Cardio first thing in the morning

I was told that if you do your cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach then thats the best thing to do for fat loss but I'm a little ify on that whole theory. Wouldnt that cause you to be Catabolic. Think about it you have eaten anything for at least 8 hours and your going to do cardio and since you would already have muscle your body would need energy and you would hqave Catbolism come in affect. I was thinking about trying that method of fat loss but it just freaks me out with the fact of losing muscle and ending up looking like Alley Mcbeil
 
This is a controversial subject. The argument against exercising on an empty stomach is this:-
Exercising on an empty stomach allows maximum fat burning but it also causes a lot of muscle loss. By not eating, your body begins to use its own lean muscle mass. On the other hand, eating when you need to - like in the morning - enables your body to use less protein from your muscles.

Well, I would rather eat than risk losing my rather lean muscles.
 
I find that doing cardio on a completely empty stomach does catabolize muscle over time. It's the carboydrates that are preventing fat from being burned because if your body has an ample supply of glycogen, why burn fat? So I do eat, but avoid the carbs. My breakfast of choice before a morning workout is one serving of protein and a tablespoon of MCT oil, which your body can use as energy.
 
abear, well put.

I like to push myself quite hard when I do CV, so if i did it fasted then I'd get pretty faint. so I'd always eat 1st, but from a fat loss point of view, it makes no diffrence.
 
Matybe I missed a line or something, but I take it abear was saying it makes no difference?

Sorry, brain not working well right now...
 
Ryofire said:
I was told that if you do your cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach then thats the best thing to do for fat loss but I'm a little ify on that whole theory. Wouldnt that cause you to be Catabolic. Think about it you have eaten anything for at least 8 hours and your going to do cardio and since you would already have muscle your body would need energy and you would hqave Catbolism come in affect. I was thinking about trying that method of fat loss but it just freaks me out with the fact of losing muscle and ending up looking like Alley Mcbeil
Yes this is the BEST time of the day to promote lipolysis (fat loss). Your body is in a slightly fasted state due to low glycogen stores, and as long as you keep your HR at 65-75% (for no more than 45 minutes) of your max HR then your body will utilize stored fat as it's initial fuel source.

I emphasize that your diet MUST be on point in order for this process to occurr and if it is, you will benefit GREATLY from morning cardio.
 
GMacDaddyTPO said:
Matybe I missed a line or something, but I take it abear was saying it makes no difference?

Sorry, brain not working well right now...
thats correct. heres a good explanation i found earlier
 
10 Tips For A More Effective Cardiovascular Workout
Work as hard as you can for as long as youcan
Exercise with purpose.
Wear proper footwear.
Avoid eating too soon before or after your workout
Vary the type of exercise you do.
Vary intensity levels.
Stay well hydrated.
Schedule your workouts into your day.
Stretch after the workout
Keep a log
 
10 Tips For A More Effective Cardiovascular Workout
Work as hard as you can for as long as youcan
Exercise with purpose.
Wear proper footwear.
Avoid eating too soon before or after your workout
Vary the type of exercise you do.
Vary intensity levels.
Stay well hydrated.
Schedule your workouts into your day.
Stretch after the workout
Keep a log

Wear proper footwear is something that stands out.
I've been working out and doing cardio in my regular sneakers. They're not in bad shape, but they are just sneakers that are really for casual wear and walking, like most sneakers.

After I sprained my ankle during incline treadmill workout, I went to ****'s Sporting Goods store and investing some money into a good pair of running sneakers, and on top of that, I bought sport gels to insert into them. What a huge difference! Well worth the money.

Jason Salamone
 
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10 Tips For A More Effective Cardiovascular Workout
Work as hard as you can for as long as youcan
Exercise with purpose.
Wear proper footwear.
Avoid eating too soon before or after your workout
Vary the type of exercise you do.
Vary intensity levels.
Stay well hydrated.
Schedule your workouts into your day.
Stretch after the workout
Keep a log

What is the recommended wait time after cardio before one can eat?
 
What is the recommended wait time after cardio before one can eat?

It's best to eat a couple servings of complex carbs such as veggies (the greener, the better) or long grain brown rice along with some lean protien such as fish or chicken (not fried) within 60 minutes after you completed your cardio routine.

Jason Salamone
 
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The greatest "weight management" benefit from cardio is it's ability to increase your metabolism. This happens as a result of consistency. Day to day, nothing is happening except water lose. It doesn't really matter when you do it.
 
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