Will running cause muscle loss?
Replies
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And apparently what I consider muscular is different than what most people in this thread consider muscular.
I would expect so - everybody has different goals, needs and preferences.
It's all good - all just different colours in the fitness rainbow.0 -
It's absolutely laughable that these are labeled 90% running.
No,it isn't. The vast majority of football training is aerobic work based around running.0 -
It's all good - all just different colours in the fitness rainbow.
True...if we were all the same the world would be a very boring place.
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As a general rule, runners are not muscular people. Yes, running does burn muscle as well as fat. It's not really a healthy exercise. In fact, studies show it's dangerous. Personally I think anything in moderation is ok. But science does not agree with me where running is concerned.
It's good for your brain. And running is 100% better for you then sitting on the couch. Hmph!0 -
It all comes down to distance and intensity. That's why I'm a huge advocate of HIIT cardio. HIIT cardio is muscle sparring, short and very anabolic. Where as long distance, steady state is catabolic and.....the opposite. Don't get me wrong long distance has it's place and that department would be for cardiovasular conditioning but if your looking to retain/maintain/build mass then HIIT is for you. HIIT also has an "afterburn effect" where you continue burning at a higher than average rate post workout. I incorporated it in my training when I started mid feb at 221 lbs/30% BF and HIIT combined with a 3 day strength training hypertrophic split brought me down to 160lbs 12% BF in 6 months. A true believer.
The picture below does not lie. On the left we have a long distance/marathon runner. On the right a sprinter.
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Pro athletes are genetic outliers. Unlikely that your probably average genetics and limited training volume is going to make much difference either way.0
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The picture below does not lie. On the left we have a long distance/marathon runner. On the right a sprinter.
No.
Read this: http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/sprinters-vs-marathoners.html0 -
The picture below does not lie. On the left we have a long distance/marathon runner. On the right a sprinter.
No.
Read this: http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/sprinters-vs-marathoners.html
I don't need to read the link. I already know. I've used both types of cardio throughout and have gotten drastically different results while having a keyed in diet. Thanks for the information though. Not to mention your posting a link to bodyrecomp..which is not a very credible source of info. You could google and find countless SCIENTIFIC research on this debate and clearly see the facts.
http://www.simplyshredded.com/fit-with-hiit-science-is-dropping-the-hammer-on-endless-bouts-of-steady-state-cardio.html
http://evidencebasedfitness.net/hiit-vs-steady-state-who-will-win/
to name a few0 -
I don't need to read the link. I already know. I've used both types of cardio throughout and have gotten drastically different results while having a keyed in diet. Thanks for the information though. Not to mention your posting a link to bodyrecomp..which is not a very credible source of info. You could google and find countless SCIENTIFIC research on this debate and clearly see the facts.
I'm glad you found what is optimal for you and your goals..0 -
As a general rule, runners are not muscular people. Yes, running does burn muscle as well as fat. It's not really a healthy exercise. In fact, studies show it's dangerous. Personally I think anything in moderation is ok. But science does not agree with me where running is concerned.
It's good for your brain. And running is 100% better for you then sitting on the couch. Hmph!
That's why all those Olympic and professional marathoners are dropping like flies. Not to mention the thousands of amateurs suffering and dying. If you could link to the news reports of that and the scientific evidence of causation or even correlation that would be great.
Oh, wait, none of that ever happened. Never mind.0 -
Will running cause muscle loss?
Running causing muscle loss? YES Will weight training cause muscle loss, be it light weights, heavy lifting etc? YES
Case in point, to shed fat weight through cardio or weight lifting or both ~ you will lose some muscle. The question is, how much?
ETA: Even bodybuilders lose some muscle during their cutting cycles. It is a gamble they choose for the aesthetics they desire ~ for their end ideal selves.0 -
It all comes down to distance and intensity. That's why I'm a huge advocate of HIIT cardio. HIIT cardio is muscle sparring, short and very anabolic. Where as long distance, steady state is catabolic and.....the opposite. Don't get me wrong long distance has it's place and that department would be for cardiovasular conditioning but if your looking to retain/maintain/build mass then HIIT is for you. HIIT also has an "afterburn effect" where you continue burning at a higher than average rate post workout. I incorporated it in my training when I started mid feb at 221 lbs/30% BF and HIIT combined with a 3 day strength training hypertrophic split brought me down to 160lbs 12% BF in 6 months. A true believer.
The picture below does not lie. On the left we have a long distance/marathon runner. On the right a sprinter.
Choosing a thin elite marathon runner and a drug using 100m sprinter for comparison is hardly relevant to the OP is it?
And no steady state cardio isn't catabolic unless you have a deficient diet.
Nearly all my leg work is cycling and I've built my leg size and strength through 95% cardio exercise, mostly cycling.0 -
What a sad thread...
To the OP: no, the running you are talking about will not cause your thigh muscles to disappear. Whenever this topic shows, out comes the pic of some elite Kenyan with very low bodyfat and that becomes the standard. That type of body requires way beyond anything you or I will put ourselves through.
Running requires a ton of strength to do properly and guess what? Of all the animals on the planet, human beings are one the best at running long distances. Our bodies have designed by evolution to be efficient, strong endurance runners. The idea that it isn't healthy, or will result in a skinny weak body is beyond silly. And, if you think science is telling you it is unhealthy, you are reading "science", not science.
One thing to point out though, with regard to the OP. I am not sure switching to running is the magic bullet for losing weight. As we all know, calorie deficit is king and you might be setting yourself up for failure. Run because you enjoy it, not to lose weight. Imho, of course.0 -
What a sad thread...
To the OP: no, the running you are talking about will not cause your thigh muscles to disappear. Whenever this topic shows, out comes the pic of some elite Kenyan with very low bodyfat and that becomes the standard. That type of body requires way beyond anything you or I will put ourselves through.
Running requires a ton of strength to do properly and guess what? Of all the animals on the planet, human beings are one the best at running long distances. Our bodies have designed by evolution to be efficient, strong endurance runners. The idea that it isn't healthy, or will result in a skinny weak body is beyond silly. And, if you think science is telling you it is unhealthy, you are reading "science", not science.
One thing to point out though, with regard to the OP. I am not sure switching to running is the magic bullet for losing weight. As we all know, calorie deficit is king and you might be setting yourself up for failure. Run because you enjoy it, not to lose weight. Imho, of course.
Well said.:flowerforyou:0 -
What a sad thread...
To the OP: no, the running you are talking about will not cause your thigh muscles to disappear. Whenever this topic shows, out comes the pic of some elite Kenyan with very low bodyfat and that becomes the standard. That type of body requires way beyond anything you or I will put ourselves through.
The other half of the discussion that never arises is that these long distance runners from Kenya WANT to be this thin and yes they bust their *kitten* to keep the weight off so they can be the most efficient runner possible.
To the OP, I'm approaching 1500 miles this year and I still weigh a bit over 205 pounds. Amazing but true, even hitting 40 - 50 miles a week doesn't make me drop weight or lose muscle mass. Just keep your diet good and proper according to the demands you're placing on your body.
My scrawny legs.
http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b545/wafflemfp/IMAG1401_zps11b84700.jpg0 -
KeithAngilly Joined Feb 2008 October 31, 2013 3:30 pm Running requires a ton of strength to do properly and guess what? Of all the animals on the planet, human beings are one the best at running long distances. Our bodies have designed by evolution to be efficient, strong endurance runners. The idea that it isn't healthy, or will result in a skinny weak body is beyond silly. And, if you think science is telling you it is unhealthy, you are reading "science", not science.
:flowerforyou:_Waffle_ Joined May 2013 October 31, 2013 3:42 pm ... I'm approaching 1500 miles this year and I still weigh a bit over 205 pounds. Amazing but true, even hitting 40 - 50 miles a week doesn't make me drop weight or lose muscle mass. Just keep your diet good and proper according to the demands you're placing on your body.
My scrawny legs.
http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b545/wafflemfp/IMAG1401_zps11b84700.jpg
Self-standing - your legs. Solid and beautifully sculpted.0 -
What a sad thread...
To the OP: no, the running you are talking about will not cause your thigh muscles to disappear. Whenever this topic shows, out comes the pic of some elite Kenyan with very low bodyfat and that becomes the standard. That type of body requires way beyond anything you or I will put ourselves through.
Running requires a ton of strength to do properly and guess what? Of all the animals on the planet, human beings are one the best at running long distances. Our bodies have designed by evolution to be efficient, strong endurance runners. The idea that it isn't healthy, or will result in a skinny weak body is beyond silly. And, if you think science is telling you it is unhealthy, you are reading "science", not science.
One thing to point out though, with regard to the OP. I am not sure switching to running is the magic bullet for losing weight. As we all know, calorie deficit is king and you might be setting yourself up for failure. Run because you enjoy it, not to lose weight. Imho, of course.
I would only disagree that "running requires a lot of strength". Not really. It requires a lot of endurance and a certain level of aerobic capacity, and running performance can be *enhanced* by resistance training, but it doesn't require much strength at all.0 -
Will running cause muscle loss?
Running causing muscle loss? YES Will weight training cause muscle loss, be it light weights, heavy lifting etc? YES
Case in point, to shed fat weight through cardio or weight lifting or both ~ you will lose some muscle. The question is, how much?
ETA: Even bodybuilders lose some muscle during their cutting cycles. It is a gamble they choose for the aesthetics they desire ~ for their end ideal selves.
You are falsely equating "causes muscle loss" with "inhibits maximum muscle mass gain". The two statements are not comparable, except from the narrowest of perspectives.0 -
The picture below does not lie. On the left we have a long distance/marathon runner. On the right a sprinter.
No.
Read this: http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/sprinters-vs-marathoners.html
I don't need to read the link. I already know. I've used both types of cardio throughout and have gotten drastically different results while having a keyed in diet. Thanks for the information though. Not to mention your posting a link to bodyrecomp..which is not a very credible source of info. You could google and find countless SCIENTIFIC research on this debate and clearly see the facts.
http://www.simplyshredded.com/fit-with-hiit-science-is-dropping-the-hammer-on-endless-bouts-of-steady-state-cardio.html
http://evidencebasedfitness.net/hiit-vs-steady-state-who-will-win/
to name a few
Same myopic perspective that keeps this most stupid of debates endlessly revolving.0 -
What a sad thread...
To the OP: no, the running you are talking about will not cause your thigh muscles to disappear. Whenever this topic shows, out comes the pic of some elite Kenyan with very low bodyfat and that becomes the standard. That type of body requires way beyond anything you or I will put ourselves through.
The other half of the discussion that never arises is that these long distance runners from Kenya WANT to be this thin and yes they bust their *kitten* to keep the weight off so they can be the most efficient runner possible.
To the OP, I'm approaching 1500 miles this year and I still weigh a bit over 205 pounds. Amazing but true, even hitting 40 - 50 miles a week doesn't make me drop weight or lose muscle mass. Just keep your diet good and proper according to the demands you're placing on your body.
My scrawny legs.
http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b545/wafflemfp/IMAG1401_zps11b84700.jpg
I wish you all the success in your 2013/2014 fitness goals
0 -
What a sad thread...
To the OP: no, the running you are talking about will not cause your thigh muscles to disappear. Whenever this topic shows, out comes the pic of some elite Kenyan with very low bodyfat and that becomes the standard. That type of body requires way beyond anything you or I will put ourselves through.
Running requires a ton of strength to do properly and guess what? Of all the animals on the planet, human beings are one the best at running long distances. Our bodies have designed by evolution to be efficient, strong endurance runners. The idea that it isn't healthy, or will result in a skinny weak body is beyond silly. And, if you think science is telling you it is unhealthy, you are reading "science", not science.
One thing to point out though, with regard to the OP. I am not sure switching to running is the magic bullet for losing weight. As we all know, calorie deficit is king and you might be setting yourself up for failure. Run because you enjoy it, not to lose weight. Imho, of course.
I would only disagree that "running requires a lot of strength". Not really. It requires a lot of endurance and a certain level of aerobic capacity, and running performance can be *enhanced* by resistance training, but it doesn't require much strength at all.
Running "...doesn't require much strength at all." That's just laughable. I bought the pic I am using as my profile pic to remind me to work on improving my core strength. It was taken at the finish line of a half marathon and I was pretty smoked. If I was stronger, I would have finished with a better time. Maintaining good running form, mile after mile, takes an incredible amount of strength. In fact, that's what allows elite marathoners to sub 5 minute miles for a little over 2 hours. It's not all pure aerobic capacity. Long training runs build a lot of functional strength, as well as cardiovascular capacity.0 -
What a sad thread...
To the OP: no, the running you are talking about will not cause your thigh muscles to disappear. Whenever this topic shows, out comes the pic of some elite Kenyan with very low bodyfat and that becomes the standard. That type of body requires way beyond anything you or I will put ourselves through.
The other half of the discussion that never arises is that these long distance runners from Kenya WANT to be this thin and yes they bust their *kitten* to keep the weight off so they can be the most efficient runner possible.
To the OP, I'm approaching 1500 miles this year and I still weigh a bit over 205 pounds. Amazing but true, even hitting 40 - 50 miles a week doesn't make me drop weight or lose muscle mass. Just keep your diet good and proper according to the demands you're placing on your body.
My scrawny legs.
http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b545/wafflemfp/IMAG1401_zps11b84700.jpg
That's kinda the point I was trying to make, just not very well.0 -
What a sad thread...
To the OP: no, the running you are talking about will not cause your thigh muscles to disappear. Whenever this topic shows, out comes the pic of some elite Kenyan with very low bodyfat and that becomes the standard. That type of body requires way beyond anything you or I will put ourselves through.
Running requires a ton of strength to do properly and guess what? Of all the animals on the planet, human beings are one the best at running long distances. Our bodies have designed by evolution to be efficient, strong endurance runners. The idea that it isn't healthy, or will result in a skinny weak body is beyond silly. And, if you think science is telling you it is unhealthy, you are reading "science", not science.
One thing to point out though, with regard to the OP. I am not sure switching to running is the magic bullet for losing weight. As we all know, calorie deficit is king and you might be setting yourself up for failure. Run because you enjoy it, not to lose weight. Imho, of course.
I would only disagree that "running requires a lot of strength". Not really. It requires a lot of endurance and a certain level of aerobic capacity, and running performance can be *enhanced* by resistance training, but it doesn't require much strength at all.
Running "...doesn't require much strength at all." That's just laughable. I bought the pic I am using as my profile pic to remind me to work on improving my core strength. It was taken at the finish line of a half marathon and I was pretty smoked. If I was stronger, I would have finished with a better time. Maintaining good running form, mile after mile, takes an incredible amount of strength. In fact, that's what allows elite marathoners to sub 5 minute miles for a little over 2 hours. It's not all pure aerobic capacity. Long training runs build a lot of functional strength, as well as cardiovascular capacity.
It seems there are several versions of "strength" being used in this discussion. At some point, it would be helpful to pick just one.
I specifically mentioned that increasing strength -- of any kind you want to mention -- will improve running performance. That's a completely different topic from the idea that "running requires a ton of strength".
In fact, many African runners--the ones who are running sub 5-minute miles for a little over 2 hours -- do no strength training at all. They run, nap, run, nap, and run some more.
The conventional definition of "strength", and even more so a "ton of strength" has always involved the lifting of heavy objects. Running does not require a great ability to lift heavy objects--with either upper or lower body.
When I was in my prime running years, and living in a city with lots and lots of hills, I suffered a sprained ankle. At the time, evaluation consisted of testing leg strength--knee extension and flexion--at different arc speeds. You exerted maximum force and the results were printed on graph paper. I looked at my results and asked how they were. The therapist showed me the graph of the same test performed on a hockey player--the amplitude of the strength tracings on the graph were 3 to 4 times mine.
Now THAT'S a "ton of strength".0 -
So switching up to running wouldn't be a good idea?? Should I just continue to lift 3 times a week? I've been lifting for almost 3 months and the scale hasn't moved and I haven't lost any inches. I blame my diet too. I'm trying to get back on track with eating right along with my running so I hope I will see a change. I'm trying to be at a calorie deficit. I want to shed off fat because I need to lose the last 10 lbs and I thought cardio would help a lot with that without having to lose muscle at the same time. I hope it speeds up the weight loss.0
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What a sad thread...
To the OP: no, the running you are talking about will not cause your thigh muscles to disappear. Whenever this topic shows, out comes the pic of some elite Kenyan with very low bodyfat and that becomes the standard. That type of body requires way beyond anything you or I will put ourselves through.
Running requires a ton of strength to do properly and guess what? Of all the animals on the planet, human beings are one the best at running long distances. Our bodies have designed by evolution to be efficient, strong endurance runners. The idea that it isn't healthy, or will result in a skinny weak body is beyond silly. And, if you think science is telling you it is unhealthy, you are reading "science", not science.
One thing to point out though, with regard to the OP. I am not sure switching to running is the magic bullet for losing weight. As we all know, calorie deficit is king and you might be setting yourself up for failure. Run because you enjoy it, not to lose weight. Imho, of course.
I would only disagree that "running requires a lot of strength". Not really. It requires a lot of endurance and a certain level of aerobic capacity, and running performance can be *enhanced* by resistance training, but it doesn't require much strength at all.
Running "...doesn't require much strength at all." That's just laughable. I bought the pic I am using as my profile pic to remind me to work on improving my core strength. It was taken at the finish line of a half marathon and I was pretty smoked. If I was stronger, I would have finished with a better time. Maintaining good running form, mile after mile, takes an incredible amount of strength. In fact, that's what allows elite marathoners to sub 5 minute miles for a little over 2 hours. It's not all pure aerobic capacity. Long training runs build a lot of functional strength, as well as cardiovascular capacity.
It seems there are several versions of "strength" being used in this discussion. At some point, it would be helpful to pick just one.
For me strength means maintaining form during a given exercise...when the form breaks down and becomes sloppy, whether doing a bench press or running a 20 mile training run, we have reached our strength limit. Of course, the run has the additional element of cardiovascular fitness, but, as has already been discussed, competitive running can be enhance by various types of strength training. So, by extension, running involves strength. And imho, a lot of strength.
Strength is strength, regardless of what bro science has to say about it.0 -
So switching up to running wouldn't be a good idea?? Should I just continue to lift 3 times a week? I've been lifting for almost 3 months and the scale hasn't moved and I haven't lost any inches. I blame my diet too. I'm trying to get back on track with eating right along with my running so I hope I will see a change. I'm trying to be at a calorie deficit. I want to shed off fat because I need to lose the last 10 lbs and I thought cardio would help a lot with that without having to lose muscle at the same time. I hope it speeds up the weight loss.
Do what you would like to. If you are motivated to try running, then go for it. For weight loss, I am actually more inclined to think that a combination of heavy lifting and moderate cardio would be the most effective for weight loss. But, to trot out an old chestnut, you can't out-train a bad diet. Personally, I run because I really enjoy it.0 -
So switching up to running wouldn't be a good idea?? Should I just continue to lift 3 times a week? I've been lifting for almost 3 months and the scale hasn't moved and I haven't lost any inches. I blame my diet too. I'm trying to get back on track with eating right along with my running so I hope I will see a change. I'm trying to be at a calorie deficit. I want to shed off fat because I need to lose the last 10 lbs and I thought cardio would help a lot with that without having to lose muscle at the same time. I hope it speeds up the weight loss.
Unless your not eating your calories back, cardio isn't going to make you lose weight. Losing weight is with your diet, get that straight and it will come off.
Also nothing wrong with lifting and running. The two help each other in many ways.0 -
I do both. I had muscular legs before weight lifting due to years of elliptical use with progressively increasing resistance but only my legs not upper body. Now symmetrical thanks to weight lifting and still have good cardio stamina thanks to running. Depends on your goals. It is correct that lengthy steady state running will diminish muscle via catabolic effects. But my goals are just to be healthy, feel it and see it.
edit: added info on legs before strength training.0 -
So switching up to running wouldn't be a good idea?? Should I just continue to lift 3 times a week? I've been lifting for almost 3 months and the scale hasn't moved and I haven't lost any inches. I blame my diet too. I'm trying to get back on track with eating right along with my running so I hope I will see a change. I'm trying to be at a calorie deficit. I want to shed off fat because I need to lose the last 10 lbs and I thought cardio would help a lot with that without having to lose muscle at the same time. I hope it speeds up the weight loss.
If the running increases your total calorie burn and you don't substantially increase your intake or decrease your other activity, then yes, it will help. But that would be true with any activity, not just running.0 -
I do both. I had muscular legs before weight lifting but only my legs not upper body. Now symmetrical thanks to weight lifting and still have good cardio stamina thanks to running. Depends on your goals. It is correct that lengthy steady state running will diminish muscle via catabolic effects. But my goals are just to be healthy, feel it and see it.
Again--only if one is trying to achieve maximum muscle mass gains. Running in particular DOES inhibit muscle gain, it doesn't PREVENT muscle gain--and it doesn't necessarily "diminish" muscle as long as diet is appropriate.
The average person that is trying to stay healthy, improve aerobic fitness, gain some muscle mass and strength, etc, will likely not see any effect on their progress by running.0
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