ECA and Building Muscle Mass

[jmaresca]

Do any of you think that running ECA will hurt attempts to build muscle mass? I would like to run some ECA while I pack on the muscle mass in an attempt to combat any fat gains from my mass building program (and maybe shed a little fat at the same time) but will ECA actually eat at some of my muscle gains?

If ECA would be detremental to muscle mass what do you suggest I incorporate into a mass building program to fight any fat gain?

The only options I can think of is cardio and diet but how much cardio is enough to prevent fat gains but not eat up any lean muscle at the same time? Also, I typically go low carb when trying to either defend against or burn fat. Going low carb and trying to build muscle mass for me has been a losing battle. Not enough energy to train hard and feed my muscles to grow but too much causes fat gains. So what is the right amount?

Thanks.

 

[The_Brit]

It doesnt work like that. All ECA will do is raise your metabolism ... so youll have to eat even more to add mass. Best off eating less and bulking more leanly from the start. Take the money you would have spent on eca and buy some nice non normal cuts of game meat... treat yourself

 

[Optimal]

It doesnt work like that. All ECA will do is raise your metabolism ... so youll have to eat even more to add mass. Best off eating less and bulking more leanly from the start. Take the money you would have spent on eca and buy some nice non normal cuts of game meat... treat yourself

Yeah, people at the gym often talk about taking extras so that they can gain muscle & lose fat at the same time, but it just doesn't happen like that except for extreme beginners & guys "growing into shows" through very high amounts of drugs.

@OP:
To "fight the fat gain," just watch your calories such that you are only slightly above maintenance. Keep the weight gain very slow & steady, which will keep the ratio of muscle/fat more favorable.

 

[jmaresca]

It doesnt work like that. All ECA will do is raise your metabolism ... so youll have to eat even more to add mass. Best off eating less and bulking more leanly from the start. Take the money you would have spent on eca and buy some nice non normal cuts of game meat... treat yourself

Thanks for the insight.