Best time for cardio? - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

mikemanus32 · 10-23-2006, 09:23 PM

Hey, wanted to know when the best time to do cardio is. I have a to leave for school at 7:30 and I would like to do it before, but its just so hard for me to get up at 5:30 to run. Is it not effective to do it at about 4:00?, because thats when I get home from school...the only problem is that I am way tired after school and I never feel like doing it. For some reason it feels like that If I dont do it in the morning, I'm never gonna loose weight, I dont know why I feel that way but w/e. Does anyone have a suggestion for me?.thanks.

Willapp · 10-24-2006, 03:21 AM

Doing it at 4pm is fine. The only benefit of doing it first thing in the morning is that you won't have eaten, so I believe there is a slightly greater potential for fat burning during this time.

However, providing you don't eat immediately before running at 4pm, it will definitely benefit you. Once you start running you will probably find you have more energy to keep doing it, as you get fitter.

MaxOT26 · 10-24-2006, 06:50 AM

I am guessing you are in high school which means you are still very young. If you are having problems with your weight, focus on your diet. I am not saying don't exercise, but if you are over weight exercise is NOT the cure-all and at your age especially, a few dietary changes can make all the difference. You should not be to tired when you get home from school. Doing cardio then is fine. But again, really focus on your diet.

tim905 · 10-24-2006, 09:33 AM

Hi,but is it ok to exercise on an empty stomach ,some guys told me if you do that you will burn your muscles insted of fat is this true.

MaxOT26 · 10-24-2006, 06:55 PM

Your body is rather complex in terms of what it burns for fuel, and when. Doing cardio on an empty stomach has ZERO scientific credibility. For one, the amount of fat a person burns during cardiovascular exercise is very minimal. A general estimate: one pound of fat can supply your body with enough fuel to run between 35-45 miles. Take into consideration that your body will never exclusively burn fat at any intensity level higher then reading a book or writing a letter. Your body will burn a mixture of glycogen(which on an empty stomach will come from the liver and the muscles) and fat. The ratio at which it selects its fuel will basicly be determined on exercise intensity and exercise duration as well how nutritionally prepared your body is.

Get out of the mind-set of doing cardio to "burn" fat. Use cardio with a calorie controlled diet to help maintain a calorie deficit and to help boost your metabolism, which will be the ultimate regulator when it comes to fat gain and fat loss.