Cardio...While lifting for mass and strength?

[AVkiddo]

I love to run on the days thats I'm not lifting. i heard that it's bad to do that, because.. well I'm not really sure why but does anyone know what I'm talking about? and i usually drink a protein shake an hour before i go to run is that good to do?

[NoseGuard]

No its not bad at all to run on days your not lifting. And the protein shake is fine the only issue i can see with that is that you might feel somewhat full after drinking it but since your drinking an hour before you shouldnt be having that problem.

[Gill]

The only reasons I can think of that somebody might have told you it was bad to do cardio while training for mass are:

1) You burn calories. Any calories you burn while doing cardio are calories subtracted from your surplus (hypercaloric dieting).

2) Cardio if done improperly, induces catabolism which burns muscle. As long as you are eating something before, after or both then you'll be fine.

Personally, I'd continue to do your cardio. Doing so ensures you pick up as little fat as possible while building up your LBM.

[khrolix]

How long are you running? And is it at a high intensity?

[AVkiddo]

Well i usually run for like 30 min.. so about 4 miles 2-3 times a week. its pretty high intensty, atleast for me.. about 8.5mph whole time ^^

and yeah i drink the protein shake an hour to an hour and a half before i run

[khrolix]

You should be fine, you'd want to be careful when you start running more than an hour straight or so at high intensity. that's just my opinion.

[ChrisR19]

Originally Posted by AVkiddo

Well i usually run for like 30 min.. so about 4 miles 2-3 times a week. its pretty high intensty, atleast for me.. about 8.5mph whole time ^^

and yeah i drink the protein shake an hour to an hour and a half before i run

4 miles 2-3 times a week?? Why?? Are you running for cardio or to keep body fat down?? Either or, HIIT cardio is a great idea. check into it.

[surferph34]

No harm with a little running or walking. Is good for cardiovascular health among other things.

Surfer

[mike cp]

I feel that a form of cardio (in this case, running) is essential to any exercise routine, regardless of one's goal. I'm not sure of a few specifics, but for me, running keeps me feeling live and better in weightroom. I don't do long distance runs by any means. My everday cardio routine consists of two miles, one of which I spring the straights and jog the curves of my track.

However, my opinion does differ considering drinking a pre-run protein shake. In my personal experience, drinking a protein shake before running has actually impeded my ability to finish cardio with full strides. Myself, I drink only and simply water before, during, and after cardio. I only drink protein before and after I actually lift.