Impact of cardio during caloric surplus (Bulking phase)
In two weeks: 5 sessions of intense cardio (sprinting) of 15 minutes
each; 9 sessions of moderate to heavy lifting of 45 minutes to 1 hour
each.
This is my planned schedule, all of it during a caloric surplus. Also, note that the cardio sessions are planned for my off days from lifting.
I've been working out for 3 months, in a bulking phase (no cardio), went from 123 lbs to 143 lbs (5'9 height). Noticing a bit of fat collecting on my belly area, the rest of the body looks fine. My questions are:
Would this plan be an optimal solution for increasing muscle mass while keeping fat gains to a minimum and reaping the other benefits of
cardio (I would not be eating at a deficit)?
Will this amount of cardio affect my muscle gains?
Should my pre and post workout meal remain same for the cardio sessions or what would be an ideal recommendation?
Is cardio, during a caloric surplus, worth it?
Also, my conditioning with respect to cardio is negligible. I do a desk job and don't have any other sports activity during the entire week.
My question is a direct reference to this youtuber I follow.
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Would this plan be an optimal solution for increasing muscle mass while keeping fat gains to a minimum and reaping the other benefits of cardio (I would not be eating at a deficit)?
Only you can answer that question. Depends on how heavy you are lifting :). Lift heavy and do lots of it (high volume) and you'll build.
Will this amount of cardio affect my muscle gains?
If you'll still be on caloric surplus, then absolutely not. Cardio will only make you feel more energetic and alive.
Should my pre and post workout meal remain same for the cardio sessions or what would be an ideal recommendation?
You're just prematurely micro-optimizing at this point, my man. Eat at TDEE on cardio days, eat slightly more than TDEE on lifting days, moving most of your food post workout.
Is cardio, during a caloric surplus, worth it?
Cardio is always worth it, despite all the bro-science memes against it. Just don't overdo it.
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