Running doesn't build muscle?

SergeantSunshine_reused

You cannot build new muscle tissue unless you eat a calorie surplus along with doing some kind of resistance training.

Also before people speak...yes I realize that if someone is morbidly obese they can use the bodyfat stores they have to burn as energy (calories) which can provide some new muscle tissue, but this isn't as cut, dry, and simple as you think. Also women do not build muscle tissue like men do unless they are on the juice.

Um, there are a LOT of women with PCOS on these boards. They should be aware that the usual wisdom about women not bulking up with weight training is not necessarily true for them. If they have elevated testosterone levels from the PCOS, they need to hold off on using heavy weights at all - unless they WANT to get bulky. Most women with PCOS do have elevated testosterone. Only a blood test can tell them for sure.

Light hand weights are usually okay.

I understand what you're saying but still they will not get bulky unless they are eating a calorie surplus regardless of the condition. It doesn't work the way you think it does.

One thing I'd like to add is that women with PCOS are more insulin resistant which makes building muscle that much harder.

Meds and diet will often improve the insulin resistance profile before the androgen levels drop. This is information I received from the PCOS specialist I consulted and which has proven true for me. Lets talk when you have lived with PCOS for even a day.

Must have skipped over my comment? I have it too. HE IS RIGHT. Once again, I lift 3 times a week. and HEAVY. Do i look bulky to you?!

albinogorilla

You cannot build new muscle tissue unless you eat a calorie surplus along with doing some kind of resistance training.

Also before people speak...yes I realize that if someone is morbidly obese they can use the bodyfat stores they have to burn as energy (calories) which can provide some new muscle tissue, but this isn't as cut, dry, and simple as you think. Also women do not build muscle tissue like men do unless they are on the juice.

Um, there are a LOT of women with PCOS on these boards. They should be aware that the usual wisdom about women not bulking up with weight training is not necessarily true for them. If they have elevated testosterone levels from the PCOS, they need to hold off on using heavy weights at all - unless they WANT to get bulky. Most women with PCOS do have elevated testosterone. Only a blood test can tell them for sure.

Light hand weights are usually okay.

I understand what you're saying but still they will not get bulky unless they are eating a calorie surplus regardless of the condition. It doesn't work the way you think it does.

One thing I'd like to add is that women with PCOS are more insulin resistant which makes building muscle that much harder.

Meds and diet will often improve the insulin resistance profile before the androgen levels drop. This is information I received from the PCOS specialist I consulted and which has proven true for me. Lets talk when you have lived with PCOS for even a day.

Must have skipped over my comment? I have it too. HE IS RIGHT. Once again, I lift 3 times a week. and HEAVY. Do i look bulky to you?!

You are way too bulky............... :-)

SergeantSunshine_reused

I know! My massive muscles are getting out of control. RAWR! xD

Azdak

A lot of what you read about "bulking up" are written by and for body-builder types that have already achieved a high level of fitness. They don't always take into account how things are different for people just starting out.

What they mean is somebody who already has well-developed leg muscles cannot develop them more by running. For somebody starting out, the leg muscles are not developed and can grow to some extent but will not get huge.

+1

MsQt

If you are trying to build muscle, then extended cardio, aka distance running is counter productive.
I dont run, ever, unless someone bigger than me is chasing me.

I love that one! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

MsQt

When running you are strengthening and toning you muscles. When weight lifting you are bulking. You are not necessarily adding muscle but you are strengthening what you do have which is why your legs are getting harder. Sounds like you are doing good on your couch to 5K!!! Keep it going!!

You are not bulking when you are lifting weight unless you are lifting heavy. You can tone and define by using small dumbells, and using just the bar with no weight on them, and I could go on for days but just saying that lifting weights doesn't necessarily mean that you are bulking!

sweetxsour35

Thanks for the help, guys! BTW I didn't know this would become such a debate!