Bodybuilding cardio is used to reduce body fat before competition by depleting carbohydrate energy stores and tapping into fat stores for energy. It can be combined with weight training and a low-carb diet to optimize fat loss. Short bursts of intense cardiovascular activity, called intervals, are linked to better results. Cardio routines differ based on body fat percentage and lean muscle mass. Multiple cardio sessions on the same day could be detrimental, but two bodybuilding cardio sessions can be beneficial when combined with one weight lifting routine per day or vice versa.
Bodybuilding cardio is an exercise method that is generally used to reduce body fat before competition. Weight training can increase muscle size, but if a layer of fat hides your muscles, they may not be visible to the naked eye. Cardiovascular exercise works to deplete carbohydrate energy stores and tap into fat stores for energy. When fat is used for energy, fat and weight loss can occur.
There are several stages of bodybuilding, but two of the most important are bulking up and losing weight. During the bulking phase, supplements and weight lifting can be combined to increase muscle mass. The idea is to enlarge the muscles with daily routines. When preparing for a bodybuilding competition, the bulking phase is often followed by a slimming phase where extra fat is removed.
When competitors want to get rid of body fat, they often use bodybuilding cardio. This usually involves raising your heart rate slowly, with a two to three minute warm up followed by 20 to 45 minutes of cardio. Warm-ups are important because they help prevent muscle tears and injuries during periods of higher intensity.
Recent studies have linked short bursts of intense cardiovascular activity with better results. These short bursts are called intervals. Interval cardio for bodybuilding typically consists of 10-minute bursts of cardio, followed by two to three minutes of recovery. Experts suggest that shorter, higher-intensity sessions can increase the number of calories burned compared to traditional cardio training.
Bodybuilding cardio routines tend to differ based on body fat percentage and lean muscle mass. A bodybuilder with a higher percentage of body fat may need to do cardio twice a day for a few weeks before a competition. An athlete with lower body fat measurements may need only one workout per day.
Cardiovascular routines for bodybuilding can be combined with a low-carb diet to optimize fat loss. Low-carb diets are believed to increase fat loss by eliminating carbohydrates as your primary fuel source. When carbohydrate stores are depleted, fat is used as the main source of calories. Burn more fat, therefore, reduce body fat.
During the last few weeks before a competition, bodybuilders may divide weightlifting routines into morning and evening workouts. The body needs time to recover from the lift, so multiple cardio sessions on the same day could be detrimental. Two bodybuilding cardio sessions can be beneficial when combined with one weight lifting routine per day or vice versa.
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