Is cardio a must?

T

Thorough_Bred

0
So here is the dilemma, I want to get bulky meaning big but with alot of muscles right? I have been working out about 4 days a week with a fairly good routine. Now people have told me here that (I'm a doofus I didnt even know this until they told me) weight training burns fat like cardio does maybe even more so. If my goal is turning my body into a muscle-fest although not too the extreme but most important gaining strength, do I have to run/jog/do cardio?

Since I have discovered the wonders of weight training I really dont want to do any cardio anymore (I used to run alot before I lifted), that there is my problem but if it is needed then best believe I'll do it.
 
No, it's not necessary. In fact, you'll burn calories during the cardio and for a couple hours after, but in lifting heavy, you'll boost your metabolism for up to two days after.
 
keep in mind that in order to grow you generally need a caloric surplus. Not sure exaclty what you want to accomplish, but increasing your metabolism while eating lots of food will simply limit growth if you think about it. Burning fat with running and burning calories with lifting isn't really the same. The most immediate energy source while lifting is carbohydrates. I think in your case the most important thing would be nutrient timing. Just keep track of what your body does when you X out the cardio. Then you will know for yourself.
 
well yes..
You can maximize muscle mainenance while minimizing fat storage by eating certain types of foods at certain times. For example: Its probably a better idea to lower carbohydrates at night because unused carbs are stored as fat. If you are eating an awful lot than this is not as important, but I know from personal experience that cutting carbs out of my last meal reduced my body fat.
Protein and fat are what your body needs at these late hours. There are lots of posts here discussing what to eat and when. Of course there will be conflicting ideas, but im sure you can get a good idea. If you like, I can go into greater detail, when I am not half asleep :)
 
While cardio is not a must, it wouldnt be a bad idea to do it a couple times a week. I dont like cardio either, but it will help in on lean muscle mass and not so much just weight. One of the links Ive found helpful during my bulking cycle is this:
 
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