Morning workouts and fat loss

[jpjchild]

Greetings

Im currently a BSc student and much prefer doing workouts very early in the morning (about 5 a.m).

Theres been much debate on the effect of fasted cardio first thing in the morning and many fitness models and trainers have concluded it is rather effective for most efficient fat loss.

It is also a concluded fact that combined strength training with cardio is also of great importance. Im having trouble though trying to fit fasted cardio and strength training into daily routine. I figured there are the following solutions (not without negative effect):


1. One could do there fasted cardio in the morning and then return to gym
later for weight lifting - but that would require going to gym twice a day and be rather difficult.

2. One could separate cardio days with weight lifting days - but that would mean there is limited cardio days and increased gyming days.

3. One could do both in the morning - but that would shorten and tire both cardio and weight lifting per day, and cardio would not be fasted (fuel needed for weight training), and it increases workout time.

Could anyone please maybe make a suggestion bearing in mind that the workouts are first thing in the morning and fat loss with lean muscle retention is main goal. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Im kinda new to this, so please excuse any false facts.

thanks

[sameey70]

Any combination you select is fine, but do not exercise (cardio or weight train) without eating a snack first which should be primarily carbohydrate and some protein. I work out at 5:30-6:30 am M-F and 9-10am on most Saturdays. It is difficult for some people to eat that early in the morning, but exercising on empty will cause your body to breakdown protein stores which is converted to glycogen for energy.....you will not burn primarily fat. Remember, the pre workout snack is to raise blood sugar and keep you from being hungry, it doesn't have as much an effect on energy level as does consistent carbohydrate intake. Remember to drink water as well.

[SarahPT]

I just posted this in another post, so I hope you don't mind if I copy and paste.

A small bit more fat is burned by doing cardio on an empty stomach. However, those who do cardio on an empty stomach tend to be hungrier throughout the day and often wind out eating more. Of course this is counter productive. Quality of cardio is also less when done on an empty stomach.

Strength training first thing in the morning puts you at risk for injury. I don't recommend it. If you chose to do it warm up thoroughly.

Sarah