Endurance Cardio and Muscle Development

by Tim Vonderwall
(Adelaide, South Australia)

Question:
How does endurance cardio impact muscle development?
I have been doing weights for a while now, and I am satisfied with my results, although I know I can still develop muscle further. Like most of people asking questions here, I want to be the best I can be as far as muscle development goes. I also ride enduro style dirt bikes recreationaly.

Before I got into bodybuilding, I used to race enduro dirt bikes, but as my focus has been on bodybuilding the last couple of years, I haven't competed since, rather focused on lifting. I basically would ride these days for up to 3 hours total at a moderate pace where my heart rate would elevate to a moderate level once or twice a month, (sometimes heart rate is higher).

This feels like a stupid question, but its been at the back of my mind for quite a while. It is my understanding that excess, (endurance) cardio will probably inhibit muscle growth to a degree.

To what degree do people think endurance dirt bike and other endurance sports impact muscle growth? Or is it just a case of surplus calories and adequate macronutrients plus eating at the right times to compensate for energy expenditure?

Question:
Thanks for that question!

You nailed it by saying..."Or is it just a case of surplus calories and adequate macronutrients plus eating at the right times to compensate for energy expenditure?"

Many people can build muscle and continue on with high endurance activities... you see it all the time in athletes like football players, etc..

Cardio training, or any form of endurance sports is great for your heart. The problem some people face with high endurance activities, is that they don't properly feed the body, or as an opposite extreme, they eat too much of the wrong foods that have no nutritional value.

You can build a stronger healthier body by increasing your activity level along side your weight lifting routines. Replenish the body with healthy foods, and consume enough calories to support the physical demand of the activities you choose.

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