A large number of bodybuilders are confused regarding the role of aerobic activity, with some feeling that such effort is helpful in controlling body fat levels, while others embracing the concept that cardiovascular activity will in effect either risk muscle mass, or prevent further muscle building. The latter group's concern has forced many weight lifters to abandon aerobic activity during muscle building periods, and even prohibit cardiovascular activity when fat reduction is the main focus, but for many, the question remains as to whether the aerobic activity concern is well founded, or if this notion is rather a part of weight lifting mythology.
Most weight lifters realize the positive impact of aerobic activity in burning fat, but the worry begins when considering the impact on muscle mass, and this idea has compelled certain weight lifters to substitute their moderately intense aerobic workouts with power walking, feeling that this behavior is properly intense for fat burn, but below the threshold for muscle loss. I occasionally try to determine where exactly these ideas originate, and a group of bodybuilders may have potentially felt so motivated by the concept of putting forth less effort (which is the case when comparing walking to jogging), that they began promoting this rather illogical concept, or, alternatively, a group of marketers may have decided to design a particular physical fitness plan filled with propaganda, namely an easy to follow routine that will encourage readers to purchase due to the magnificent effortless promises. Of course, such routines have constantly proven themselves to be abysmal failures, offering horrid results. Yet, what weight lifter does not relish in the thought of reducing effort and achieving improved progress? Taking this idea one step further, do you know of any bodybuilder who would reject an excuse to abandon aerobic activity completely if he or she were convinced that doing so was helpful to muscle gains?
Yes, evil aerobics sounds like a very attractive proposition to a weight lifter who is searching for less effort, and marketing is an industry where the senses are attacked to the point of emotional investment, but the virtues taught decades ago are never replaced by clever marketing slogans, despite the effort of many physical fitness entrepreneurs to do so. The truth is, making aerobics seem wasteful is an excellent method at convincing a weight lifter to invest in a particular fat loss and muscle building program, because every one of us feels a sense of attraction towards the idea of more couch time producing superior progress, but this particular gimmick does not translate into results. Wherever the concept originated, marketers have capitalized on the "cardio burns muscle mass" notion to market their own products, despite the fact that aerobic activity is not only effective in eliminating body fat when performed consistently and correctly, but does not harm muscle gain.
All weight lifters realize that a physique will deteriorate in overall impressiveness as body fat levels begin to climb, and conversely, will improve extraordinarily as body fat declines. Therefore, any legitimate body fat control technique should be integrated consistently in order for the most dramatic weight lifting results, and if aerobic activity is in fact an effective fat control mechanism, then it behooves all who are searching for the best possible bodybuilding progress to integrate aerobic activity into their daily workout strategy.
The only exception to this rule is if a bodybuilder is primarily searching for muscle gain, and due to time constraints or an emotional inability to accept sufficient workout time, he or she feels simply unable to maintain maximum intensity during weight training workouts when aerobic activity is an additional burden; in such a scenario, aerobic activity can be reserved for fat loss weeks only, when weight training workout volume declines. But for those who have the time to perform consistent aerobic activity, implementing aerobics throughout the week is effective, even during muscle building periods, as the less fat that is accumulated during muscle gain, the more focus can be maintained on achieving muscle growth, and the more definition a bodybuilder will display throughout the year.
So, despite the skeptics and marketing experts who may claim differing theories, aerobic activity is helpful in controlling body fat percentage, will not harm muscle mass when following an effective diet plan and weight training system, and will enhance metabolism so that body fat levels can remain reasonable at all times. If you are seeking maximum bodybuilding results, then consider aerobic activity to be your trusty fat reducing companion.
Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW, a diet and weight training program teaching the exact techniques for muscle gain without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish, where you will find his natural weight loss diet program.
