When is the Best Time to do Cardio?
Morning or Night? Pre or Post Workout? Separate Days? Which is best?
There are advantages and disadvantages to each choice, let’s figure out which is best for YOU
When is the Best Time to do Cardio?
We get asked all the time, when is the best time to do cardio?
Will I get better results if I train in the morning or at night? Pre or Post Workout? Or on a separate day?
There are advantages and disadvantages to every choice, but deciding what’s best for you is a personal thing and only discovered by trial and error.
What about Fasted Morning Cardio? Doing cardio first thing when you wake up, before you eat or drink anything.
Yes, this can work for some people. You won’t know until you try it out. Some feel lighter and more energetic on an empty tank. You might feel lethargic and low energy, therefore get a sub par workout. If you despise getting up early and this causes you to go into your workout with a bad attitude then I’d say you’re better off getting that extra 30 mins of sleep and waking up a happier person.
Even though there might be a slight advantage of burning a higher percentage of fat with your digestive system on empty, it’s not worth it if you end up hating life and feeling miserable. The biggest advantage here is that fewer excuses will get in your way stopping your from getting it done. Morning exercisers tend to be the most consistent.
How about Pre-Lifting Cardio? (as a warm up)?
This can work for some as well, but If the cardio is intense & duration is long, then your workout will suffer & you may not build as much muscle as you want to. If you keep it short just to save energy for your workout then you may not get the kind of results you’re looking for by doing cardio anyway. If you don’t mind dripping sweat and feeling exhausted during your lifting workout then go for it, but if you are seriously trying to build muscle and find that pre-lifting cardio is standing in your way then choose another time.
Post-Lifting Cardio? – This is the BEST time in my opinion. There really are no big disadvantages here. The great thing about doing your cardio post-lift is that you can really empty the tank, using the last drop of your energy and going all-out! The other great thing is that you’re already in your gym clothes, already sweaty, so you might as well get it done! I find it easier to talk myself into some cardio after I’ve finished my lifting session.
Another great option is to do it completely separate from lifting… so either on separate days or about 2 hours before or after eating or doing any other type of workout. This is really the best of all worlds, because you won’t be too full or too hungry, you’ll be full of energy and be able to give your cardio your full focus and attention. If you don’t enjoy 2-a-days then try doing cardio on your non-lifting days.
At the end of the day, the best time is really ANY time that you ACTUALLY DO IT.
There’s no use in stressing about the best time if you’re not even doing cardio at all!
The best advice I can give you is do your cardio whenever you feel like it & don’t wait around for the “best time”.
To check out our programs that include “cardio finishers” at the end, join us at TeamLiveLean.com, this month’s “Transformer” program guides you step by step through my favorite way to train for fat loss and building a lean sexy body.
Thanks for your comments, & KEEP! Living Lean!
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