Cardio in the offseason??

[The Dude]

How many do this? I used to be 100% against it, but lately especially on high rep squats I gas out before I exhaust my legs. Also I'm curious if a little cardio in the offseason would keep me just a little leaner and not affect gains. What do you guys think?

 

[BreacherUp]

I am in the same boat and plan on adding in some HIIT from now on. I think if you keep the calories up, lift heavy and dont abuse the cardio the benefits will far outweigh any negatives. I started yesterday so I will keep you posted. Might actually help gains since I notice myself getting winded more easily now than I use to when I had better cardio. Greater ability for "time under tension" may actually increase gains...?

 

[Ox 51]

I avoid cardio most all of the time. I have such trouble gaining, I hate to burn any additional calories.

 

[Chris250]

I do cardio in the offseason 4-5 times per week, at 20 to 30mins per time. I do feel like it helps my gains...yes, I said help. I think overall it gives me more endurance to hit the gym harder and longer...

 

[BreacherUp]

I do cardio in the offseason 4-5 times per week, at 20 to 30mins per time. I do feel like it helps my gains...yes, I said help. I think overall it gives me more endurance to hit the gym harder and longer...

Totally agree...

I think most of us here enjoy lifting heavy. Longer rests, heavy weight, no cardio. I think you can also fall victim to the comfort of that style and then use the excuse that you dont want to burn calories alloted for muscle growth. I totally get it, and I use that same mantra regularly.

However, after I start adding the cardio back in (and stop being lazy) I know I feel better and I feel like my lifting acutually improves. That has just been my experience. It is just hard sometimes to motivate ones self into adding cardio back into the regimen.

 

[nuknuk]

never

 

[Oldschool]

When I was competing I was advised by my trainer to do no cardio in the offseason. We saved it for precontest. Now that I dont compete my Doctor wants me do do it 3 times per week and I hate it Cardio will help you raise your good cholesterol and I am old now so that is what I am supposed to do.

 

[landonm5]

For the first time ever i did it this past year for more lean bulk . . i ate cleaner and did cardio 3 times a week only 20 min or so. but i felt better and a lot easier on me now. I got to 240 ish instead 260ish. breathing was easier! LOL

 

[The Dude]

I'm hoping that I can at least get to doing 2 20 minute sessions a week. Just to improve my overall health. I'm no future champ so I think being a little leaner and alot healthier sounds like a good idea.

 

[landonm5]

I HATE cardio but when eating decent bulkin or leaning it sure makes a diff in the way i feel, i say great idea!

 

[BreacherUp]

Totally agree with the increased well being and easier breathing.

 

[big in vegas]

I have good intentions on doing cardio and I'll do it for a week then quit