new here with a question

[Hhmonkey]

I have been working out for a long time now and am having a hard time finding the right amount of Cardio while lifting to keep muscle and lose fat. When i start doing Cardio i tend to lose a lot of muscle. What has worked well for you guys. I have heard that sprints works well with cutting fat while keeping muscle, is this true?

Thanks for any advice.

[Scrumhalf]

What is your diet like, especially your protein intake?

[Hhmonkey]

I just finished up a bulking phase with my lifting and dieting routine, which is why i don't want to lose muscle while trying to cut some fat. I am 6'4 about 260-265 depending on the time of day. I would bet that i am around 15-16% BF. I would like to get down to 10-11%. I guess since what i have done in the past has not worked what would be a good amount of protein and carbs in my diet to lose some fat and keep muscle. Thanks

[ROCKETW19]

whats your heart rate at when doing carido? you want to stay between 60-75% of your max heart rate for fat loss.

[Scrumhalf]

Good point from Rocket.... make sure you do not exceed 80% or os of your max heart rate which is (220 - your age). 70-80% or so of your max heart rate is ideal for burning fat. Anything higher and you go significantly anerobic and the body finds other sources of energy to burn.

I have also read in this forum that doing cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is better because it forces the body to dip into the fat stores. However, I have no personal experience with this, so others may want to comment on this point.

You may want to invest in a hrm - it is kinda hard to get a pulse reading if you are bouncing away on a treadmill or stairclimber.

[Stonecold54]

Originally posted by Hhmonkey
I have been working out for a long time now and am having a hard time finding the right amount of Cardio while lifting to keep muscle and lose fat. When i start doing Cardio i tend to lose a lot of muscle. What has worked well for you guys. I have heard that sprints works well with cutting fat while keeping muscle, is this true?

Thanks for any advice.

how do you know you are losing muscle?? are you using an accurate body fat measuring device to find out. If you are using either visual or feelings to see progress you might be fooling yourself.

[psyko1]

try a 45 mintue walk at around 4 mph on an incline on a treadmill when you first wake up then have your meal about 45 minutes after.