[jeff.holmes]

I've been noticing that although my weight training is going good, my midsection is not losing any mass, but just firming up. I've been advised to start doing cardio 3 times a week for about 20 each session but am getting conflicting stories on when do to it. I was always told to start off with cardio before I eat early in the morning (that's when I work out) then I have my frist meal and then lift, but a couple of guys who were advising me on doign cardio are now saying I should do it AFTER I lift. I'll admit, I'm not a big cardio freak so my knowledge on it is limited. What do you advise, before or after?

[flex270]

The best time is in the morning on an empty stomach, but like me you work out in the morning so it basically eliminates that option. SO the next best time is after weight trainning because thats when your glycogen levels will be depleted and your body will have to burn fat for fuel. If you do cardio before lifting you will negatively effect your weight training.

[old geezer]

Jeff I hope you've found some reading material that can answer most questions.This recent question is one that gets confusing answers.It is true that doing cardio with no fuel in the tank will get the body to the fat fuel quicker.Keep in mind that one loses weight by buring more cals than one takes in.Simple huh!!. If you do cardio at 5am then eat 5k cals at 10 am,get the picture. Interval cardio training is the best to raise your basal metabolism.The goal of cardio is to increase the rate that your body burns fuel, and strenghten your cardio system.Increasing muscle mass will burn more cals than doing cardio. Google basal metabolism get the 411 on cardio.

[jeff.holmes]

I've been doing cardio now after the lifting and already have taken off 5 pounds. I'll be honest, I've never been used to cardio. I was always attracted to lifting if anything. Now, I'm more into lifting because I'm no longer playhing football, but even then cardio wasn't on top of my list and I used to make fun of those who did it. What goes around comes around I guess. lol

[dhartnet]

Guys,

I lift at 7 AM, 4 days a week. Now that Im old (42) I started regular cardio. I find it works best after my weight workouts.

I only do 20 mins. each time, at a decent pace, not too fast. (4.0 on the Dreadmill). Ive dropped 13 lbs. since Christmas, that is really the only thing I've changed. (3 more lbs. and Im at where I feel (and look) my best). I guess it depends on preference...


Dave

[pumpputnam]

jeff.holmes wrote:

I've been noticing that although my weight training is going good, my midsection is not losing any mass, but just firming up. I've been advised to start doing cardio 3 times a week for about 20 each session but am getting conflicting stories on when do to it. I was always told to start off with cardio before I eat early in the morning (that's when I work out) then I have my frist meal and then lift, but a couple of guys who were advising me on doign cardio are now saying I should do it AFTER I lift. I'll admit, I'm not a big cardio freak so my knowledge on it is limited. What do you advise, before or after?

It really depends how lean you want to get and how lean you already are.

In the mornings is recommend if you were prepping for a show, especially as you get closer. But after you train is fine as well, epecially if you aren't trying to get shredded.

[jameschavis21]

you really dont need to do cardio 3 times a day cause you will be looking at yourself and your muscles will be leaving you

[FITSOLE]

Go to fit day ,com and start keeping a food log. It tells you how many calories you consume and how many you should burn a day based on activity level, age ,height, weight. Just consume less calories a day than you eat ( about 500 less a day) That will add up to about 3500 a week which is what is recommened by the NSCA to lose 1 lb of body fat. You may have to switch it up a little as everyone is different. I got shredded for summer doing absolutely no cardio. I do have a lot of lean body mass though which helps you burn more calories. You did not specify if you were trying to gain muscle or get ripped. I would need more information to help you better. Send me a message if you want more detailed info.