If I'm trying to gain muscle mass should I do cardio on days that I don't lift weights?

Question

I'm 6'1" and 145 lbs. I'm trying to gain about 40 lbs. Any other tips would help too. Thanks.

Answer 1

If you're in a hardcore gaining phase then you'll want to reduce the cardio.  Some bodybuilders even cut cardio out entirely.  It's up to you if you want to do cardio on off days, some people can get away with that and still gain but most of us need to do it in phases in order to maximize gains.  You can incorporate cardio when you're ready to cut down.

Muscle gains are made through the diet.  In order to gain muscle you need to increase the caloric intake of all macronutrients, not just protein.  A good starting point would be 50% mostly complex carbs, 30% lean proteins and 20% good fats over 5-6 meals per day.  If you aren't gaining, increase caloric intake by 10% each week until you start making gains.

Answer 2

Absolutly not. To gain mass you need to stimulate the muscles with

progressive resistance exercise (weight lifting) and then recover. If you

do cardio on your off days it will imped your recovery. Make sure you

are eating 5-6 small to medium sized meals daily consisting of 40%

protein, 40% carbs, and 20% fat and get 8 hours of sleep each night.

You can expect to gain about 1-1.5 pounds of muscle a week for the

first 8-10 weeks. For more info e-mail [e-mail] or check out my videos on

You Tube under ALPHA OMEGA TRAINING VIDEO. Good luck!