Aerobic Training in the Context of Muscle Mass Development
Sophia Williams
2026-03-16
7 min. read
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We often ask ourselves if it's worth carrying out aerobic training when we have so-called mass. Standard strength training is associated with muscle mass development, while cardio training is often linked to a reduction period. Opinions are divided. Some people say that it's worth carrying out cardio training on mass, while others think that it may be unprofitable. How is it really and what strategy should one follow to properly adapt this training?
Is aerobic truly beneficial for muscle mass development?
Firstly, it is important to establish whether aerobic exercise is beneficial for muscle mass development. It is worth noting that there are two extreme cases. For instance, a person who does seated work may have a low NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis, or energy expenditure during all activities performed during the day, such as walking, getting out of a chair, etc.) and their physical activity during the day is minimal. To build muscle mass in such a person, 2500 calories are sufficient. The second example could be someone who works out physically, has a high body weight, and exercises NEAT, but their activity during exercise is high. To develop muscle mass, this person might need up to 4500 calories. It is also important to consider the appetite of both individuals. In my opinion, 2500 calories might indicate a small amount of food, and such a person would likely be willing to perform additional aerobic exercise to consume more calories. On the other hand, a person who needs to consume 4500 calories to build muscle mass might not be able to perform additional aerobic exercise, as their appetite might not be sufficient. Due to these examples, we can observe two extreme cases related to aerobic exercise.
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