Does Cardio Work on An Empty Stomach?

This is another myth about working out and most people don't know the right answer.
When I started working out for the very first time many years ago, one of the most widespread theories about working out was that doing cardio on an empty stomach in the morning would burn fat 3 times faster.

After sleeping for about 6 to 8 hours at night your glycogen level reduces since your body needs it for various body functions. The theory is if you do cardio in the morning while fasted, your belly fat will be burnt instead of carbohydrate store. However, this theory is more like a myth than reality.

If you think logically you will understand that doing cardio in the morning while fasted will make you nauseous. You will feel like throwing up or passing out and I can bet you would not want to feel like this while working out. Besides, most people can't perform optimally in the morning with low energy levels in the morning. If you are a morning person, you can try it out, but if you are a night owl you'll be just having hard times in waking up in the morning and workout.

I admit that sometimes you can reduce tummy fat in the morning while you are in a fasted state, but there is a risk that you might lose your muscles as well which you achieved after working so hard. And if you are going to do intense cardio which requires a lot of energy and stamina, it's going to be tough for you to continue while in a fasted state.

So When It Should Be Done?

In most cases working out in the morning is recommended because it's going to prevent you from making unnecessary excuses to stay away from workouts during other times of the day. If you workout in the morning you are more likely to end up doing workout in the later parts of the day as well. Besides, you will feel fresh and can focus on your work if you breathe fresh air in the morning.

But if you are a night worker, then, waking up in the morning and working out isn't a good idea for you. You can have intense workout in the afternoon or early evening.

In case you are a morning person and want to do some hardcore cardio, never do it while in a fasted state. What you can do is eat some light breakfast containing protein and little amount of carbs and then workout. You can have your big breakfast after doing cardio.

Remember, doing cardio while fasted might cause more harm than good and I highly recommend avoiding it.
If you want to know more about it, search on the web or consult a local physician.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ghulam_Saber

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...