How Much Cardio When Cutting Bodybuilding

When it comes to bodybuilding, cutting is an important phase. This is the time when you reduce body fat to achieve a lean and toned physique. While diet is crucial in this phase, cardio also plays a vital role. But how much cardio should you do when cutting bodybuilding? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question in detail, along with some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your cardio routine.

Table of Contents

1. How Much Cardio Should You Do?
2. The Right Type of Cardio
3. When to Do Cardio
4. How to Make Cardio More Effective
5. Tips for Cardio
6. Pros and Cons of Cardio
7. Cardio FAQ

How Much Cardio Should You Do?

The amount of cardio you should do when cutting bodybuilding depends on various factors, such as your body fat percentage, fitness level, and goals. Generally, you should aim for 30-60 minutes of cardio per day, five to six days a week. However, if you’re a beginner, you may want to start with 20-30 minutes and gradually increase the duration and frequency.

It’s important to note that cardio alone won’t help you achieve your cutting goals. You also need to follow a proper diet and weight training routine. A combination of cardio, weight training, and a healthy diet is the key to success.

Factors to Consider

Here are some factors to consider when determining how much cardio you should do:

• Your body fat percentage
• Your fitness level
• Your goals (e.g. lose weight, gain muscle, maintain weight)
• Your schedule
• Your preferences (e.g. running, cycling, swimming, HIIT)

The Right Type of Cardio

When cutting bodybuilding, it’s important to choose the right type of cardio. Here are some options:

• Steady-state cardio: This involves exercising at a moderate intensity for a prolonged period (e.g. running, cycling, swimming).
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT): This involves alternating between high-intensity exercise and recovery periods (e.g. sprinting, jumping jacks, burpees).
• Low-intensity steady-state (LISS) cardio: This involves exercising at a low to moderate intensity for a prolonged period (e.g. walking, hiking, cycling).

Each type of cardio has its pros and cons. For example, steady-state cardio is great for burning calories and improving endurance, while HIIT is more effective for burning fat and improving cardiovascular health. LISS cardio, on the other hand, is a low-impact option that’s easy on the joints.

When to Do Cardio

The best time to do cardio when cutting bodybuilding is in the morning on an empty stomach. This is known as fasted cardio and is believed to be more effective for burning fat. However, if you can’t do cardio in the morning, you can do it at any other time of the day that suits your schedule.

It’s important to note that you should avoid doing cardio immediately after weight training. This is because weight training depletes your glycogen stores, and doing cardio right after can lead to muscle loss.

How to Make Cardio More Effective

To make cardio more effective when cutting bodybuilding, you can try the following tips:

• Increase intensity: Gradually increase the intensity of your cardio routine to challenge your body and burn more calories.
• Try new exercises: Mix up your cardio routine with different exercises to prevent boredom and target different muscle groups.
• Use weights: Incorporate weights into your cardio routine to increase resistance and build muscle.
• Add intervals: Incorporate intervals into your steady-state cardio routine to increase the intensity and burn more calories.

Tips for Cardio

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your cardio routine:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your cardio session.
• Wear comfortable clothes: Wear clothes that are comfortable and allow you to move freely.
• Warm up: Always warm up before starting your cardio routine to prevent injury.
• Cool down: Cool down after your cardio routine to bring your heart rate back to normal.
• Listen to your body: If you feel pain or discomfort during your cardio routine, stop immediately.

Pros and Cons of Cardio

Pros

• Helps burn calories and fat
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Increases endurance and stamina
• Can be done anywhere

Cons

• Can lead to muscle loss if done excessively
• Can be time-consuming
• Can be boring and repetitive
• Can be hard on the joints
• May not be suitable for people with certain health conditions

Cardio FAQ

Q: How often should I do cardio when cutting bodybuilding?

A: Aim for 30-60 minutes of cardio per day, five to six days a week.

Q: How long should a cardio session be when cutting bodybuilding?

A: A cardio session should be at least 20-30 minutes, but you can gradually increase the duration and frequency as you progress.

Q: What is the best type of cardio for cutting bodybuilding?

A: The best type of cardio depends on your goals and preferences. Steady-state cardio, HIIT, and LISS cardio are all effective options.

Q: Can I do cardio immediately after weight training when cutting bodybuilding?

A: No, you should avoid doing cardio immediately after weight training to prevent muscle loss.

Q: Can cardio help me achieve a lean and toned physique when cutting bodybuilding?

A: Yes, cardio is an important component of cutting bodybuilding and can help you achieve a lean and toned physique when combined with a proper diet and weight training routine.