Training
7. Cardio. After all the illicit drugs, it would seem a step backwards to consider cardio, but in fact, few of the drugs mentioned will provide much benefit without being used in the proper environment. Cardio is the bane of most bodybuilders, as they commonly do not care for the activities, nor expend the time needed for benefit. There are multiple opinions regarding when and how to do cardio: Low-intensity versus high, one session versus multiple, daily versus rarely, etc. There really is little practical difference between the various programs, none if the cardio is not done at all.
The effect of cardio, for fat loss, is to increase the activity-related calorie burning experienced by the bodybuilder.42 Resting metabolic rate is thought to rise with high-intensity exercise, though this remains to be proven for long-term conditioning.43,44 Considering that a greater muscle mass elevates the resting metabolic rate, as do stimulants (ephedrine/caffeine, green tea) that argument is marginal. Bodybuilders need to find an activity that will be maintained regularly, preferably every other day. The percentage of fat burned is higher for low-intensity exercise and best in the morning, before eating, with plenty of water and the use of caffeine.45 However, if that is not a possibility, other forms still provide a benefit. Cardio can add to the caloric deficit, but it must be approached with care to avoid injury or muscle catabolism.