Cardio and Muscle Atrophy?

[Lenny]

I just wanted to see what your views were on cardio causing atrophy during the leaning out phase. Especially, in the legs/lower body. I figured that cardio is done during precontest as a way to burn extra calories, but what if your eating was spot on with regards calories and macro’s? Do you really need cardio if the discipline is there with your eating and training? Do you think if we focused less on it that we would maintain lean mass for effectively? Well, of course this is if you are somewhat in shape in your off-season and 20lbs within ideal weight for being stage lean.

Personally, I have always done 30 minutes of low-moderate cardio post workout most days of the week. I do not think it makes me any leaner, maybe more conditioned. The main reason I do it is to keep my heart/respiratory system healthy and well of course to burn little extra calories.

I just figured if I keep under 45 minutes of cardio at a moderate pace I should have no problem, but sometimes I feel that when I do the bike that my legs suffer because of atrophy, well hell it all might be in my damn head!

This is what I do….postworkout:
Offseaon cardio: 4 days X 20-30 minutes of moderate (120-140bpm)
Precontest cardio: 6 days X 30-40 minutes of moderate (120-140bpm)

How much cardio do you perform during off-season and precontest?

I know there are tons of heart healthy benefits to cardio with regards to the respiratory system, but I just want to see views on atrophy related to cardio. I know many factors play a role such as metabolism, gender, genetics, and so forth, but still can we get by without any or very little if we are already 10% or lower in bodyfat??

 

[notsobig32]

Lenny,

I walk for 20-30 minutes every morning on the treadmill. I keep the pace between 2.5 - 3.0 mph and maybe a % or two on the incline. i I keep it pretty much the same whether i am leaning up or in the off-season.

I agree with you though, IMO too much moderate-high intensity cardio makes me think my legs are shrinking and the effects start to be counter productive.

just my opinion though.