Cardio, Morning or night????

[want2blean]

Ok all you wonderful very knowledgable women I am wanting to lean up not for a contest just because I want to look better. So my question to you all is when would be the best time to do my cardio to help me do this???? I know diet is huge and I am trying really hard to eat lean and watch my proportions. I just turned 30 :mad: in september and it seems ever since it is nearly impossible to lose one single pound no matter how hard I try, and trust me I am no slacker in the gym. So any advice would be oh so greatly appreciated. Thanks!!! :)

[Patricia Dees]

Ok all you wonderful very knowledgable women I am wanting to lean up not for a contest just because I want to look better. So my question to you all is when would be the best time to do my cardio to help me do this???? I know diet is huge and I am trying really hard to eat lean and watch my proportions. I just turned 30 :mad: in september and it seems ever since it is nearly impossible to lose one single pound no matter how hard I try, and trust me I am no slacker in the gym. So any advice would be oh so greatly appreciated. Thanks!!! :)

I will say from personal experience I seem to lean up faster doing it first thing in the morning....I need to start doing that again soon...

[want2blean]

I will say from personal experience I seem to lean up faster doing it first thing in the morning....I need to start doing that again soon...

Thanks! Maybe thats what I need to do to jump start my progress. Do my cardio in the morning then leave the lifting for the evenings. :confused:

[DanielleA]

Cardio on an empty stomach in the morning works best for most people. If you do it at night, you are using the calories from food you have eaten through out the day for fuel, whereas in the morning you are using stored fat, since your stomach is empty.

Good luck! Do you use fatburners?

[dvsness]

I prefer PWO. This way your food is used for lifting fuel ;) and you can still effectively burn fat. If you choose to do fasted AM cardio, you can choose to take some BCAA/EAA beforehand (muscle sparing).

[Lisa E]

I have to get it over with. I go and do most of it in the am and then go back for a little more in the afternoon.

[want2blean]

I prefer PWO. This way your food is used for lifting fuel ;) and you can still effectively burn fat. If you choose to do fasted AM cardio, you can choose to take some BCAA/EAA beforehand (muscle sparing).

Ok I feel like a loser but I don't know what PWO is or what BCAA/EAA's are??? Sorry.:confused:

[want2blean]

Cardio on an empty stomach in the morning works best for most people. If you do it at night, you are using the calories from food you have eaten through out the day for fuel, whereas in the morning you are using stored fat, since your stomach is empty.

Good luck! Do you use fatburners?

I don't use any currently but would be interested in starting to any suggestions?

[Hannibal]

Ok I feel like a loser but I don't know what PWO is or what BCAA/EAA's are??? Sorry.:confused:

PWO - Post Workout

BCAA - Branch Chain Amino Acids

EAA - Essential Amino Acids

[want2blean]

I have to get it over with. I go and do most of it in the am and then go back for a little more in the afternoon.

In the past I have done my cardio in the mornings and have really liked the way it made me feel but I was also lifting then too I like to get it all done, however I am realizing it might be time to change things up.

[want2blean]

PWO - Post Workout

BCAA - Branch Chain Amino Acids

EAA - Essential Amino Acids

Thanks for the education! :)

[SBT]

I prefer PWO. This way your food is used for lifting fuel ;) and you can still effectively burn fat. If you choose to do fasted AM cardio, you can choose to take some BCAA/EAA beforehand (muscle sparing).

I also do mine PWO, and I seem to prefer it as opposed to early morning cardio. I will add that in at some point, probably just to change it up a bit or if I need the additional cardio :)

[want2blean]

I also do mine PWO, and I seem to prefer it as opposed to early morning cardio. I will add that in at some point, probably just to change it up a bit or if I need the additional cardio :)

The funny thing is I used to only be able to drop a few pounds and lean up by working out at night. Guess maybe my age is changing things with my body and how it reacts. I used to only do it PWO and now I do a little before and more after. It's not getting me the results I want though. Frustrating.:banghead:

[DanielleA]

Sorry didn't mean to confuse - I actually do morning AND night while I'm prepping for a show, to get the metabolism REALLY going. I lift at night, always.

If I am doing a big body part at night (legs, back) I will do my cardio in the morning instead of PWO.

In the offseason, cardio is mostly done PWO bc as Vanessa said, I am trying to spare burning off any hard earned muscle.

For someone just starting out, I would recommend trying Lipo 6x. They aren't super strong and are ephedra free. Follow the instructions on the label, and drink lots of water.

[MsGuns]

I need to get my butt up but my fitness center in my complex is not open and my gym is too far in the AM...

I rather do PM cardio...

I do AM cardio on the weekends cause I can sleep in a lil...

In 06 at my 2nd show the judges told me I wasnt lean enuff so for my 3rd show I did AM cardio for a month and LOOKED DAMN good and still got 2nd and was never told why I got 2nd...

If I go to 24 hr fitness just to do cardio it gets costly...

[Meechel]

I used to do pm cardio pwo...but I would sometimes run out of time or make excuses.

recently coach has me on AM cardio fasted with 200mg cafeinne (first time ever taking these) and my energy is out the roof after am cardio.....I can just take the cafeinne on off days and I don't get the same feeling....so it is a combo thing for me.

Now I am liking my cardio because of the "high" it gives me :p

[want2blean]

Sorry didn't mean to confuse - I actually do morning AND night while I'm prepping for a show, to get the metabolism REALLY going. I lift at night, always.

If I am doing a big body part at night (legs, back) I will do my cardio in the morning instead of PWO.

In the offseason, cardio is mostly done PWO bc as Vanessa said, I am trying to spare burning off any hard earned muscle.

For someone just starting out, I would recommend trying Lipo 6x. They aren't super strong and are ephedra free. Follow the instructions on the label, and drink lots of water.

I am easily confused so no worries :p. I will look into the lipo 6x. Thanks so much for the advice! :waving:

[want2blean]

I used to do pm cardio pwo...but I would sometimes run out of time or make excuses.

recently coach has me on AM cardio fasted with 200mg cafeinne (first time ever taking these) and my energy is out the roof after am cardio.....I can just take the cafeinne on off days and I don't get the same feeling....so it is a combo thing for me.

Now I am liking my cardio because of the "high" it gives me :p

Oh man I love the feeling after a really kick butt cardio session, there is nothing else like it to me. I really think I will try the am cardio. Where do you the get the cafeinne?

[Erik]

The best time to do your cardio is when you know you'll have a good workout. The whole fasted cardio thing is a myth that is based on the fact that when done in a fasted state, you use more fat for a fuel source. Ok, fair enough.

However, research shows that the source of fuel used (in creating the caloric deficit which IS what determines fat loss - the energy deficit) is not relevant to fat loss. What does matter again, is the deficit. Whether 300 calories comes from carbs or fat, it's a 300 calorie deficit and you'll lose fat.

Calories burned, not whether they come from carbs or fat is what is important. Add to that the fact that the body is a very complicated thing - and a smart one at that. If you burn more fat during a workout, you tend to burn less fat during the rest of the day (using more glucose by default). If you burn more carbs during a workout, you tend to burn more fat over the rest of the day (and less carbs by default). At the end of the day, it all ends up balancing out.

I realize this goes against 'common contest prep' theory/philosophy, but the science is the science. Not to say it can't be done fasted, but it doesn't have to, outside of certain conditions (for example when using yohimbine/caffeine/tyrosine combos to try to mobilize 'stubborn fat').

Check out these articles for more on this issue

http://alanaragon.com/myths-under-the-microscope-the-fat-burning-zone-fasted-cardio.html
http://alanaragon.com/myths-under-the-microscope-part-2-false-hopes-for-fasted-cardio.html
http://alanaragon.com/myths-under-the-microscope-part-3-discussion-afterthoughts.html

[dvsness]

I still insist that oral Yohimbe is the devil, and can't in good faith recommend the product that Danielle suggested.

[Shelly]

I still insist that oral Yohimbe is the devil, and can't in good faith recommend the product that Danielle suggested.

lipo 6 has yohimbe in it?




Wecome to the boards:waving:


When I am dieting pre contest I do am carido 5-6 days a week. My Trainer ALWAYS has cardio first thing in the AM.. and I personally find it works best for me. and obviously at night as well when i am prepping.

Offseason for growth. i MAY do 3-4 nights a week... light intensity.

Hope this helps.

[JLB001]

Cardio in the am on an empty tummy upon waking. Usually done with a Venti SF Coffee from Starbuck's.

Cardio in the PM as well right after working out.

This year....not doing set times but amount of calories burned according to the lying little things on the machines. lol

[Meechel]

Oh man I love the feeling after a really kick butt cardio session, there is nothing else like it to me. I really think I will try the am cardio. Where do you the get the cafeinne?

safeways generic no dose just happens to be 200mg about $2 for 40 tabs :p

[Bernie]

ok...this is my piece.

all the scientific stuff aside.

i say the best time to do cardio is likened to how my pastor descbrided the best translation of the Bible to use.....the version with your finger prints all over it. as far as i am concerned, morning, evening, post workout, pre workout.....the best time to do cardio...is when you are more likely to do it.

[want2blean]

I still insist that oral Yohimbe is the devil, and can't in good faith recommend the product that Danielle suggested.

Really? What was your experience with it? :confused:

[want2blean]

lipo 6 has yohimbe in it?




Wecome to the boards:waving:


When I am dieting pre contest I do am carido 5-6 days a week. My Trainer ALWAYS has cardio first thing in the AM.. and I personally find it works best for me. and obviously at night as well when i am prepping.

Offseason for growth. i MAY do 3-4 nights a week... light intensity.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the welcome!! :) Your info is very helpful. I always love getting new ideas and suggestions for my workouts. Thanks!

[want2blean]

safeways generic no dose just happens to be 200mg about $2 for 40 tabs :p

Cool I will have to check it out. Thanks a bunch. ;)

[want2blean]

Cardio in the am on an empty tummy upon waking. Usually done with a Venti SF Coffee from Starbuck's.

Cardio in the PM as well right after working out.

This year....not doing set times but amount of calories burned according to the lying little things on the machines. lol

Yeah I love the calorie counters....one machine says I burn 200 in 20 minutes and the other one says I burn 400 its amusing.

[dvsness]

This year....not doing set times but amount of calories burned according to the lying little things on the machines. lol

Yeah I love the calorie counters....one machine says I burn 200 in 20 minutes and the other one says I burn 400 its amusing.

:D:D

Really? What was your experience with it? :confused:

I find oral Y to be a dirty nasty stim that makes me want to peel my skin off. The comedown is similar to coming off ecstasy, not that I would know :angel:

[dvsness]

Shelley - 'that product' has guggulsterone in it also. I am thinking it is a no-no.

[want2blean]

Shelley - 'that product' has guggulsterone in it also. I am thinking it is a no-no.

Have you tried cytolean or hot rox? I got samples of both from the bb show I went to down in CO......

[dvsness]

Beth - product one was ok for me, but my bf really likes it. Product 2 is a Y product, and yes I tried and hated it. I am a guinea pig and try mostly everything, even if I have had bad prior experiences with the ingredients. :nuts:

As someone with an exceptional stimulant tolerance I think I have probably at least triple dosed everything that doesn't have Y.

[want2blean]

Beth - product one was ok for me, but my bf really likes it. Product 2 is a Y product, and yes I tried and hated it. I am a guinea pig and try mostly everything, even if I have had bad prior experiences with the ingredients. :nuts:

As someone with an exceptional stimulant tolerance I think I have probably at least triple dosed everything that doesn't have Y.

Your funny :p I appreciate the feedback it is hard to tell how well they work with just a sample but don't want to waste my money on an entire bottle....

[FlyFitGal]

ok...this is my piece.

all the scientific stuff aside.

i say the best time to do cardio is likened to how my pastor descbrided the best translation of the Bible to use.....the version with your finger prints all over it. as far as i am concerned, morning, evening, post workout, pre workout.....the best time to do cardio...is when you are more likely to do it.

Yep...exactly! I personally like to get it over with first thing in the am...but the most important thing is to just DO IT :)

[bronxbomber]

i think more importanly is the intensity and frequency of cardio being done.
cardio in the morning, is great and effective, however after a night of fasting, you can also burn muscle, so we must really pay attention to the intensity in the morning.
Cardio after a workout is ideal, due the the release of GH(growth hormone) which increases lipolysis- the process that releases fat from fat cells.

[want2blean]

The best time to do your cardio is when you know you'll have a good workout. The whole fasted cardio thing is a myth that is based on the fact that when done in a fasted state, you use more fat for a fuel source. Ok, fair enough.

However, research shows that the source of fuel used (in creating the caloric deficit which IS what determines fat loss - the energy deficit) is not relevant to fat loss. What does matter again, is the deficit. Whether 300 calories comes from carbs or fat, it's a 300 calorie deficit and you'll lose fat.

Calories burned, not whether they come from carbs or fat is what is important. Add to that the fact that the body is a very complicated thing - and a smart one at that. If you burn more fat during a workout, you tend to burn less fat during the rest of the day (using more glucose by default). If you burn more carbs during a workout, you tend to burn more fat over the rest of the day (and less carbs by default). At the end of the day, it all ends up balancing out.

I realize this goes against 'common contest prep' theory/philosophy, but the science is the science. Not to say it can't be done fasted, but it doesn't have to, outside of certain conditions (for example when using yohimbine/caffeine/tyrosine combos to try to mobilize 'stubborn fat').

Check out these articles for more on this issue

http://alanaragon.com/myths-under-the-microscope-the-fat-burning-zone-fasted-cardio.html
http://alanaragon.com/myths-under-the-microscope-part-2-false-hopes-for-fasted-cardio.html
http://alanaragon.com/myths-under-the-microscope-part-3-discussion-afterthoughts.html


Wow thanks for the great information. I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question. :)

[want2blean]

Yep...exactly! I personally like to get it over with first thing in the am...but the most important thing is to just DO IT :)

Yes I totally agree with this too. I suppose at the end of the day as long as you do it your on track. Thanks!!!!! :D

[ibarramedia]

For me morning is when I like it.

[ibarramedia]

I still insist that oral Yohimbe is the devil, and can't in good faith recommend the product that Danielle suggested.


I tried yohimbe before and hated it. Made my heart beat fast and could not sleep at night. I also coulod hear my heart beating in bed. Drove me nuts.

I did not know that it was something to lose weight. Thought it was something to help increase stamina in lifting.

[Amber]

The funny thing is I used to only be able to drop a few pounds and lean up by working out at night. Guess maybe my age is changing things with my body and how it reacts. I used to only do it PWO and now I do a little before and more after. It's not getting me the results I want though. Frustrating.:banghead:

It might be your diet then?

[want2blean]

It might be your diet then?

yes I think your right. I have been really making an effort to eat more lean protein and just eat cleaner all around for the last month or so and am starting to see a difference so hopefully I can stick with it. :)

[KP DIVA]

The best time to do your cardio is when you know you'll have a good workout. The whole fasted cardio thing is a myth that is based on the fact that when done in a fasted state, you use more fat for a fuel source. Ok, fair enough.

However, research shows that the source of fuel used (in creating the caloric deficit which IS what determines fat loss - the energy deficit) is not relevant to fat loss. What does matter again, is the deficit. Whether 300 calories comes from carbs or fat, it's a 300 calorie deficit and you'll lose fat.

Calories burned, not whether they come from carbs or fat is what is important. Add to that the fact that the body is a very complicated thing - and a smart one at that. If you burn more fat during a workout, you tend to burn less fat during the rest of the day (using more glucose by default). If you burn more carbs during a workout, you tend to burn more fat over the rest of the day (and less carbs by default). At the end of the day, it all ends up balancing out.

I realize this goes against 'common contest prep' theory/philosophy, but the science is the science. Not to say it can't be done fasted, but it doesn't have to, outside of certain conditions (for example when using yohimbine/caffeine/tyrosine combos to try to mobilize 'stubborn fat').

Check out these articles for more on this issue

http://alanaragon.com/myths-under-the-microscope-the-fat-burning-zone-fasted-cardio.html
http://alanaragon.com/myths-under-the-microscope-part-2-false-hopes-for-fasted-cardio.html
http://alanaragon.com/myths-under-the-microscope-part-3-discussion-afterthoughts.html

Thanks Erik. I'm guilty of fasted cardio, but you have said makes a lot of sense. I'll read these articles.