Whats the proper compromise between strength and endurance?

[Ricky]

First I was a track athlete, and did little lifting.

Then: Started lifting

After lifting for 10 years but ignoring cardio for many of those years, I have decided to do both now.

What would the best compromise between lifting and doing cardio be?

I want to be very strong and built but I also don't want to suck wind when I play sports, or even run a 5-K with a couple of the hot girls I know that run.

So how have you achieved the best compromise?

 

[Ixnys]

Well when you want to gain muscle, you have to feed your body a little more calories than your Daily Caloric Requirement. These extra calories (CARBOHYDRATES) go to the generation of new muscle. Protein just aids in the rebuilding and healing process. When you do cardio, you burn off calories.

So I would do cardio on the off days when you are not working out--at least 20 minutes. Just make sure you eat enough food to make up for the loss of calories. Cardio is healty for your body.

 

[Ricky]

I have long been skeptical of the whole burning up muscle deal. I guess I became more skeptical after "bulking" and obtaining this small but unpleasant beer belly.

If I can't burn off this small beer belly after hours of working out, I'm not too concerned about losing muscle either!

My hopes are that I have high cardiovascular fitness and high strength, not unlike a decathlon athlete would have to have.

I've seen way to many "bodybuilders" that huff and puff up the stairs!

 

[Jimbo2k]

Originally posted by Ricky
If I can't burn off this small beer belly after hours of working out, I'm not too concerned about losing muscle either!

"Hours of working out" or hours of cardio? Cardio is better at burning calories than lifting weights.

 

[DJBen]

yeah, that huffing and puffing is evident when they're at like... 2-3% bodyfat. You feel like absolute hell when you're that low.

Could be water retention.

You can be 210lbs and still have a way better than average cardio system - just eat a bit more to compensate what the cardio burns