Does anyone run

[Steph_Ard]

I just read in a article that fitness models don't run. I know you will think I am crazy but I just learned how to run and I am up two 4 miles and I love it I never thought I would be able to do it now I read that it is not good for me. What should I do?

[dvsness]

I do not perform high intensity cardio, no. But if you eat enough carbs to support that kind of cardio, go for it.

[urstrulyhb]

i do run but my goal is to bring my legs way down.. so if burning muscle is what you want then do it... ive heard (i dont know if this is true btw) that up hill sprints are a great way to maintain muscle and burn fat

[jewelofnile]

Uphill sprints and regular sprints are the only running that I do. I ran long-distance for 6 years but since I've been concentrating on figure I don't run more than about a mile at a time anymore. Good luck!

[moliva1015]

I struggle with this question, myself. You see, prior to deciding to compete, I spent 6 months training to run a marathon. So, I have to admit I kinda fell into a love-hate relationship with running. I haven't really recieved any sound advice as to how detrimental it is to my muscle growth, but have been given the impression that it'll do more harm than good (especially with my high metabolism). So, I keep running to a VERY minimum. And if I do head out for a few miles, I make sure to pack in as many complex carbs as I can!!

[singer1961]

I know this isn't very scientific, but just take a look at the sprinters at the Olympics. They look very muscular and lean.

If you look at the distance runners, they are very lean and have little muscle mass, but the sprinters are totally different.

I've started running. For now my goal is more fat loss than muscle building. I gain muscle pretty easily it seems and fat loss is quite a struggle. But I've read that high intensity interval training (HIIT) is good for body builders. I don't know why the fitness models would be against it.

So, I'm planning on continuing my HIIT running. I like to run fast, so it works with my personality, too. I started out with the Body for Life aerobic plan and used it on all my cardio, whether it was elliptical, running or treadmill. Bikes would work, too. The only change I've made was to increase the higher intensity intervals to 2 minutes because I want to train for a masters track meet in the spring and run the 200 and 400 meter races.

I haven't been doing it for very long, but I have only noticed postive results so far. My upper body is continuing to strengthen and look more defined from the weight lifting, and my fat loss is getting easier.

I hope my un-scientific opinion helps.

[labradarep]

Are you looking to compete in Fitness/Figure events?

I am not a big fan of running for many reasons. The main reason is the amount of oxidative stress it places on your body. (ie: produces too many free radicals = disease) & it is very ineffecient( you can burn just as many calories & increase aerobic capacity using Anaerobic training principles. (MET training or HIIT )

[marcus1979]

The body will burn muscle when jogging or other high cardio activities. I limit my cardio to brisk walks first thing in the morning, which will use the remaining stores of glycogin and better assist with fat burning. Also, jogging puts additional stress on the joints, which I prefer to keep off of my knees.

[firecracker3]

I run every morning --- from 45-60 mins a day....mind you this is for fitness modelling -- not figure...it's the only way I get my competitive soccer legs down ...... this off season tho i am thinking of making some muscular improvements to my upper body and will stop running and depend on my clean as ever diet to keep me close to shoot ready

HTH