Many bodybuilders are confused regarding the role of aerobic exercise, with some believing that such effort is helpful in controlling body fat, while others embracing the idea that cardiovascular exercise can burn away muscle mass, or limit further muscle building. The latter group's fear has forced many weight lifters to avoid aerobic exercise during muscle building periods, and even prohibit cardiovascular exercise when fat reduction is the primary focus, but for many, the question remains as to whether the aerobic exercise concern is well founded, or if this notion is instead a part of weight lifting mythology.

Most weight lifters understand the positive impact of aerobic activity in fat loss, but the worry mounts when considering the effect on muscle mass, and this idea has compelled certain weight lifters to replace moderately intense aerobic sessions with power walking, believing that this type of activity is sufficiently intense to burn fat, but beneath the output necessary for muscle loss. I sometimes try to determine exactly where these notions originate, and a collection of bodybuilders may have potentially felt so attracted to the idea of putting forth less effort (which occurs when comparing power walking to jogging), that they began promoting this rather illogical concept, or, alternatively, a collection of marketers may have decided to design a particular physical fitness plan filled with attractive information, namely an easy to use routine that will convince readers to sign up due to incredibly effortless promises. Of course, such ideas have constantly proven themselves to be miserable failures, offering terrible results. Yet, what weight lifter does not enjoy the thought of reducing effort and achieving improved progress? Furthermore, do you know of any bodybuilder who would reject an excuse to eliminate aerobic exercise completely if he or she were convinced that doing so was beneficial to muscle gains?

Yes, evil aerobics sounds very attractive to a weight lifter who is seeking less effort, and advertising is an industry where the senses are attacked to the point of emotional purchase, but the wisdom taught decades ago are never replaced by clever advertising slogans, despite the effort of many physical fitness entrepreneurs. Making aerobics seem counterproductive is an excellent method at encouraging a weight lifter to purchase a specific muscle building and fat loss program, because every one of us feels a sense of curiosity towards the idea of more sleep time producing enhanced progress, but this particular gimmick does not translate into results. Wherever the idea originated, advertisers have capitalized on the "cardio burns muscle" notion to promote their own products, despite the fact that aerobic exercise is not only potent in reducing body fat when executed correctly and consistently, but does not harm muscle gain.

All weight lifters understand that a physique will deteriorate in overall aesthetic beauty as body fat levels begin to climb, and conversely, will improve significantly as body fat declines. Therefore, any body fat reduction concept should be integrated at all times in order for the best possible weight lifting results, and if aerobic exercise is in fact a potent fat control mechanism, then it behooves all who pursue the best possible bodybuilding results to integrate aerobic exercise into their daily workout strategy.

The only exception to this rule is if a bodybuilder is primarily searching for muscle gain, and due to time constraints or an emotional inability to accept additional workout time, he or she feels simply unable to sustain maximum intensity during weight lifting workouts when aerobic exercise is an additional burden; in such a situation, aerobic activity can be reserved for fat loss periods only, when weight lifting workout volume decreases. But for those who have the wherewithal to perform consistent aerobic exercise, integrating aerobics several days per week is effective, even during muscle building phases, as the less body fat that is produced during muscle gain, the more focus can be sustained on achieving new muscle growth, and the more definition a bodybuilder will experience throughout the year.

Therefore, despite the skeptics and advertising mavins who may claim differing theories, aerobic exercise is beneficial in burning fat, will not harm muscle when following a potent diet plan and weight training routine, and will enhance metabolic rate so that body fat levels can remain acceptable throughout the year. If you are pursuing maximum bodybuilding progress, then consider aerobics to be your trusted fat reducing companion.