I never lost any muscle when I started doing MMA. In fact, the change in type of exercises and the sparring and wrestling made me more defined.
- Girls don't like guys who look like they are roided out.
- You can be a bodybuilder and still have good cardio health.
- Bodybuilders can't eat as much as they like
- MMA isn't necessarily "healthy", but compared to pro bodybuilding it is very healthy.
Swede. When I first started running I got terrible shin splints. Just stop running until it heals, then run again. Continue this. After several months you don't get them anymore. This happens because of weak calve bones. The impact breaks down the bone and creates tiny fractures.
Also, invest in some decent running shoes.
No way you can do both successfully. First off, when doing stand up, you will need your shoulder girdle to be as flexible as possible. Something lots of "bodybuilding" inhibits. When doing sub grappling, bjj, wrestling, you won't be able to lift heavy if sparring consistently.
I've lost 20 lbs in the last two years, most of it muscle. When I went from a 2-3 times a week trainer to someone who competes every three to four months, your body will shed any unnecessary muscle mass. Grappling is anaerobic, so trying to prepare for it by doing LSD cardio is ineffectual. Mat time is what will condition you. Same thing as stand up. You will have to change your strength and conditioning program to match your desired goals. Doens't mean you can't be muscular, just means that if you are a successful competitive bodybuilder, you can't be a successful competitive combat athlete.