Balancing Cardio and Muscle Mass
June 11th, 2008
Low intensity cardio is recommended for avoiding the depletion of muscle as compared to higher intensity training such as distance running. The performance of interval training for at least 15 - 20 minutes can in actual fact support muscle mass while burning fat efficiently.
A considerable carbohydrate intake results the body to burn the carbohydrates for energy rather than for the consumption of muscle mass. For this reason, an increased carbohydrate diet can minimize the fat burning process with less probability of building or maintaining muscle mass. For those that execute cardio for purposes of losing fat, it is important a high protein intake is sustained in conjunction with strength training to facilitate the construction and preservation of muscle mass.
Although it is a possibility to lose muscle from excessive cardio, the chances are less likely with adequate balance and judgment. As cardio is of an important function to health and fitness, it is ill-advised to exclude it from your exercise regimen for the sake of ‘muscle loss paranoia’. There’s life with cardio and muscle mass!
A moderate-intense 20 minute cardio approximately 3 - 4 times a week will reduce the loss of muscle mass. However, this may differ based on an individual’s body type, size and goals.
As a distance runner of 7 miles, approximately 3 - 4 times a week, the depletion of muscle mass was in the works. Consequently, I was prompted to condense my highly addicted 7 mile distance run to a 20 minute ‘moderate to high’ intensity cardio at least 3 - 4 times a week.
My Weekly Workout Schedule








