I have done alot of research on what they call fasted cardio, where you do cardio on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Some people claim it burns more fat because the body's glycogen stores are low but others claim it burns muscle instead. I really want to do all I can to lose weight but I don't want to do the wrong thing. Please help.
fasted cardio
- Thread starter stacieb
- Start date
I don't know the answer to your question but I workout first thing in the a.m on an empty stomach whether it is cardio or strength. I just prefer it that way. It is the time of day I have the most energy and I have it done and don't have to worry if something interfers or changes my plans. I think you should choose a time that YOU can stick to and is convenient for you.
shanihib
Cathlete
I am no expert, but the most convincing argument against working out on an empty stomach first thing that I've read is that protein is more easily broken down for energy than fat and since you need a quick source of energy and your glycogen reserves are depleted, your incredibly efficient body goes for what is easiest... muscle. My personal belief is that it is best to focus on an overall calorie deficit than to push your body that hard. I'd love to hear what Cathe thinks. 
gettingfitmom
Cathlete
I too work out on an empty stomach. I get up around 5:30 and once the kiddos are off to school, I do either weights or cardio(about 7:30)me personally, I can't imagine working out later in the day...but that's just me
wgilchrist
Cathlete
Such an interesting topic! I, too workout on an empty stomach at 4:40am before the kids wake up. I am alert ready and eager but this is the one and ONLY time of the day that I am not hungry. I would eat first if I knew that I truly should. I have gained beautiful muscle thanks to STS and wouldn't want to loose that over a bowl of wheaties.
Sissygriffin
New Member
I have worked out for years, every morning, 5 to 6 times a week, without eating. If someone says it's harmful I'll be surprised. I think I would lose my Wheaties if I tried to eat them first!
Check this out. I was researching this topic last night.
http://www.tomvenuto.com/articles/morning_fat_burn.shtml
http://www.tomvenuto.com/articles/morning_fat_burn.shtml
That article by Tom Venuto is where I first heard about fasted state cardio. I also found alot of other websites, alot of which were body-building sites, that also advocated it, if weight loss is your goal. I also saw that Jeanette Jenkins, the hollywood trainer, also recommends it. So far what I have seen is that you will burn some muscle but you will do that with any kind of cardio to a certain degree. That said it seems like if you also have a strength training program then you could afford to do this kind of cardio. I really hope that Cathe will chime in on this.
I don't know as it matters all that much. I prefer doing cardio on an empty stomach just because it feels more comfortable. And I get weak and lethargic doing weight work if I don't have some food in me. But as far as what burns more fat, I don't think anyone can do more than guess. It's all just theory and extrapolation so don't get too caught up in what's "right." Even if your body does draw more from fat stores if you work out on an empty stomach, if you have more calories than you need your body will just replace the burned fat with new fat. And if you have fewer calories than your body needs, it will draw on those fat stores eventually anyway.