What's more important immediately post workout?

[Igifuno]

Typically after working out in the AM, I'll do 30 mins of cardio. I also know that it's imperative to consume a post workout meal in an effort to maximize muscle growth, etc no more than 20 mins post workout.

I have somewhat of a flexible schedule, and I'm wondering if its best to do cardio right after the workout, or if I should leave, eat, and just do cardio later in the day? Does cardio count as the "workout" or is it more important to consume the meal within 20 mins of the actual resistance training?

Thx,

IG

[FireGuy]

Do your cardio immediately PWO, you are not going to miss your "anabolic window" by knocking out cardio.

[Igifuno]

Awesome, that's what I needed to know FireGuy1. Thanks very much...

IG

[Igifuno]

Do your cardio immediately PWO, you are not going to miss your "anabolic window" by knocking out cardio.

Another question for you. Its widely belived that the best time to do cardio is in the AM, pre-1st meal. My questions is this: does that statement hold true for weight lifting as well? For example, if I intend on doing cardio at the end of my weight training, should I not eat until after my entire workout?

What I've been doing is getting to the gym in the AM, eating a protien bar, weights, cardio, then home and 1st "meal".

What do you think?

IG

[YoungGunsNY]

A protein bar's where you're losing me...

[Mr.Rose]

No I believe it does not hold for heavy resistance training. People favor AM cardio because your body is already depleted in its glycogen stores, forcing it to favor fat for energy, or so the theory states.

Without adequate glycogen for heavy resistance training your muscles will not have fuel to execute the required movements. I would recommend a high quality meal before weights, and again after.

I believe a protein bar on it's own may not be sufficient energy for heavy lifts, considering your more than likely going to burn 400-800 calories during the lifts.

[FireGuy]

No I believe it does not hold for heavy resistance training. People favor AM cardio because your body is already depleted in its glycogen stores, forcing it to favor fat for energy, or so the theory states.

Without adequate glycogen for heavy resistance training your muscles will not have fuel to execute the required movements. I would recommend a high quality meal before weights, and again after.

I believe a protein bar on it's own may not be sufficient energy for heavy lifts, considering your more than likely going to burn 400-800 calories during the lifts.

What he said...

[gettingthere]

Sorry to hijack this thread, i just though it wouldnt be worth starting another thread!!

My question is, i workout, then at the end of the workout im going to do 20mins cardio so i can burn some body fat!! do i take the protein shake in between finishing workout and starting cardio or after the$ cardio?

[RED26]

Sorry to hijack this thread, i just though it wouldnt be worth starting another thread!!

My question is, i workout, then at the end of the workout im going to do 20mins cardio so i can burn some body fat!! do i take the protein shake in
between finishing workout and starting cardio or after the$ cardio?

After the cardio. If you're worried about muscle catabolism you can sip some BCAA'S, but taking a protein shake would interfere with lypolisis. (And I guess that's the reason you're doing cardio in the first place... to burn fat)

[gettingthere]

Ya that was what i was thinking, cheers mate

[FireGuy]

After the cardio. If you're worried about muscle catabolism you can sip some BCAA'S, but taking a protein shake would interfere with lypolisis. (And I guess that's the reason you're doing cardio in the first place... to burn fat)

X2, what he said... It's boring around here when everyone starts giving solid advice.

[6ft5]

What if someone doesn't eat before morning workout and lifts for 45 min. Would a person need a protien shake before cardio. Maybe a low carb w bcaa. Carbs after cardio. Then meal one hour after. ??

[FireGuy]

I would do everything in my power to avoid working out first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I need a minimum of 3-5 meals in me before I do any weight training. If that were the only time I could train I would wake up 2 hours earlier and slam a protein and carb drink then go back to bed then hit the gym 2 hours later.

[6ft5]

I would do everything in my power to avoid working out first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I need a minimum of 3-5 meals in me before I do any weight training. If that were the only time I could train I would wake up 2 hours earlier and slam a protein and carb drink then go back to bed then hit the gym 2 hours later.

That's what I would do too. I got a bud who lifts in the morn. I told him I throw it out there and get a gooood answer. Thanks dude! I'm a firm beliver never lift hungry. My perfect time is 7pm or any other time after breakfast.

[Igifuno]

6ft5/FireGuy1.. good input, really appreciated. So, in essence, if one has to workout in the AM.. the ideal plan would be:

Eat meal #1
Hit Gym, weights then cardio
Eat meal #2

By the time you're done lifting, you've pretty much depleted the energy from meal # 1 so you'd be able to capture some of the benefits of doing cardio first thing in the AM on an empty stomach, ya?

IG

[taiboxa]

i do resistance training at 3:40am in the morning before work.. w/ no prob.. i have a quality pro/fat/carb meal before bed goto bed wake up.. drink my aminos, w/ vitamin C additives and go hit it hard.. i have had 0 issues w/ this routine.

[Igifuno]

Thanks tai for the response. I've had good progress so far with just a protien bar in the AM before resistance and cardio but I'm so ready to eat by the time I get done. In addition to the protien I'll take L-glutamine as well but that's really been it. I'm going to try meal #1 before the workout though to see how it fairs... I've been nose to the grindstone and have put on 10lbs naturally over the past several weeks, I'm thinking I could put on a few more perhaps if I do meal #1 pre and meal #2 post work out. That way I've got 2 meals in prior to 10:30am..

IG

[6ft5]

I've been helpin a few people out in everyday life. My guy I'm talkin about. He's been workn out solid for 8mo no prior exp real green but so dedicated. He has put on like 25 lbs, got muscles popin out that he never knew he had, gained 3 inch in each arm, has grown sum wings. And is flying his way to happyness. I'm happy for him. Almost all his gains are from am workouts with 20g pro and sum jack3d pre workout. I'm switchen him up alitle for greater gains. I finally got him to eat more too. This guys growing like sum weed. I'm glad I found someone who I can see 1st hand results w 100% dedication. All natty. I wish hed cut down on sets