Short cardio vs long cardio

[bigslick7878]

Ok if I got this right, the best way to burn more fat is when your glycogen stores are depleted, like in the morning on an empty stomach.

So would it not be better to do cardio for longer periods so that you can deplete those stores and then start burning the fat using it as fuel, rather than shorter sessions that might not get your body to that point? I am talking mainly about off days, that is typically when I will have long cardio sessions.

Using this theory I am guessing that is why it is better to do cardio at the end of workouts, when your glycogen levels are low after using them up with lifting for an hour or whatever. Seems to me you are more likely to burn fat at that point.

So am I on the right track of thinking here?

[and1_headach]

i think from what ive read cardio after a hard workout is a no-no. it can take away from the gains, basically start to break down the muscle and use that for energy. imo i would stick to low impact for max 20-30 min or use a split system. morning cardio, evening lift.

bump!

[CMB]

you need to have low impact cardio for about 20-30mins. Lyposis (fat burning) does not kick in until 20mins.

[cyounger100]

so u need at 20 min of low cardio before fat burning starts ? and u need too do cardio before u workout correct not after i thought??

[FireGuy]

If you are looking to burn stored bodyfat cardio should be done first thing in the morning and/or PWO. I am not going to get into what intensity is best. There are tons of recent threads on here you can research on the topic and then form your own opinion.

[bigslick7878]

If you are looking to burn stored bodyfat cardio should be done first thing in the morning and/or PWO. I am not going to get into what intensity is best. There are tons of recent threads on here you can research on the topic and then form your own opinion.

I know that I am talking about duration not really when to do it.

[FireGuy]

I know that I am talking about duration not really when to do it.

I was replying in response to post #2. 30 minutes minimum and 60 minutes maximum are my rules of thumb. I have been experimenting with doing it at higher intensities as well and have been getting better results without any sacrificing any LBM as well. Also been doing HIIT cardio PWO for 30-40 minutes and that has proven to be very effective for me too.

[bigslick7878]

I was replying in response to post #2. 30 minutes minimum and 60 minutes maximum are my rules of thumb. I have been experimenting with doing it at higher intensities as well and have been getting better results without any sacrificing any LBM as well. Also been doing HIIT cardio PWO for 30-40 minutes and that has proven to be very effective for me too.

Thanks great info as always.

[cyounger100]

thanks fireguy