When is the best time to do cardio?
October 15, 2008 by Fitness Tips
Filed under Fat Loss, Fitness Tips
Everyone knows that cardio is important when it comes to fat loss, but one mistake I see repeated over and over is doing cardio at the WRONG time.
Some people do their cardio at night time. Whether it be a brisk jog before bed or a full out high intensity cardio session. Some people just think that getting rid of all their extra energy before bed will ensure a good nights rest, which may be true, however, night time cardio is not best for fat loss.
Others may prefer to do their cardio session before their actual weight training workout. They think that doing their cardio before their workout prepares their body for the upcoming workout and gets their blood flowing. While it is true that a quick cardio session is a great way to warm up and get your blood flowing it is not wise to do a full cardio session before your workout, it is definitely not the best route to take when trying to achieve fat loss.
So.. when is the best time to do cardio?
The best time to do cardio is in the morning or after your workout. Why?… your glycogen stores are depleted at these times.
What is Glycogen? Glycogen is carbohydrates that are stored in your muscles. 
Upon waking up your glycogen stores are depleted so when you begin your cardio, what do you think you are mainly burning off as energy? FAT which results in what we ultimately want.. fat loss.
After a vigorous workout your glycogen stores are also depleted. So when you head over to the treadmill after your workout your body is going to be tapping into your fat stores for energy since the glycogen stores have been used as energy for your workout. How many of you, by the time you are done working out can barley make it through 15minutes of cardio? Well imagine doing a vigorous carido session and then going over to the weights and trying to hold a big heavy dumbbell over your head. I hope you’ve got it in you! because it wouldn’t be a pretty site to see that weight come crashing down on your head, talk about “Skull Crushers”.
So thats it! The best time to do cardio, in my experience and many of the people that I know, is first thing in the morning (before you eat!) or after your workout. If you have any additional tips I’d love to hear them so leave a comment!
I’ve always heard different theories about when the right time to do cardio is, but i never really exercised in the morning or after a hard workout due to my belief that it didn’t matter the time to start my cardio. You have an easy to understand blog about why it is better to run in the morning or after a workout. This is something i will be adding to my routine. I will post a second comment in another week if i see and feel improvement. Thanks for the tip!
I’ve always been the one to run at night because i’m either to lazy in the morning or just don’t have time. I grab myself a quick fix breakfast and i’m out the door. Usually when i go and workout at the gym, i head straight for the cardio machines trying to work off that fat. I’ve noticed no improvement just that i seem to struggle with my weight lifting ability. I’ll definately keep your article in mind when im at the gym tomorrow. Thanks for the help. Keep me posted on any other advice. I’ll let you know in a few weeks how this one has helped me.