Cardio Does Not Burn Muscle Mass

ahamm002

Until somebody posts a link to a high quality RTC that demonstrates that a few weekly <60 minute sessions of cardio cause a statistically significant lose of muscle mass in the context a diet that has plenty of protein and an exercise regimen that includes resistance training, than we don't really know if it burns a significant amount of muscle or not.

It's not accurate to try and determine if we lose a significant amount of muscle doing cardio by using our college biochem class to draw conclusions. Sure, gluconeogensis occurs, but how much does really it occur in a half hour cardio session? Furthmore, many very successful body builders do perform cardio. So obviously the effects can't be that detrimental.

For the most part, 99% of the population probably doesn't have to worry about burning muscle by doing cardio less than one hour long.

WhoTheHellIsBen

Hey PLATES559, How did you get your Vanity Mirror all the way out there?

Cristofori44

< is getting a kick out of being insulted for wearing sunglasses by dudes who count calories and take vanity pictures of themselves in front of mirrors.

If I had actually insulted you, you would know it. Not that it would be hard, but I'm not bothering. And if you notice, both of my hands are in my avi pic. Maybe dem der glasses messin up da view after all

Do you have anything intelligent to offer to the debate, or not?

myofibril

Cardio does burn muscle mass but that's not really saying much as protein turnover happens constantly, even while you sleep. I guess I should stop sleeping then...

I pretty much agree with the OP. Coupling low calorie dieting (particularly if it lacks protein but also carbs) along with excessive amounts of cardio but omitting strength training at the same time is the real problem, not cardio in itself.

Cristofori44

Hey PLATES559, How did you get your Vanity Mirror all the way out there?

You as well: Anything intelligent to offer to the debate on whether cardio burns muscle mass, or not?
If you don't have anything intelligent or constructive to say, I suggest you stop posting.

Determinednoob

< is getting a kick out of being insulted for wearing sunglasses by dudes who count calories and take vanity pictures of themselves in front of mirrors.

If I had actually insulted you, you would know it. Not that it would be hard, but I'm not bothering. And if you notice, both of my hands are in my avi pic. Maybe dem der glasses messin up da view after all

Do you have anything intelligent to offer to the debate, or not?

If there ever was truly a debate it has long been over. If you want something intelligent, try this http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners

Troll

Awh, wait. now we're dissing sunglasses and mirrors? i like your sunglasses, but i like them because i want a pair. As for vanity posing; add some baby oil and shine up a little. then we can all be happy here.

Jules2Be

Hey PLATES559, How did you get your Vanity Mirror all the way out there?

You as well: Anything intelligent to offer to the debate on whether cardio burns muscle mass, or not?
If you don't have anything intelligent or constructive to say, I suggest you stop posting.

you cant tell us what to do.

Plates559

Hey PLATES559, How did you get your Vanity Mirror all the way out there?

You as well: Anything intelligent to offer to the debate on whether cardio burns muscle mass, or not?
If you don't have anything intelligent or constructive to say, I suggest you stop posting.

No u.

WhoTheHellIsBen

Hey PLATES559, How did you get your Vanity Mirror all the way out there?

You as well: Anything intelligent to offer to the debate on whether cardio burns muscle mass, or not?
If you don't have anything intelligent or constructive to say, I suggest you stop posting.

I was not talking to you so stop ease dropping, man the nerve of some people. But since you're here, what debate? The whole first page was people pointing out that this is common knowledge and you have brought nothing new/interesting/different to the table. If this is the type of thread you are interested in here, let me contribute...ahem...Studies have shown you should stay well hydrated through out theday for a healthier lifestyle, doctors and experts agree to theaverage person consuming at least 8 glasses of water a day. Better?

Plates559

Studies have shown you should stay well hydrated through out the day for a healthier lifestyle, doctors and experts agree to the average person consuming at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Cite your studies, that'll get him!

Determinednoob

Studies have shown you should stay well hydrated through out the day for a healthier lifestyle, doctors and experts agree to the average person consuming at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Cite your studies, that'll get him!

But bro, we don't look at links

WhoTheHellIsBen

Studies have shown you should stay well hydrated through out the day for a healthier lifestyle, doctors and experts agree to the average person consuming at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Cite your studies, that'll get him!

What I've learned by reading this thread is I don't have to do the work for you! lol Google it !

Cristofori44

Hey PLATES559, How did you get your Vanity Mirror all the way out there?

You as well: Anything intelligent to offer to the debate on whether cardio burns muscle mass, or not?
If you don't have anything intelligent or constructive to say, I suggest you stop posting.

I was not talking to you so stop ease dropping, man the nerve of some people. But since you're here, what debate? The whole first page was people pointing out that this is common knowledge and you have brought nothing new/interesting/different to the table. If this is the type of thread you are interested in here, let me contribute...ahem...Studies have shown you should stay well hydrated through out theday for a healthier lifestyle, doctors and experts agree to theaverage person consuming at least 8 glasses of water a day. Better?

Thanks, but just one note: I think you wanted to type that as "eavesdropping." There is no such word as "ease dropping." Just FYI

WhoTheHellIsBen

Hey PLATES559, How did you get your Vanity Mirror all the way out there?

You as well: Anything intelligent to offer to the debate on whether cardio burns muscle mass, or not?
If you don't have anything intelligent or constructive to say, I suggest you stop posting.

I was not talking to you so stop ease dropping, man the nerve of some people. But since you're here, what debate? The whole first page was people pointing out that this is common knowledge and you have brought nothing new/interesting/different to the table. If this is the type of thread you are interested in here, let me contribute...ahem...Studies have shown you should stay well hydrated through out theday for a healthier lifestyle, doctors and experts agree to theaverage person consuming at least 8 glasses of water a day. Better?

Thanks, but just one note: I think you wanted to type that as "eavesdropping." There is no such word as "ease dropping." Just FYI

FYI that was TWO words as indicated by the space in between them, ease, and dropping, both exist in the english language, jus' sayin'

Plates559

Ease Dropping: to drop in/towards something without difficulty

WhoTheHellIsBen

Ease Dropping: to drop in/towards something without difficulty

No but really, how did you get your vanity mirror out there ?:devil:

MoreBean13

My muscles are basically melting off from my running.

ninerbuff

"Cardio does not burn muscle mass, crash diets and bad nutrition burn muscle mass!"
http://scoobysworkshop.com/does-cardio-burn-muscle/

"The reason that cardio has gotten a bad reputation for burning muscle is that most often, people couple drastic diets with cardio in their effort to “cut” after “bulking” – its why I hate the whole bulking and cutting mentality. ) Its the drastic caloric reduction that is responsible for the muscle loss, not the cardio! "

http://fitnessblackandwhite.com/does-cardio-burn-muscle-or-fat/
"As long as you get enough protein … maybe not even as much as you think you need, do some sort of strength training and don’t run 43 miles everyday for two months you really don’t need to worry about cardio burning muscle."

Incidentally, the above study showed a 7 percent decline in leg muscle mass for runners on ultra-long race that was 2,777 miles over two months. As most of us won't be doing that, I don't think we have to worry about loss of muscle mass from a 3-5 mile clip once or twice a week. http://www2.rsna.org/timssnet/media/pressreleases/pr_target.cfm?ID=506

I'm inclined to agree with this to an extent. You could still get enough protein, but if your still highly negative in energy, that energy has to come from somewhere.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Determinednoob

My muscles are basically melting off from my running.

Just keep at it and you will eventually reveal the layer of fat underneath!

Cristofori44

My muscles are basically melting off from my running.

How much are you running and what is your calorie deficit? Just curious.

MoreBean13

My muscles are basically melting off from my running.

How much are you running and what is your calorie deficit? Just curious.

I was kidding- I run a lot but I also strength train and have a high protein diet. I run about a 500 cal deficit. My muscles are A-OK.

joejccva71

Too much high intensity cardio DOES in fact burn muscle mass. How many long distance runners have you seen that are jacked?


ZERO.

gp79

I don't consider long distance running to be "high intensity." With respect to runners in general and muscle mass, have a look at Olympic sprinters against marathon runners. I would argue that sprinters are not burning their LBM while training or performing.

joejccva71

I don't consider long distance running to be "high intensity." With respect to runners in general and muscle mass, have a look at Olympic sprinters against marathon runners. I would argue that sprinters are not burning their LBM while training or performing.

If your HR is above 140, it's high intensity. I don't know many runners that stay below that.

CarsonRuns

Too much high intensity cardio DOES in fact burn muscle mass. How many long distance runners have you seen that are jacked?


ZERO.

That's because it's counterproductive to have it so they don't develop it, not because they are cannibalizing themselves.

bcattoes

My muscles are basically melting off from my running.

Just keep at it and you will eventually reveal the layer of fat underneath!

:laugh: Cute!

Cristofori44

I don't consider long distance running to be "high intensity." With respect to runners in general and muscle mass, have a look at Olympic sprinters against marathon runners. I would argue that sprinters are not burning their LBM while training or performing.

The photos there are really extremes--the marathon runner vs. the sprinter. As another poster pointed out, it's probably the case that the competitive marathon runner doesn't need extra muscles to do his work, not that his running is eating away all his muscles; and that the sprinter needs the extra muscles for explosive movement.

I am more talking about the practical aspect of somebody running 3-5 miles a few times a week and combining that with strength training. I am neither a strength nor cardio junkie; I favor a balanced approach. But there are some people who believe that running a few miles 2-3 times a week will burn off their muscle mass---I really doubt that unless the person is also consuming not enough calories. But prove me wrong if there's enough evidence....

gp79

I don't consider long distance running to be "high intensity." With respect to runners in general and muscle mass, have a look at Olympic sprinters against marathon runners. I would argue that sprinters are not burning their LBM while training or performing.

The photos there are really extremes--the marathon runner vs. the sprinter. As another poster pointed out, it's probably the case that the competitive marathon runner doesn't need extra muscles to do his work, not that his running is eating away all his muscles; and that the sprinter needs the extra muscles for explosive movement.

I am more talking about the practical aspect of somebody running 3-5 miles a few times a week and combining that with strength training. I am neither a strength nor cardio junkie; I favor a balanced approach. But there are some people who believe that running a few miles 2-3 times a week will burn off their muscle mass---I really doubt that unless the person is also consuming not enough calories. But prove me wrong if there's enough evidence....

This post addresses what you're talking about.

http://www.biolayne.com/contest-prep/best-form-of-cardio-for-bodybuilding/

Furthermore I don't think that a run once or twice a week is going to hurt your gains. I ran all while increasing my squat from 225 to 430 lbs. My runs were 7 miles in length at just under a 9 minute mile. Nowhere near high intensity.

Cristofori44

I don't consider long distance running to be "high intensity." With respect to runners in general and muscle mass, have a look at Olympic sprinters against marathon runners. I would argue that sprinters are not burning their LBM while training or performing.

The photos there are really extremes--the marathon runner vs. the sprinter. As another poster pointed out, it's probably the case that the competitive marathon runner doesn't need extra muscles to do his work, not that his running is eating away all his muscles; and that the sprinter needs the extra muscles for explosive movement.

I am more talking about the practical aspect of somebody running 3-5 miles a few times a week and combining that with strength training. I am neither a strength nor cardio junkie; I favor a balanced approach. But there are some people who believe that running a few miles 2-3 times a week will burn off their muscle mass---I really doubt that unless the person is also consuming not enough calories. But prove me wrong if there's enough evidence....

This post addresses what you're talking about.

http://www.biolayne.com/contest-prep/best-form-of-cardio-for-bodybuilding/

Furthermore I don't think that a run once or twice a week is going to hurt your gains. I ran all while increasing my squat from 225 to 430 lbs. My runs were 7 miles in length at just under a 9 minute mile. Nowhere near high intensity.

/\ Thanks for this. Appreciated.