Running for Bodybuilders

Running can be a great, or not so great, addition to a bodybuilder’s workout routine. For many bodybuilders it is simply awesome.

Bodybuilders CAN run

First let’s dispel the silly notion that bodybuilders cannot run. Of course they can. At well over 200 lbs of (semi-ripped at the time) body weight I ran my last half marathon. I’m not fast, but I wasn’t fast before I started bodybuilding either!

Although regular long distance running is not recommended for bodybuilders, such as multiple ½ marathons a year, marathons, and ultra marathons, running short to moderate distances a few times a week can be great.

Running helps control body fat

Cardio, also known as aerobics, is great for bodybuilders unless it is excessive. It is after all, catabolic. However it also helps control body fat.

You do NOT need to change your diet to run. Runners often go on and on about carbo loading and all kinds of nonsense. I ran my last half marathon while on a low carb diet, actually in ketosis! Yup, my body was burning fat for energy!

It does not matter, at least at our level. Perhaps if running in the Olympics it does . . .

Potential problems with running

• Running puts more wear and tear, and hence needed recovery time, to your body. It can push you over the hump to overtraining if you already are training very heavily. Running is high impact unlike many other forms of cardio like cycling and walking.
• Excessive running, and yes running can be very addictive, will definitely lead to muscle breakdown.

  Now if you get totally into running, that’s cool, but which type of freak looks better to you?: A massive ripped bodybuilder or an incredibly thin and unhealthy looking elite runner? I know my answer, and I also think somewhat muscular women are more attractive than gaunt women!

What are the advantages to running?

There are many, including:

• You can do it anywhere. Although people looked at this big muscular guy a little funny while I was recently running along The Loire River in France, but it helped combat all the wonderful wine and food I was splurging on!
• No special equipment required. For example I can run when travel which I often do, but I can’t ride my bike.
• It’s time efficient. I get as good of a workout from running 30 minutes then probably biking for 90 minutes.

Now how much you may run depends on your body type. If you are a typical hard gainer or ectomorph, you will want to serious limit running and most cardio in fact. If you do not, definitely up the calories!

If you are an endomorph like me, and you easily put on fat and muscle, running is fantastic for you. Go for it!

If you are a mesomorph, you can certainly run, just don’t overdo it. I describe a mesomorph elsewhere as “a natural athlete who gains or loses weight easily. They naturally have a hard and muscular appearance, and they build muscle easily.”

I suggest started with maybe a mile, yes only a mile, and perhaps running 2-3 times a week. You can increase your distances over time and right now I run 5k (that’s 3.1 miles) about 3-4 times a week, of course in addition to my weight lifting workouts.

Funny thing about running, even if you hate it, it grows on you over time. This is great as it simple works very well for keeping your body fat low!