Aerobic + Weights

[DmanD]

I need some advice here guys. Im 17, Im a lean guy 5'8 and 142 lbs i dont remember my body fat % but it has been really low forever. Im currently lifting weights and trying to gain around 10-20 lbs but I'm also parcticing for long distance track which means that I run around 4-5 miles 5 days a week and the other 2 days I jump rope. I read that alot of cardio burns muscle too.

So is it possible to gain muscle mass with so much cardio and still not lose my speed?

 

[Throttle]

if you're practicing for distance running, stick with that. you won't be able to add much mass -- lift once or twice a week if you like, and yank the jump rope unless it's part of your training. you'll probably do better lifting in the offseason and running a bit less then.

 

[EFFORT]

yeah listen to throttle no point in trying to add muscle with all the running you do

 

[DmanD]

Thanks for the reply
but what if I still lift... (I have for the past 6 weeks and I see results) would I still gain mass just slower??
Cause i dont want to waste my time, but I can compromise I dont have to gain 5 pounds in a month, 2-3 would be fine too.

 

[Throttle]

if it's working for you, go for it. make sure the weights keep moving up (ignore how much weight you gain, this is unreliable), and make sure you're timing yourself when you run. if either one starts to move backwards, you probably either need to eat and/or rest more.

BTW--contrary to your initial impression, cardio doesn't "burn muscle" at least not with the results you fear. a great explanation (and terrible background graphic):

http://www.oaktrees.org/fitness/burnMuscle2.html

let's face it, if you want to run long distances competitively you're going to be relatively skinny. lifting isn't a waste of time--esp. if you're seeing results--but you're talking about working at the margins.