As someone who is trying to bulk up and build muscle, you may be wondering if you should be doing cardio as well. The answer is not a simple yes or no. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to incorporate cardio into your bulking routine. In this blog, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of doing cardio while bulking and help you make an informed decision.
Firstly, let’s define what cardio is. Cardio, short for cardiovascular exercise, is any type of exercise that increases your heart rate and works your cardiovascular system. This includes activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and rowing. The goal of cardio is to improve your cardiovascular health, increase your endurance, and burn calories.
Now, let’s discuss the benefits of doing cardio while bulking. One of the main benefits is that it can help you burn excess fat. When you are in a calorie surplus, which is necessary for building muscle, you may also gain some fat. Doing cardio can help you burn off some of this excess fat and keep you looking leaner. Additionally, cardio can improve your overall cardiovascular health, which is important for your long-term wellbeing.
Another benefit of doing cardio while bulking is that it can improve your endurance. This can be beneficial for other aspects of your fitness routine, such as weightlifting. When you have better endurance, you can lift more weights for longer periods of time, which can help you build more muscle in the long run.
However, there are also some drawbacks to doing cardio while bulking. One of the main drawbacks is that it can be difficult to build muscle while also burning calories through cardio. When you are in a calorie surplus, your body has the energy it needs to build muscle. If you are burning too many calories through cardio, it can be more difficult to build muscle.
Additionally, doing too much cardio can lead to overtraining, which can negatively impact your muscle-building goals. Overtraining can cause fatigue, injury, and a decrease in muscle mass. It is important to find a balance between cardio and weightlifting to avoid overtraining and maximize your results.
So, should you do cardio while bulking? The answer depends on your individual goals and preferences. If your main goal is to build muscle, then you may want to focus more on weightlifting and limit your cardio. However, if you are also concerned about your overall health and want to maintain a leaner physique, then incorporating some cardio into your routine may be beneficial.
If you do decide to do cardio while bulking, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure you are eating enough to support your muscle-building goals. You may need to increase your calorie intake to compensate for the extra calories burned during cardio. Additionally, be mindful of the type and amount of cardio you are doing. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great option for burning calories while minimizing the impact on muscle growth.
In conclusion, cardio can be a beneficial addition to your bulking routine if done in moderation and with consideration of your individual goals. It can help you burn excess fat, improve your cardiovascular health, and increase your endurance. However, it is important to find a balance between cardio and weightlifting to avoid overtraining and maximize your results. Ultimately, the decision to do cardio while bulking is up to you and should be based on your individual preferences and goals.
What is cardio and should I do it? Cardio is any type of exercise that increases your heart rate and works your cardiovascular system, including running, cycling, swimming, and rowing. Whether or not you should do cardio depends on your individual goals and preferences. If your main goal is to build muscle, then you may want to focus more on weightlifting and limit your cardio.
