Weights/cardio on an empty stomach! To do or not to do, that is the question!

[MrSkinny]

I've heard mixed messages in regards to burning fat when doing cardio on an empty stomach. What are your thoughts? How about training on an empty stomach? I know that when training intensely you can burn massive amounts of fat. Even more than cardio (So I've heard)

 

[JJFigure]

Downside is you might pass out while training. It all depends on how well your body handles training on an empty stomach. If you have a tendency to feel faint after training on an empty stomach, you eat a small protein/fat meal before.

Some things you just have to try.

 

[Mr.X]

I've heard mixed messages in regards to burning fat when doing cardio on an empty stomach. What are your thoughts? How about training on an empty stomach? I know that when training intensely you can burn massive amounts of fat. Even more than cardio (So I've heard)

Training on an empty stomach will promote metabolic increases, such as T3-T4 conversion. However, no fatloss will be achieved w/ training. Thus, I would suggest cardio instead of training due to underlying issues like the possibility of passing out and health risks.

Mr.X

 

[Cuts]

I sometimes train in the mornings on an empty stomach... it has it's pluses and it's minuses...

+s: -get training out of the way early so it doesn't interfere with your day/your day doesn't interfere with it -no traffic -get a badass morning high & feel great afterwards -burns more fat than training later

-s: -markedly decreased energy levels/strength vs. later day training -risk of passing out (I haven't yet, but I came close a couple times) -gotta wake up at some ungodly hours (I'd get up at 4:30am)

I've recently switched back to afternoon maintenance workouts combined with daily AM-empty stomach cardio (at home)... I think if you have this much time to spare, this is the best combo for fat loss with muscle maintenance. good luck

 

[FitFossil]

I do both. In the morning, first I weight train, then I do cardio. I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but it works for my particular goals and my schedule. I have good energy throughout the day, my strength continues to increase, as does my running speed and endurance. I stay lean year round on a maintenance diet. I don't compete though, and am not looking to gain maximum muscle, just enough to keep me fit and active in my old age.

If I were training to build maximum muscle, I'd probably eat before training and lift later in the day, and just do cardio by itself in the morning. I've tried training after I've eaten, and I always feel sluggish, like there's a brick in my stomach - even eating something really light. I don't notice any improvements in strength either. Sometimes I used to feel hungry/light-headed w/ my morning empty-stomach routine, but it doesn't bother me anymore.

 

[JJFigure]

With my work schedule, I have to train first thing in the am (5:30a - earliest my gym opens). I usually don't eat, just because I don't feel like eating that early. I train heavy (no cardio though), and seem to be okay as long as I limit the length of my lift. I should drink a little protein before, but so far (knock on wood) I've been able to handle it. I still prefer my weekend training though, which I do after I've eaten.

 

[MkZk]

if u ate well the night before, you'll be fine training on an empty stomach