Cardio: pre-breakfast or PWO???

[ascendant]

just wondering what you guys think is better as far as maximum fat-loss with minimum muscle loss. last time i cut up, i did a carb loading/depletion routine with am cardio with great results. however, since i'm not an early morning person, i was hoping to be able to get away with just doing my cardio PWO. just wondering which you guys prefer as far as effectiveness?

[*Narkissos*]

I always use pwo cardio...and i'm yet to fail at getting shredded

[passthetest]

I just started to pwo and it seems to be more effective.

[ascendant]

well i just checked my bf% and i've lost 1% and haven't lost any muscle so far my first week into cutting up. i'm doing the PWO cardio only right now, so it seems like it's working pretty good.

[Panzerfaust]

I prefer AM cardio..but it is common for people to do cardio after intense training, deplete the muscles of glycogen and what else is their to burn but fat?

I like Charles Glass..that mofo would kill your ass in the gym and he knows his shit big time.

I might switch to PWO in the future.

[Columbus]

Truthfully, it doesn't mater.....I now do it in the pm on my off days 2-3 hours after my last p/f meal....all the same.

[bdd814]

It varies w/ my mood. I do both.

[Gear]

I have always done mine in the AM before breakfast. That has always worked well for me, but I think everybody is different when it comes to that.

-Gear

[audis4]

how long do you guys do PWO cardio for?

my training is fairly intense, then do 30 min PWO cardio

[Columbus]

I couldnt fathom doing it PW.......just do it on off days......

[perfectbeast2001]

I worry that PWO will push ne into a catabolic state after lifting. Obviously this is normally stopped by drinking or eating a PWO quickly. Im sure both work equally well for fat loss but thoughts on catabolism PWO would be appreciated.

[Unist...!]

pwo.... im usually sleeping in the am and go to college as soon as i wake up

[JC2007]

Would taking 1-2 multivitamins after working out before cardio be effective against catabolism?

[TR'05]

JC, if you are worried about entering a catabolic state, many people take BCAA (branch chain amino acids) to avoid this.

[JC2007]

JC, if you are worried about entering a catabolic state, many people take BCAA (branch chain amino acids) to avoid this.

I'm not. Just was wondering.

I've heard about the BCAA thing... It sounds like something I may do in the future.

[cfiler]

Prebreakfast, then lift in the afternoon.

This works best for me.

[Vibrantred94gt]

Prebreakfast, then lift in the afternoon.

This works best for me.

This is how I have done it since I got into fitness. It is not an option for me now and I am really missing the weight lifting.

If I lift weights on 1/2 cup oatmeal, that will depleat the glycogen for a good cardio workout, but what about the golden rule of drinking that protein shake as soon as you are done lifting, and the other golden rule that it is best not to eat anything for about an hour after cardio as your body will still burn fat.


Any one else have any ideas? What is the bcca thing and where can I get it and how would I use it?

[passthetest]

I always do cardio post workout but I did hear some where that this hinders agains and messes with your recovery. Anyone else here this?

[JJP480]

After I finish my workout there is no way I could give 110% to a cardio session. I can barely walk up the stairs and drive home.
You have heard correct. Many believe that cardio PWO hinders your gains. I guess it all depends on you and your body. Play around with your timing and see what works best for you.
I love doing my cardio AM. I feel so energized and am able to accomplish daily tasks much easier.

[guest589745]

Both should work since you are carb depleted I think

[passthetest]

haha you think? Theres just so many different studies and results on time of day cardio its hard to determine what to go by. Like I've been told by several people that cardio in the morning burns fat while pwo cardio starts to burn muscle. I personally do not agree with this and my body has not reacted in this way at all. It must very person to person. feedback?

[dboy]

i do pre-workout to warm up and get the heart rate up, i used to think it sapped my strength but i'm getting used to it and am losing bf

[JJP480]

True that. Cardio pre-work out gets everything lubed up but it sure zaps the strength.

[Doc.Sust]

IMO it doesnt matter, it comes down to your total calorie intake per day vs total calorie loss. as long as the alories loss is greater than intake, you will lose weight. it is that simple.i think we tend to hold on to the old ways of thinking, just like the theory"dont eat after 8pm,, that doenst matter either, it all depends what time you wake in the morn, what else you ate throughout the day etc etc, again it comes out to calorie intake vs calorie loss

[GreekMonsta]

read this article.... may be a bit long.... but it should help you guys make ur decisions... very good read.

http://www.leehayward.com/am_cardio.htm

GM

[passthetest]

great post thanks greek

[dogfight]

i do pre-workout to warm up and get the heart rate up, i used to think it sapped my strength but i'm getting used to it and am losing bf

if that works for you then great. i just dont see the point in warming up a different energy system. warm up on cardio to weight train(?). good runners warm up with a mile jog or so before they compete not 15 min. in the weight room. but jmho!!

[edgarr]

I am currently doing both, I do 40 mins am cardio on empty 4-5 days a week and then do 20 mins PWO 3-4 days a week. I do take BCAA right after lifting and before cardio in the PM. However in the am I only take Vit-c, should I also take some BCAA right before my am cardio? My routine is I wake up, down a large glass of water, down a cup of coffee (gets the heart rate up), take my vit-c and start cardio 5 mins or so after being awake.