Samir Bannout is indeed a very important name in the bodybuilding fraternity, especially for his approach to fitness informed by a healthy lifestyle. In a recent interview, the bodybuilder shared how he is against excessive training and debunked commonplace myths. In his time, the 1983 Mr. Olympia title holder believed in split training based on the need of his body.

According to Bannout, it’s a healthy lifestyle and measured training that can keep anyone in shape. Definitely, one doesn’t need to do more to get more. Let’s hear what he had to say about fitness.

Is cardio inversely proportionate to bodybuilding?

The Lebanese bodybuilder shared his story when he was preparing for the Mr. Olympia stage. Bannout confirmed, “I did zero cardio at my best condition ever in 1982.” He assured that he won the title even without doing cardio. Although he agreed if someone is eating a lot, they might have to push it and do cardio for 30 minutes. While talking about the intensity, the IFBB legend shared, “10–15 minutes just for a little extra endorphin make you feel better.”

For the veteran, unrestrained cardio is insane and preferred doing it within a 15–2o mints window. He opined, “Do three body part each workout and then another two days a 15-20 minute cardio, if that doesn’t keep you in shape, nothing will. That should be enough to maintain a healthy-looking body.”

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Again for him, more is definitely not better. Bannout wants to put it straight as he said, “I am not against cardio, I’m against excessive cardio…excessive cardio is stupid, you know. I mean, doing 15–20–30 minutes that should be the max in my opinion.”

Former Mr. O even gave an example of someone who had a good physique and wanted to lose some pounds. To reduce the mass, he used to dedicate two hours of extensive cardio and which resulted in him losing all the muscles. Though he successfully lost weight, he became skinnier and lost his shape.

For Samir Bannout, it’s all about working smarter than harder in bodybuilding. Overcalculating and overstimulating things do not give a fruitful result. Thus, in order to maintain a muscular shape like those of bodybuilders, one needs to reduce cardio. What do you think of this pro bodybuilder’s advice? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

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