Comments on: Building muscle and running…?

By: mchenryeddie

mchenryeddie — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:50:36 +0000

Yes and no.

Running, especially more than 20 minutes worth, makes it a lot harder to take on muscle. The reason for this is that you are burning a ton of calories when you run. Generally, about 100 per 10 minutes (depending upon your weight and pace).

When trying to build muscle, it takes calories and protein. If you don’t eat enough, you will not build muscle. Running just makes it that much more difficult.

I am a runner and I lift weights semi-seriously (I go about 3 – 4 / week). Running comes first, however. I have built some muscle, but it takes me twice as long as other guys because of the dietary challenges.

Muscle and Fitness magazine also discouraged heavy cardio during a muscle building phase.

See how your body adapts though. Everybody is different. Just make sure you caloric needs are in check.

Good luck.

By: roxyzfoxy4u

roxyzfoxy4u — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:50:35 +0000

sounds like you are overdoing it…have to skip a day inbetween and run on the alternate days

By: DesignR

DesignR — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:50:35 +0000

Depends on mileage. I run 20 miles a week and cycle 100 and and still maintain muscle. BUt I lift my a$$ off and keep my protein intake at 1 grm per body pound

By: neol

neol — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:50:35 +0000

well from what I know building muscle on the nutritional level requires surplus of calories above maintenance and the opposite is true for losing fat which requires a deficit below maintenance. So trying both at the same time is hard at best, follow one first maybe muscle building then when you’re happy with your mass start a ripping/cutting phase to cut those excess fat that’s what most pro bodybuilders do, I’m in mass building phase myself.

some hardcore bodybuilders don’t do cardio in their muscle building phase since they claim it puts more strain into your recuperative abilities needed for building muscling but again some feel since you’re eating so much its nice to burn this excess not used to burn muscle otherwise i’ll turn to fat.

Bottomline if you want to build maximum mass and can sacrifice a bit of added fat during this phase don’t do cardio, but if you feel you want to do cardio and not get maximum gains but still get good gains its up to you, its a personal approach. I go for the former. hope this helps.

By: Brian L

Brian L — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:50:34 +0000

Well, you won’t be able to run as far as you would anyway.

Actually, running after weightlifting won’t slow your progress. Many hard-core workout folks actually do what’s called "Active rest" where you put yourself through some cardio paces between sets on the weights. You could do 30 seconds of things like toe touches, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, running in place, and stair stepping – those are all decent ways to keep the heart rate high while lifting.

By: Amy A

Amy A — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:50:34 +0000

yes my husband is on the same type of program and he was advised to cut out the running. Not all together but fewer times a week and less time. It does effect your muscle growth because you are burning too much fat to make muscle. wierd huh?

By: 463sts

463sts — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:50:33 +0000

If anything you may want to stagger your running days. Do your muscle building program, with light cardio to warm up if you need to.

After you’re done with your bulking up phase, then start a cutting phase with running and cardio.

Calories and Protein are your building blocks, but muscles are made while you rest. Make sure you’re getting enough rest.