flow to the muscles and reducing stress levels. This can be particularly beneficial for those doing intense strength training workouts.