cardio during bulk

Aside from the effect on energy balance, is there any argument against cardio?  Like any way that it effects anabolism or something, I donno?  I was thinking of doing cardio at least once a day during an upcoming bulk.  Would there be any problem with that as long as I compensate with a higher caloric intake?

I think you would be ok but honestly I wouldn't recommend every day cardio unless its really short.  When really bulking max I would do is 3 sessions under 30 minutes.  And even better stick to things like HIIT.

http://www.discussbodybuilding.com/Seos-Log-2008-m442008.aspx

The idea is HIIT 3-6 mornings per week, and 30-40min LISS 2-4 times per week.  I know most people don't like to do much cardio while bulking, but if the only reason is calorie expenditure, I figure I can make up for that with higher consumption.

That'd be a bit too much. Cardio should never be told to be completely avoided seeing it's great exercise for your heart, lungs, blood circulation and general health. But during bulking there's a limit to all I'd recommend.

As SEO said, doing it twice per week or so wouldn't be bad, if you're on a three day routine two or three days (your off days) doing 10-15 minutes of HIIT wouldn't affect your weight gain, as long as you make up for the lost calories. You'll have to adjust the calories as necessary in order to continue gaining weight.

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

Also depends on your age. I am 22 and I am massing, I run 5 minutes twice a week HIIT. Yet, running especially when it comes to cardio, can lower your testosterone levels, for me thats a no-go. I take ZMA and still only run 2x5 mins and small warmups. No reason to run honestly if you're bulking, you're just wasting calories.

as MVP mentioned, I would still keep up some cardio even during bulking just to keep your nutrient delivery systems healthy and optimized. 

"If you think you need a spot, just go harder"

Shane - my maori friend + ex-training partner

Thanks a lot guys, good advice.  Is that true what Thebirdman said about T-levels?  And any other reasons why 5-10 sessions of cardio per week would be a bad idea?  Anything at all that would get in the way of muscle gain that doesn't involve the energy balance concern.

thebirdman


Yet, running especially when it comes to cardio, can lower your testosterone levels, for me thats a no-go.  

Ever heard of the G-Flux? Run as much as you wish and lift as much as possible but also eat a ton more and you will be more efficient at burning fat and gaining muscle.

If not.. stick with a couple days a week like MVP and Seo suggested.

Cardio can lower testosterone levels from what I have heard, but it isn't likely that small amounts will have a big enough impact to matter, its when you are severly overworking yourself that it can have a negative impact.

http://www.discussbodybuilding.com/Seos-Log-2008-m442008.aspx

Perrynaytor

Ever heard of the G-Flux?  

Yeah, that's actually kinda what I had in mind.  I've not read much, though, just an article on T-Mag.  From what I understand, you have to burn a ton of extra calories to get the benefit, but so many people suggest that's detrimental.  But even assuming the g-flux is completely legit, I'm not even sure if I can burn enough kcals. 

Do you know some good sources where I can read up on it?

Cardio is a must when bulking not only does it help with how your body partitions food, but it will also dictate how big you can get. For example if your bodies cardio system can only handle pumping blood for you at 200lbs then you wont exceed 200lbs however if you improve it then you have more room for growth with less limiting factors.

You should do long slow cardio, HIT cardio, and all out in sprints or biking etc.

and if ure bulking soon as you finish the cardio replenish how many calories you used.

YOU GOTTA EAT BIG, TO BE BIG!!

NASM certified trainer
NFPT certified trainer

Winter Bulk goal:245-250 by dec 31
Current weight: 235

Creation


and if ure bulking soon as you finish the cardio replenish how many calories you used.

Haven't heard this one suggested like that before in a while, people usually just say to eat enough to make up for it and don't concernt timing, good advice.

http://www.discussbodybuilding.com/Seos-Log-2008-m442008.aspx

wouldn't do too much HIIT cardio and a tough weight routine burn out your CNS?

Dancubbz; It wouldn't. Not even close.



And you can do as much cardio as you want. Just eat more.

But remember, too much and your body takes it from muscle. So do it in the morning before meals, or after weights

Red PittBull's Log.

Redpitbull: Don't u sometimes think when hitting the gym hard weights and cardio wise 5-6 x week u just feel tired and fed up and your progression slows down to a grinding halt?

Not at all.

Red PittBull's Log.

I do cardio 6 days of the week, its nothing major. Along with my madcows adv. 5x5.

After my workouts its HIIT at 12-14 mph and on non lifting days its steady cardio in the morning. Both times specifically to take advantage of the low glycogen levels. I mean I hit a few bumps here and there but for the most part I progress fine and dont get burned out. i have been doing this since january, and from january - april I was cutting so I actually think my body is rather used to the stress. (not to be mistaken, I do switch up the HIIT regularly and change things around to avoid adaptation to the current cardio, if that makes sense)

anyway, I think its in general a good idea to stay in better shape (not necessary, can be done in better ways. Crossfit or tabata come to mind)

I wouldnt recommend anything cross country type, but doing HIIT or running 2-5 miles a few times a week is not going to be detrimental.

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"

Nm0ney34


I do cardio 6 days of the week, its nothing major. Along with my madcows adv. 5x5.

After my workouts its HIIT at 12-14 mph and on non lifting days its steady cardio in the morning. Both times specifically to take advantage of the low glycogen levels. I mean I hit a few bumps here and there but for the most part I progress fine and dont get burned out. i have been doing this since january, and from january - april I was cutting so I actually think my body is rather used to the stress. (not to be mistaken, I do switch up the HIIT regularly and change things around to avoid adaptation to the current cardio, if that makes sense)

anyway, I think its in general a good idea to stay in better shape (not necessary, can be done in better ways. Crossfit or tabata come to mind)

I wouldnt recommend anything cross country type, but doing HIIT or running 2-5 miles a few times a week is not going to be detrimental.

This is something I've considering recently as u could do HIIT cardio in roughly 5 mins and when your doing weights your training intensily anyway and then doing SSCV on non-lifting days letting your CNS recover.