Cardio on empty stomach

[Sampson]

Does this really matter very much, or does it really actually help burn more fat? I don't really see how it could make any difference whether you do cardio on an empty stomach when first waking up, or when you have a little food in your stomach later in the day. Could someone explain the advantages of doing cardio on an empty stomach, and also whether it is really that much more beneficial?

[thesinner]

Cardio later on in the day is better than no cardio at all. The idea behind cardio in a semi-fasted state is that you will not have as much energy readily available, so your body will have to produce it via fat and muscle breakdown. As far as I know, there's only anecdotal data on this, so take it for what it's worth.

[Chefdeez]

It's best to do cardio when your muscle glycogen is depleted; that's why it's often recommended for first thing in the morning. Another good time is right after your lifting. As already stated, cardio anytime during the day is better than none if you're cutting. If you do cardio and you're glycogen isn't depleted yet it usually takes about 20 minutes to get into fat burning mode.

[thesinner]

If glycogen levels are high, try taking a B-Complex or Niacin (B3) before doing your workout, as this will help speed up glycogen depletion so that you can induce ketosis.

[Sampson]

great info in this thread. I used to always do cardio before my workout, as I feel too tired post workout and I skip it alot.....I guess I need to switch things up a bit!

[thesinner]

I guess it all depends on how your workouts go. I usually feel envigorated after a workout and don't want to stop. When I get on a role like that, I'll usually bust out the jump rope for 10-15 minutes after the workout to burn those few extra fat cal's.

[Sampson]

haha man, you must be a machine. I only workout for about 30-45 minutes, but when I am done whatever muscle group I am working out hurts like hell! Legs I can barely walk, if I do back, my lower back hurts so bad I can barely stand. Arms I can handle pretty well, shoulders always get the biggets pumps and hurt like shit. Chest, well I hate my chest. Never get pumps, it never hurts, and it never grows. I guess I just need to gut it out and hop on the treadmill and stop being a lazy ass.

[thesinner]

I guess I'm sadistic in a sense that I in fact enjoy Cardio. What's probably more gruesome is that I find a long distance run to be a "relaxing" experience.

[Sampson]

Originally Posted by thesinner

I guess I'm sadistic in a sense that I in fact enjoy Cardio. What's probably more gruesome is that I find a long distance run to be a "relaxing" experience.

lol your a crazy man sinner. but I respect you for it.

[Stillot]

does someone want to buy my glycogen? i dont need it.. and ill sell you my bodyfat too.

cardio on empty stomach also feels better than cardio with food all jumbling around.. and it helps me avoid that peak i sometimes hit where i give my breakfast back lol