Cardio seems to make me loose muscle mass

[shaun1988]

Why is it every time I do some cardio do I seem to loose muscle mass on my shoulders and traps. It puts me off doing cardio all of the time! Anyone got any suggestions???

 

[Sean1332]

I would rather just do hill sprints or push a prowler. Do you have your calories dialed in correctly?

 

[bdcc]

A few possibilities;

- You are losing weight too fast and sacrificing muscle tissue at an unnecessary rate
- You are performing too much cardio for your caloric intake
- You are performing a method of cardio training with is more likely to impact lean body mass
- Your diet is not supportive for the increase in extra training volume
- Your protein intake is too low
- You aren't actually losing muscle and it is all a trick of your mind when you look in the mirror

 

[KrisL]

I swear I've seen 300 studies proving that steady-state cardio makes you smaller and weaker. For everyone except Alex Viada, aparently.
https://www.atlargenutrition.com/blog/2012/11/hybrid-athlete-alex-viada-so-you-want-to-run-and-be-strong/

 

[Gutterpump]

Do barbell compounds for cardio, or sprints. Use BCAAs.

That's actually strange what's happening to you though. Muscle mass is typically lost from extremities before anywhere else. If you're running a low carb diet, perhaps you're just 'flat' from glycogen depletion.

 

[NattyForLife]

A few possibilities; - You are losing weight too fast and sacrificing muscle tissue at an unnecessary rate - You are performing too much cardio for your caloric intake - You are performing a method of cardio training with is more likely to impact lean body mass - Your diet is not supportive for the increase in extra training volume - Your protein intake is too low - You aren't actually losing muscle and it is all a trick of your mind when you look in the mirror

That last one is very true! Placebo effect!

 

[Gutterpump]

I would never try to size myself up post cardio. Always compare / take pics post workout

 

[JudoJosh]

I would rather just do hill sprints or push a prowler. Do you have your calories dialed in correctly?

Do barbell compounds for cardio, or sprints. Use BCAAs.

Great alternative suggestion for you right here.

Anaerobic cardio > aerobic cardio

 

[wasme]

Use HIIT training. Also, keep cals clean and up. If you are cutting cals and doing a fair bit of cardio - your body will use muscle for energy.