Cardio while Bulking?

[Blak X-Po]

Trying to bulk and stay in shape for b-ball. Is it possible to bulk and do cardio? I've been reading that cardio speeds up your metabolism. My metabolism just started to slow down (good thing) and I finally started putting on some lbs. I don't want to speed it up again. Is there a way that I can have the best of both worlds?

[Big H]

Simple, just don't do as much. Two to three cardio sessions a week is usually good enough for people who are tying to bulk. Cardio can have a catabolic effect on muscles which essentially means your body is eating its own muscle for energy. This issue pertains mostly to people who are cutting, but bulk diets can fail from doing too much cardio as well.

Doing too much cardio is simply counter-productive. Too much cardio ends up burning too many calories, and you need excess calories to gain muscle.

[Blak X-Po]

Thanks! How long should each session be?

[Diggy_Dat_Niggy]

Thanks! How long should each session be?

20-30 mins for me, some do 45...I usually do 30 on average..20 if Im feeling lazy...post workout

[Blak X-Po]

OK. What do you do- hit the bike, treadmill, or elliptical?

[Diggy_Dat_Niggy]

OK. What do you do- hit the bike, treadmill, or elliptical?

usually treadmill, elliptical and stepper.


I do bike if my legs are sore or If im feeling lazy, so I can sit..but bike burns the least cals

[arbosj]

if your diet is clean up your calories a little bit and try out some HIIT a couple of times a week.

the only people that should stay away from cardio completely while bulking are hard gainers. 15 minutes 2-3 times a week isn't going to hurt...but I'd try some HIIT.