Does cardio eat away muscle? Is it diet? Is it cardio? Is it GENES?
alexrosader
Posts: 79 Member
OK this is me repeatin myself again as always...I am a small dude 5'9 153lbs during the winter I eat about 1500 to 1800kcal daily with one cheat meal and do 15-to20 miles of cardio a week that's 5miles or 4miles a day . I also lift weights push day, pull day, and leg day. Once spring comes across I'll bring down my calories to about 1200kcal-1000kcaldaily (with one cheat day which is 3000kcal)and stay the same on cardio and do circuit training. Why is it that by mid July I begin to look like a crackhead? I like the ripped look but sometimes I look like I may have lost muscle and I have to bring up my carbs to get some fiuless but then I lose vascularity and that ripped dry look. I know I'm crazy loolol I am a fatties by genetics I'm not comfortable have a soft look during the summer
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Replies
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Not eating enough to maintain is what is eating away at your muscle. You're eating way too little.21
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Does cardio eat muscle? - No.
Does eating a silly low calorie allowance eat muscle? - Yes.
I do a lot of cardio but I don't do this....
Once spring comes around I increase my cals because I'm training more.Once spring comes across I'll bring down my calories to about 1200kcal-1000kcaldaily
I do a load of cardio and I don't have any problem with muscle loss. In fact following a hard training plan ahead of a big cycling event I will expect my cardio training to lead to leg muscle growth.
So don't do it. Don't complain about the choices you make - just make better choices.I know I'm crazy
There is a mid point between malnutrition and getting fat, maybe aim for that?30 -
No one is fat by genetics. We are the size we are due to dietary choices. You don't eat enough to build muscle. It's really that simple.5
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No one is fat by genetics. We are the size we are due to dietary choices. You don't eat enough to build muscle. It's really that simple.
OK my mom is 5'8 my dad is about the same size they both have apple sized bodies. And both gain weight easy when they eat carbs, I'm starting to realize genetics do play a role, how many ripped people have you seen that eat pizza and still look lean AF?5 -
yvanvillegas wrote: »No one is fat by genetics. We are the size we are due to dietary choices. You don't eat enough to build muscle. It's really that simple.
OK my mom is 5'8 my dad is about the same size they both have apple sized bodies. And both gain weight easy when they eat carbs, I'm starting to realize genetics do play a role, how many ripped people have you seen that eat pizza and still look lean AF?
Plenty. They make it fit their macros.24 -
yvanvillegas wrote: »No one is fat by genetics. We are the size we are due to dietary choices. You don't eat enough to build muscle. It's really that simple.
OK my mom is 5'8 my dad is about the same size they both have apple sized bodies. And both gain weight easy when they eat carbs, I'm starting to realize genetics do play a role, how many ripped people have you seen that eat pizza and still look lean AF?
Sorry but that's twaddle.
I gain weight easily, both parents were chubby. I don't have great genetics apart from unusually over-sized lungs.
When I ate too much I got fat, when I ate the right amount I got slim. When I train and eat appropriately I get strong and fit. And healthy....
Carbs are irrelevant, pizza is irrelevant.
Sorry but It's a bit sad that you put skinny ahead of healthy. Wish you well but seeking professional help is probably the best thing you can do. Good luck.
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I don't believe anything "eats" your muscles...
I think you simply break down the muscles and fail to give them what's needed for repair, so the muscles stay damaged6 -
sijomial wrote:Carbs are irrelevant, pizza is irrelevant.
Sorry but It's a bit sad that you put skinny ahead of healthy. Wish you well but seeking professional help is probably the best thing you can do. Good luck.
Ooo so you are saying that genetics DO NOT PLAY a role on an individual's metabolism? That genetics do not play a role on how an individual's body digests food absorbs nutrients and distributes it to muscle tissue that is bring used for exercise? Are you saying that GENETICS don't play a role when it comes to adaptation, muscle growith , man I could go all day...so we are all the same then?
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livingleanlivingclean wrote:Plenty. They make it fit their macros.
I'm sorry but if you are trying to get a ripped shredded look you won't be able to do that by fitting in a 400-600 calorie slice of pizza11 -
yvanvillegas wrote: »Ooo so you are saying that genetics DO NOT PLAY a role on an individual's metabolism? That genetics do not play a role on how an individual's body digests food absorbs nutrients and distributes it to muscle tissue that is bring used for exercise? Are you saying that GENETICS don't play a role when it comes to adaptation, muscle growith , man I could go all day...so we are all the same then?
Argue with what I say buy all means - but I didn't say anything that you are projecting.
Nice diversion though.
(Edited to tidy up your quotes.)
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@yvanvillegas if you keep skipping the Bulk part of your plan you will keep losing that muscle tone. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.16
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You answered your own question.yvanvillegas wrote: »OK this is me repeatin myself again as always...I am a small dude 5'9 153lbs during the winter I eat about 1500 to 1800kcal daily with one cheat meal and do 15-to20 miles of cardio a week that's 5miles or 4miles a day . I also lift weights push day, pull day, and leg day. Once spring comes across I'll bring down my calories to about 1200kcal-1000kcaldaily (with one cheat day which is 3000kcal)and stay the same on cardio and do circuit training. Why is it that by mid July I begin to look like a crackhead? I like the ripped look but sometimes I look like I may have lost muscle and I have to bring up my carbs to get some fiuless but then I lose vascularity and that ripped dry look. I know I'm crazy loolol I am a fatties by genetics I'm not comfortable have a soft look during the summer
I'm not surprised you look like a 'crackhead' as you put it.
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yvanvillegas wrote: »
Plenty. They make it fit their macros.
I'm sorry but if you are trying to get a ripped shredded look you won't be able to do that by fitting in a 400-600 calorie slice of pizza
I have such a high cal intake that the pizza wouldn't even make a dent.. so yes it is possible. I never have an issue cutting with cardio but I always fuel adequately.11 -
Yes good job at editing my quotes so now everyone can CLEARLY see.yvanvillegas wrote: »Ooo so you are saying that genetics DO NOT PLAY a role on an individual's metabolism? That genetics do not play a role on how an individual's body digests food absorbs nutrients and distributes it to muscle tissue that is bring used for exercise? Are you saying that GENETICS don't play a role when it comes to adaptation, muscle growith , man I could go all day...so we are all the same then?
Argue with what I say buy all means - but I didn't say anything that you are projecting.
Nice diversion though.
(Edited to tidy up your quotes.)
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yvanvillegas wrote: »how many ripped people have you seen that eat pizza and still look lean AF?
Umm LOTS. Like, most of them.
To answer your original question, to me it seems quite obvious that you are eating too little. Why are you eating so little???7 -
I can't imagine why anyone would want to look like a crack head.
Skin and bone is not a good look.10 -
yvanvillegas wrote: »
Yes good job at editing my quotes so now everyone can CLEARLY see.yvanvillegas wrote: »Ooo so you are saying that genetics DO NOT PLAY a role on an individual's metabolism? That genetics do not play a role on how an individual's body digests food absorbs nutrients and distributes it to muscle tissue that is bring used for exercise? Are you saying that GENETICS don't play a role when it comes to adaptation, muscle growith , man I could go all day...so we are all the same then?
Argue with what I say buy all means - but I didn't say anything that you are projecting.
Nice diversion though.
(Edited to tidy up your quotes.)
You're welcome. I am a helpful person - I just try to help in a direct speaking way. Hearts and flowers may work for some but it's just not my style.
Listening to respond is a normal reaction when challenged but seriously, take a step back then try and think about what you said in your OP and how people are responding to what you wrote.
Question for you - how many people commenting on your calorie allowance will it take before you wonder if that's the real issue?10 -
yvanvillegas wrote: »livingleanlivingclean wrote:
Plenty. They make it fit their macros.
I'm sorry but if you are trying to get a ripped shredded look you won't be able to do that by fitting in a 400-600 calorie slice of pizza
Google the rock eating pizza as images. I'm useless with technology but he eats a *kitten* load of the stuff2 -
meganridenour wrote: »yvanvillegas wrote: »how many ripped people have you seen that eat pizza and still look lean AF?
Umm LOTS. Like, most of them.
To answer your original question, to me it seems quite obvious that you are eating too little. Why are you eating so little???
It's March right now, coming into spring I will be cutting my cal to 1200-1000kcal daily I eat little because I weight 153lbs at 5'9 32yrsold belive me I ate 2500 -3000kcal daily exercising in my younger years I looked like a water buffalo. I eat clean foods no more powdered supps none of that crap1 -
yvanvillegas wrote: »meganridenour wrote: »yvanvillegas wrote: »how many ripped people have you seen that eat pizza and still look lean AF?
Umm LOTS. Like, most of them.
To answer your original question, to me it seems quite obvious that you are eating too little. Why are you eating so little???
It's March right now, coming into spring I will be cutting my cal to 1200-1000kcal daily I eat little because I weight 153lbs at 5'9 32yrsold belive me I ate 2500 -3000kcal daily exercising in my younger years I looked like a water buffalo. I eat clean foods no more powdered supps none of that crap
Then your body will have to use your lean muscle as fuel. You're leaving it no choice.
Why not just eat 250 calories under your tdee?
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yvanvillegas wrote: »livingleanlivingclean wrote:
Plenty. They make it fit their macros.
I'm sorry but if you are trying to get a ripped shredded look you won't be able to do that by fitting in a 400-600 calorie slice of pizza
Currently doing it. Couple of weeks ago I ate a whole pizza to myself. Followed by dessert. Tonight was hamburger and chips. With dessert.
Prepped in to bodybuilding shows using IIFYM, including "treats" in my diet. I'm definitely not special, or unusual.7 -
If you're parents are that way, it's because they EAT MORE THAN THEY NEED TO.yvanvillegas wrote: »No one is fat by genetics. We are the size we are due to dietary choices. You don't eat enough to build muscle. It's really that simple.
OK my mom is 5'8 my dad is about the same size they both have apple sized bodies. And both gain weight easy when they eat carbs, I'm starting to realize genetics do play a role, how many ripped people have you seen that eat pizza and still look lean AF?
And if you've ever seen actual people who are competitive bodybuilders, fitness competitors, LOTS of them eat pizza. And still have abs.
Being scared of carbs is partially why your weight drops crazy. Carbs are muscle sparing.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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yvanvillegas wrote: »Plenty. They make it fit their macros.
I'm sorry but if you are trying to get a ripped shredded look you won't be able to do that by fitting in a 400-600 calorie slice of pizza
What pizza are you getting? You could make your own to have some that are lighter in calories. But to respond to your original post, I think you need to reevaluate your relationship with food and your caloric intake. If your body changes towards that "crack head" look with all your exercising and food intake, doesn't that mean something to you? That you might possibly have to eat a little bit more?
As per your comments about genetics, I had my dna tested and sent to a sports dna lab. The profile they gave me was that I was a person who was lean and had a lot of speed/power for sprinting as opposed to being a better endurance runner as well as some other athletic information. I thought it was funny because as a kid on the playground I loved sprinting and I was lean, until I hit my teenage years and had a lot of emotional issues that I chose food as my comfort (thus gained a lot of weight and I lost the ability to sprint as fast as I used to and started drifting towards endurance runs/exercises). I think there are some things you do inherit from your parents but ultimately it's your choices that affect your body's outcome.
Lastly there's a man on instagram named timbahwolffff, he's big on fitting pizza, fast food, heavy soups, etc, into his eating plan through macro management. He's not super muscle bound but he's lean and looks ripped to me, as well as veins popping in certain places.
TL:DR - reassess your relationship with food, are you scared to eat more thinking you might suddenly become fat? Is this a healthy relationship? Do you need to have a bulking session and lift heavier to regain muscle?
Good luck!
ETA: fixed open quote3 -
My good man, I am 7 inches shorter than you, female, weigh 136lbs and do a mere 4-6 hours of cardiovascular stuff a week plus half- Kitten press-ups and such each day. Unless the kitten stands on me, in which case they're full press-ups. I think we can assume you're a lot more muscular than me, yeah?
And I am continuing to lose weight when I stay between 1500 and 2000 calories!9 -
livingleanlivingclean wrote: »yvanvillegas wrote: »
Plenty. They make it fit their macros.
I'm sorry but if you are trying to get a ripped shredded look you won't be able to do that by fitting in a 400-600 calorie slice of pizza
Currently doing it. Couple of weeks ago I ate a whole pizza to myself. Followed by dessert. Tonight was hamburger and chips. With dessert.
Prepped in to bodybuilding shows using IIFYM, including "treats" in my diet. I'm definitely not special, or unusual. [/quote]
When I see it I'll believe it2 -
HeliumIsNoble wrote: »My good man, I am 7 inches shorter than you, female, weigh 136lbs and do a mere 4-6 hours of cardiovascular stuff a week plus half- Kitten press-ups and such each day. Unless the kitten stands on me, in which case they're full press-ups. I think we can assume you're a lot more muscular than me, yeah?
And I am continuing to lose weight when I stay between 1500 and 2000 calories!
Then your genetics are totally different than Mine, we don't digest food and absorb nutrients the same way, if I stepped it up to 2000 kcal daily I will look like a marshmallow, soft and that's uncomfortable for me. My metabolism is really slow trust me.4 -
The only people I know who don't eat pizza are people who aspire to be skinny (mostly women) because it's generally too many calories for them. I eat it once in a while. I do want to lose weight but I have no desire to be skinny.
You're not trying to get skinny, so it probably won't work for you. I don't mean eating or not eating pizza. I mean not eating ENOUGH altogether. You're making yourself skinny.7 -
yvanvillegas wrote: »HeliumIsNoble wrote: »My good man, I am 7 inches shorter than you, female, weigh 136lbs and do a mere 4-6 hours of cardiovascular stuff a week plus half- Kitten press-ups and such each day. Unless the kitten stands on me, in which case they're full press-ups. I think we can assume you're a lot more muscular than me, yeah?
And I am continuing to lose weight when I stay between 1500 and 2000 calories!
Then your genetics are totally different than Mine, we don't digest food and absorb nutrients the same way, if I stepped it up to 2000 kcal daily I will look like a marshmallow, soft and that's uncomfortable for me. My metabolism is really slow trust me.
You've had it tested in a lab, then?6 -
Bro, it's not her genetics. At your height and weight you're likely not more than 135lbs of lean mass. And that's not a lot. So her lean mass for her height versus your lean mass versus height is likely more per sq. inch.yvanvillegas wrote: »HeliumIsNoble wrote: »My good man, I am 7 inches shorter than you, female, weigh 136lbs and do a mere 4-6 hours of cardiovascular stuff a week plus half- Kitten press-ups and such each day. Unless the kitten stands on me, in which case they're full press-ups. I think we can assume you're a lot more muscular than me, yeah?
And I am continuing to lose weight when I stay between 1500 and 2000 calories!
Then your genetics are totally different than Mine, we don't digest food and absorb nutrients the same way, if I stepped it up to 2000 kcal daily I will look like a marshmallow, soft and that's uncomfortable for me. My metabolism is really slow trust me.
Also there is a thing called adaptive thermogenisis. Look it up and maybe you'll understand.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition 8 -
yvanvillegas wrote: »HeliumIsNoble wrote: »My good man, I am 7 inches shorter than you, female, weigh 136lbs and do a mere 4-6 hours of cardiovascular stuff a week plus half- Kitten press-ups and such each day. Unless the kitten stands on me, in which case they're full press-ups. I think we can assume you're a lot more muscular than me, yeah?
And I am continuing to lose weight when I stay between 1500 and 2000 calories!
Then your genetics are totally different than Mine, we don't digest food and absorb nutrients the same way, if I stepped it up to 2000 kcal daily I will look like a marshmallow, soft and that's uncomfortable for me. My metabolism is really slow trust me.
There are variations in metabolism and TDEE. For a large part, people follow within a standard range.
"Metabolic rate does vary, and technically there could be large variance. However, statistically speaking it is unlikely the variance would apply to you. The majority of the population exists in a range of 200-300kcal from each other and do not possess hugely different metabolic rates"
https://examine.com/nutrition/does-metabolism-vary-between-two-people/
The other driver are the other components, especially NEAT and TEA. So if you are small, are largely sedentary, you will have a lower TDEE. But I know plenty of small women who maintain at over 2000 calories.
There are other factors that can decrease metabolism, especially eating disorders or periods of high calorie suppression.
ETA: If you actually want to know if you fall within the standard deviation, go get a metabolic test instead of assuming. But like ninerbuff pointer out, you aren't very big, so that means you won't have a ton of lean body mass.3
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