Why Cardio is Important for Building Bulk

Getting in Shape

If you’re just getting started with bodybuilding and weightlifting and your ultimate goal is to bulk up, you have to start by getting your body in shape. Cardio helps you get ready to increase the amount you lift, prepares your muscles for a real workout and kick starts your metabolism so you can see results faster. In order to lift those heavy weights and achieve the bulk building you want, your body has to be ready for the workout.

Burning Fat

The idea of bulking up means that bodybuilders tend to carbo load or ingest more calories in order to have more energy and turn into more muscle. However, without integrating a cardio workout in with the lifting, those extra calories can turn into fat. Bulking up should be a matter of increased muscle not just increased weight. It does no good to put on pounds if they are nothing but fat.

Heart Health

Your circulation and heart health are important when you’re lifting heavier weights and doing more repetitions. The more your body works the more your heart needs to be strong and healthy. Never slack on cardio no matter what your final fitness goal may be.

Stamina

Being able to lift heavier weight is one thing but to be able to lift them over and over again often enough to build up your muscles is another. Cardio helps you learn to breathe through the effort and keep lifting long after someone who only lifts will be able to.

No matter whether your fitness goal is to lose weight and tone muscles or bulk up and get ripped, cardio is a major part of any workout routine. No less than 3 times a week you should dedicate at least an hour to pure cardio workouts. Walking, jogging, swimming, aerobics, or the elliptical machine will help you reach your bulk goals faster and with less pain than if you avoid cardio completely.