cardio while on a bulk....?

[mike27]

at the momment im doing a 4day upper/lower strength training split.

question is... should i be doing some LIT cardio on non-weight days just got general health and to keep my cardio fitness ok??

also helps by increasing your appetite

just some light stuff like 30min walk on the tready... or some light rowing.

i bike to the gym when i go, but its only around the corner, so only 10mins if that. then bike home too

[funkyfly]

Yes!

the only possible down side to lite cardio is you could possibly go into caloric deficit, so if you are worried about it just eat more.

There are numerous reasons to do cardio, even when bulking. Active recovery, health, helps your metabolism, etc.

Buy FLEX each month and start reading.

[drizzt]

Light cardio on almost any split is fine, on training and non-training days. Don't worry about it.

[mike27]

great thought so

thanks for that! ill add in a few light cardio sessions and some more food :shock: :grin:

[PeterDolan]

Do HIIT instead, better for your cardiovascular health and increases mitochondrial biogenesis (makes new mitochondria)

[Dr Squat]

I'm not a bodybuilder but... (loud laughter from afar...)

I know that off season Dennis James for example does a minimum of 3 45 minute cardio sessions a week. The obvious benefits include increasing the metabolism and increasing your ability to perform in your intense weight training sessions.

At Eastside we call it GPP (stolen from Westside). Cardio here is more about tyre flipping, farmers walks, sledge hammering, the sled etc. This is a bit more intense than walking.

[PeterDolan]

increasing your ability to perform in your intense weight training sessions

How often do you finish your heavy squats/deads and are so fucked you can barely talk and have to sit down!?

So like the Doc said, it'll help that recovery too

[Dr Squat]

increasing your ability to perform in your intense weight training sessions

How often do you finish your heavy squats/deads and are so fucked you can barely talk and have to sit down!?

So like the Doc said, it'll help that recovery too

Powerbuilders are challenged when they have to step up and use bodybuilding intensity. This is a bit foreign. If you can perform more work in a shorter space of time, you will benefit IMO. But I will say, "do as I say and not as I do."

[funkyfly]

The posts above relating to HIIT , High intensity interval training - are indeed a great way to perform cardio, esp. if youre time limited.

There has been a long standing argument about which is best, long low intensity vs. shorter high intensity interval.

The answer seems to be both are good for you and have their pros/cons, and if you can then work both types into your training.

Personally I wouldn’t do HIIT on a gym day, I would keep it low intensity, and on your days off incorporate a bit of HITT.

[mike27]

been and done some light cardio

eating tuna and brown rice now

[drizzt]

Personally I wouldn’t do HIIT on a gym day, I would keep it low intensity, and on your days off incorporate a bit of HITT.

Interesting, because I'd almost say the complete opposite :poked: :grin:

Myself, I'd rather do a weights session, then get some HIIT out later on that day, and have a full day's rest the next day. Maybe some low intensity cardio on the days off, nothing serious mind you, just walk to the shops (45mins round trip for me) as opposed to driving :shrug:

It does come down to personal preference though (as you mentioned) - I don't think one way is necessarily better than the other :nod:

edit - although I think I'm beginning to think too much into it :oops: Just get some sort of cardio in around 2-3 times a week - preferably a mix of low and high intensity training IMHO - and that'll likely be more than adequate. Everyone responds differently, see what your body reacts to

[funkyfly]

Personally I wouldn’t do HIIT on a gym day, I would keep it low intensity, and on your days off incorporate a bit of HITT.

Interesting, because I'd almost say the complete opposite :poked: :grin:

Myself, I'd rather do a weights session, then get some HIIT out later on that day, and have a full day's rest the next day. Maybe some low intensity cardio on the days off, nothing serious mind you, just walk to the shops (45mins round trip for me) as opposed to driving :shrug:

It does come down to personal preference though (as you mentioned) - I don't think one way is necessarily better than the other :nod:

edit - although I think I'm beginning to think too much into it :oops: Just get some sort of cardio in around 2-3 times a week - preferably a mix of low and high intensity training IMHO - and that'll likely be more than adequate. Everyone responds differently, see what your body reacts to

Fair comment, i dont do my cardio at the gym, i do it in the morning and i dont want to depleat my energy reserves with any HIIT before a workout.

Thats why only low intensity (under 120bpm) for me on workout days. Fat burning only.

[chaos]

I'm not a bodybuilder but... (loud laughter from afar...)

Cardio here is more about tyre flipping, farmers walks, sledge hammering, the sled etc. This is a bit more intense than walking.

My type of cardio and it's not boring as f*ck either.

Good solid advice. 8)

[JOSEF RAKICH]

Yes as long as it dosent put you in a calorie deflict.