Cardio and Contest Prep

Eatbig2getbig · Sep 24, 2006

Interested in hearing others opinions on cardio for contest preparation.
What type of cardio do you perform (treadmill, stair climber, stationary bike, etc.)

Also- what level of intensity do you use? for example, I have been walking on treadmill for 25 minutes at 4.0 - 4.5 mph on 4 degree incline. That gets the blood pumping for me. I have heard others say they do not do cardio very intensely.

Gavin Kane · Sep 24, 2006

I used to do the treadmill set at max incline at 4mph for 30 mins 3x per week first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I did the max incline due to shin splints.

Dave_19 · Sep 24, 2006

It really depends on a lot of factors for the individual like your natural metabolism. Some guys dont need much others need a couple hours each day. You could try 6 days per week some thing like 30min AM, 30min PM, and each week add 5 minutes to each session until you hit 1hr per session, or if you are ahead of schedule maintain the cardio where ever its at. Too much cardio = too much catabolism. You only want to do just enough to strip the fat off.

chris250 · Sep 24, 2006

FOR ME AND THIS JUST ME ...I DO THE TREADMILL AT 2.0-2.5 MPH AT A 7.5 INCLINE...I STARTED AT 30MINS A DAY AT 16 WEEKS OUT AND WENT UP TO 2 60MINS SESSIONS A DAY AT A MONTH OUT...

CHRIS

Big Bapper · Sep 24, 2006

Off season : Crosstrainer 3xEW on empty stomach.
Pre competition : Treadmill ED on empty stomach.

TooPowerful4u · Sep 24, 2006

I got up until 4 weeks out with almost no cardio. Suffer during your diet and you will need alot less cardio. Stepmill gives your legs a different more detailed and leaner look.... everyone says you cant spot reduce i say bullshit. Any advanced bodybuilder will tell u that the type of cardio he uses makes a difference in how his legs look.

pumpputnam · Sep 25, 2006

I took a break a did no cardio the last two weeks leading up to the USA's!

Treadmill is my favorite but mixing it up is the way to go. Depends on what you are trying to bring out or need to bring out(detail wise).

Magnum · Sep 25, 2006

I watch TV. Burns a lot of cals watching porn.

BCGuy · Sep 25, 2006

TooPowerful4u said:
I got up until 4 weeks out with almost no cardio. Suffer during your diet and you will need alot less cardio. Stepmill gives your legs a different more detailed and leaner look.... everyone says you cant spot reduce i say bullshit. Any advanced bodybuilder will tell u that the type of cardio he uses makes a difference in how his legs look.

You think there's a chance of losing some leg size working the stepmill precontest?

I stick with the Treadmill or the stationary bike myself.

pumpputnam · Sep 25, 2006

BCGuy said:
You think there's a chance of losing some leg size working the stepmill precontest?

I stick with the Treadmill or the stationary bike myself.

Look at Culter's legs. He does it. I did it a good bit myself and my legs aren't anywhere near disappearing. It does depend on how much you have to work with. Correct me if I am wrong TP, but Rich likes doing them too.

Eatbig2getbig · Sep 25, 2006

Thanks for the input everyone.
Magnum, somehow I do believe you. LOL..
Treadmill is the easiest for me right now. I have a nice one at home and rolling out of bed at 4 am, taking a few steps to reach it is not so bad. By the time I'm done, I'm wide awake.
If I need to do more in the evening I may switch it up a bit and use the stairclimber.