Cardio....

[T TOTAL]

Looking for experienced peoples thoughts on this.

Soon to start my contest prep and im evaluating it re the cardio. Ordinarily i do 30mins steady state cardio 5-6 times per week, mostly AM before my 1st meal.....
Also my problem is as the show nears, mainly 4-5weeks out i kind of panic a bit and up my game somewhat and tend to do a 2nd cardio session later in the day....Im a bit of a cardio junkie i admit.

However, ive evaluated things and on reflection and feedback from those that no me ive looked better and fuller when ive been a bit more lax on cardio and done it as and when at different times of the day as opposed to 1st thing on an empty stomach.

The same applied in 2008 when i left it late to prep for one reason or other and had only 5-6 weeks to get ready. I did do the cardio 1st thing and 5-6days/week then but as only had the 5-6 weeks i believe i didnt have time to over do it.......Plus i was working with Phil, but he knew i was a cardio junkie..

Now my point being im giving myself 13weeks to prep' although ive been told im in reasonable off season shape, but im looking to take it slow and steady...

As such would it be better from what ive detailed above, re over doing it at times, if i cut back on my cardio by either doing 5-6days ( for sanity ) still but 20mins stints or perhaps 3 days at 30mins stints and then if need be up the level if i feel im not making the grade, although i do get anal with my diet. By that i mean im a stickler....

I have read however that perhaps 20mins isnt enough at steady state for fat burning purposes....


DOES THAT MAKE SENSE???

 

[Bionic]

Google Tabata Protocol.

 

[T TOTAL]

Google Tabata Protocol.

Sounds interesting....a bit like HIIT perhaps??

The fat loss isnt the problem though its the fact i end up doing to much and in effect burning muscle as ive nowt left in the tank. Maybe the shorter intervals would prevent me going ott...

 

[unoigo]

No disrespect bro, but I would highly suggest hiring someone to have in your corner to take the guesswork out of it. Makes things a lot less stressful and easier.

 

[T TOTAL]

No disrespect bro, but I would highly suggest hiring someone to have in your corner to take the guesswork out of it. Makes things a lot less stressful and easier.

None taken mate....I have mate, i was just looking for opinions on the cardio conundrum i gaive myself...

Theres a number from my gym competing and my mate who's an IFBB Pro himself has said he would again help with my prep as he did do in 2006 when i won my 1st show ( the avatar is from then )....mainly in overseeing what im doing etc and as he's from my gym its easier to be checked visually personally...

He also knows that im a stickler and a cardio junkie to and does put me in my place if he feels im doing to much, lol....

 

[Kaiser]

Saw the title and thought this was about one of my best friends who owns Cardi International Formalwear.

 

[pesty4077]

I have read however that perhaps 20mins isnt enough at steady state for fat burning purposes....


DOES THAT MAKE SENSE???

I did cardio 20 minutes, 5 times a week and got shredded. Lot of factors here, your diet, training and the intensity of the Cardio sessions.

 

[T TOTAL]

Saw the title and thought this was about one of my best friends who owns Cardi International Formalwear.

Lol, i saw i'd made the error to and then thought as you have along with a chuckle...

 

[T TOTAL]

I did cardio 20 minutes, 5 times a week and got shredded. Lot of factors here, your diet, training and the intensity of the Cardio sessions.

Pesty, i know my diet will be spot on as well as my training.... My concerns arise with the combination of the cardio as i have been doing being to much for the constraints of my diet. By that i mean, i feel im very strict and as such perhaps i don't need the amount of cardio i was doing...perhaps....

Its steady state cardio so that its fat burning and digging into any muscle i have.
As im kind of being over seen, i was just looking for a consensus of opinion. At the moment im thinking of doing as you have mentioned above as at the level i do, at 20mins i still climb of the bike with a good sweat and shakey legs and a wee bit blowing,hahahaha

 

[pesty4077]

What show are you doing?

 

[T TOTAL]

What show are you doing?

Ive done the UKBFF in the past, but due to family commitments later in the year im unable to do my usual qualifier which works well for the finals as it just a couple of weeks later.

But to get to answering your question, , i'm looking to do the NABBA North Britain in late May and hopefully the finals the following weekend....

 

[pesty4077]

Ive done the UKBFF in the past, but due to family commitments later in the year im unable to do my usual qualifier which works well for the finals as it just a couple of weeks later.

But to get to answering your question, , i'm looking to do the NABBA North Britain in late May and hopefully the finals the following weekend....

Keep us posted. You can always start at 20 minutes of cardio and make adjustments as you go.

 

[Kaiser]

Lol, i saw i'd made the error to and then thought as you have along with a chuckle...

Fixed it for you, buddy.