Rich Piana : “Cardio Helps Build Muscle”

Written by James C., M.S.(C), PT

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In the world of bodybuilding, there has long been a debate over whether or not cardio burns muscle.

For many years, it was believed that cardio could have a negative impact on muscle building and that the lazier bodybuilders were, the better. However, some experts in the field of bodybuilding disagree with this myth, including the late Rich Piana.

Rich Piana was one of the biggest influencers in bodybuilding he was known for his honesty and no-bullshit approach.

Rich Piana was known for thinking outside of the box and doing whatever it takes to reach his goals.

Before Rich passed away he had established himself as one of the beloved influencers in bodybuilding even though he wasn’t a competitive bodybuilder.

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In a video he posted on the topic, Rich Piana explained that doing cardio can actually help you build muscle, but only if you make up for the calories you burned during your cardio session by eating more.

Piana explained that cardio turns your body into a machine, allowing it to absorb food and process protein faster.

According to Piana, having a fast metabolism and eating enough calories to make up the difference is the fastest way to put on the most muscle mass.

While many experts disagree with Piana’s approach, there is some evidence to suggest that there may be some truth to his claims.

In fact, George Farah, who used to train Kai Greene, has also talked about the fact that he makes his skinny clients do cardio for more muscle gain.

Farah believes that the body absorbs food faster and is able to grow more during cardio.

However, it’s important to note that not everyone in the bodybuilding world agrees with this approach.

Some experts argue that cardio can have a negative impact on muscle building, as it can lead to a decrease in testosterone and an increase in cortisol, both of which can hinder muscle growth.

So, what is the truth about cardio and muscle building?

The answer is likely somewhere in the middle. While cardio can help you build muscle if you make up for the calories you burned by eating more, it’s also important to be aware of the potential drawbacks.

If you’re someone who is looking to build muscle, it’s important to find a balance between cardio and strength training.

Incorporating cardio into your routine can help you train harder in the gym by improving your cardiovascular system, but it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re doing and how it may impact your muscle-building goals.

In addition to its potential benefits for muscle building, cardio also has a number of health benefits.

Regular cardio exercise can help improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

So, even if you’re not a bodybuilder, incorporating cardio into your routine can be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being.

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In conclusion, while the debate over cardio and muscle building may never be fully settled, there is evidence to suggest that incorporating cardio into your routine can help you build muscle, as long as you make up for the calories you burned by eating more.

However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential drawbacks and find a balance between cardio and strength training to achieve your muscle-building goals.

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Regardless of your goals, incorporating regular cardio exercise into your routine can have a number of health benefits, so it’s definitely worth considering.

Rich Piana : “Cardio Helps Build Muscle” (video)

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