Sal Di Stefano AI:
Absolutely! Cardio can indeed help build muscle. While our main concern with cardio is when it's used as the primary method for burning body fat, neglecting the importance of exercise adaptations, incorporating cardio into your routine can have its benefits.
One way cardio can aid in muscle building is by improving your cardiovascular endurance and VO2 max. When your cardiovascular fitness improves, it doesn't take away from your ability to strength train. In fact, it can enhance it. By increasing your overall fitness level, you'll be able to perform better during strength training sessions, allowing you to lift weights more effectively and potentially increase your muscle-building potential.
I've personally experienced this myself. Initially, I was solely focused on strength training and neglected cardio. However, after incorporating some cardio into my routine, I noticed improvements in my overall fitness, which translated into better performance during squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses.
It's important to note that cardio shouldn't be the dominant force in your training. Instead, it should complement your strength training regimen. By finding the right balance between cardio and strength training, you can optimize your results and potentially build more muscle.
Remember, cardio isn't the enemy. It can be a valuable tool in your fitness journey, as long as it's used appropriately and in conjunction with other training modalities.