I am a firm believer that you need some type of cardio in your system.
I don’t care if it is running, tennis, basketball or skiing; just as long as it can improve your cardiovascular system, it is important to add it your routine.
Many bodybuilders don’t do any type of cardio and I think they are insane.
They always say the same response “my workout is my cardio’ but of course we all know that is nonsense, they just stick a needle in their backside.
It’s strange, but I have gotten pretty damn strong while doing cardio and powerlifting at the same time. You would think it would be a major hinderance, but for me, it’s quite the opposite.
For example, this bulk up season I basically did two 10-minute elliptical sessions a week, that’s it. And I always did them immediately after squats and deads, just to loosen up my legs.
From that small amount of cardio, not only did I stay injury free, but I squatted and deadlifted heavier than last year. But more importantly, I lifted heavier at a lighter bodyweight.
I just started slowly getting back into cardio and I am in complete shock by how fast I am already. Those 2 sessions a week of light cardio preserved a lot of my endurance from last season.
Just this Saturday I almost ran 2 miles in 14 minutes. That is a time that took me months to accomplish last year. Usually my spring goal is 3-miles in 21 minutes, and I should reach that really early If I keep at it.
Going forward, next year I might keep the same routine and maybe throw in a 3rd day of light cardio. Only change is that I am not running during my bulk up, only doing bike, stairs or elliptical.
For some reason running hurts my knees too much and kills my squats, but If I want to get really ripped, I need to add some running to my routine. And for that, I only run in the Spring, Summer and very early Fall.
Good luck!
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