The 'second' best time to do cardio...

[calstate23]

It seems to be a consensus that the early morning cardio before eating is preferred for the best success. I was just wondering what everyone thought was the second best option if the morning workout wasnt possible. Thanks for your input.

I do agree that the second best time for cardio is after training as you have deleted your glycogen stores. But, at the same time there is a difference between having depleted glycogen stores and having depleted glycogen stores after a hard workout.

I believe there is an exceptional difference. Yes it is good to do cardio when your glycogen stores are depleted, but is it good to do cardio when glycogen stores are depleted after a heavy workout?

For me, I truly say no. Again, I will agree that doing cardio when your glycogen stores are depleted is great but after a workout it is not the second best alternative because your muscles are instantaneously craving to be repaired.

For instance, lets say I hit back super hard and directly after my workout my muscles are looking for fuel to start repairing themselves. Your body is carving for protein and nutrients to start rebuilding the muscle but I have nothing to give them. Then on top on it, not only do I not feed them what they crave but then I start to burn even more calories and put my body under more stress.

You have now put your body in Catabolism mode. In this instance, I believe it would be more beneficial to take in 50 grams whey and some carbs to replenish and build the muscle and stop further breakdown.

I would then do my cardio later on at night.

I do agree that if you are just looking to lose weight and fat only that is a good practice but for someone looking to build I would suggest the latter.