cardio vs. no cardio...

[tumtum]

here's my question..

if i'm cutting.. and slowly losing 1-1.5 lbs a week w/o cardio... should i throw in cardio? 1-2 lbs a week is what i'm shooting for... but are there any benefits in burning it off with cardio vs. simply calorie deficiency?

 

[Steveoph]

Yes; do interval training (HIT) and this will help maximize fat loss. Calorie restrictions is going to lose you muscle. I also like fasted cardio with a healthy supply of BCAAs.

 

[tumtum]

well i'm taking in about 250 grams of protein a day.. so up that.. along with everything else and get in some sessions of cardio?

this is my first cut so i'm completely new to it

 

[russy_russ]

Shifts in oxidative capacity (elevated metabolism through several mechanisms), cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory efficiency / health, coupling both for best results.

 

[Rosie Chee]

here's my question..

if i'm cutting.. and slowly losing 1-1.5 lbs a week w/o cardio... should i throw in cardio? 1-2 lbs a week is what i'm shooting for... but are there any benefits in burning it off with cardio vs. simply calorie deficiency?

Losing 1-1.5lb a week is about right; you don't want to lose any more than that (unless you were really fat) because otherwise it's less likely to stay off and chances are that you would be losing more muscle than fat.

I personally think it is better to NOT restrict calories (or not be excessive in restricting them - i.e. only ~200 less than maintenance on low calorie cycling days) and ADD in cardio, than to just restrict your calories for fat loss.

As Steve said, using only a calorie deficiency will cause muscle loss if you're not doing any resistance training. His recommendation of HIIT cardio (read Invalid Link Removed) is good; do this three times a week and just eat a little more.


~Rosie
Team APPNUT