Fasted Morning Cardio: 5 Tips for Faster and More Effective Results
This topic has been debated so much it’s not even worth arguing about. If you like it?
Do it.
If you are a science nerd that prays to the "calories in, calories out" god, while squatting on the smith machine because its more "optimal"
Then don’t do it.
Quickly, here are some unproven supplements that may aide in your fasted cardio:
- Beta-Alanine
- L-Glutamine
- Citulline Malate
- Yohimbe
- L-Carnitine
- Caffeine
- Essential Amino Acids
Anyways, These are my tips for getting the most out of your fasted cardio.
- Caffeine, if you need it.. consume it an hour before you go to really feel the full benefits
- Hydrate, water is sufficient but isn’t enough. Spice things up with a lil salt and maybe a tinge of lemon or no calorie electrolyte supplement. Dehydration more than likely is the cause of the achy joint or grogginess initially in the morning due to poor hydration status
- Keep it under an hour.
- Keep the intensity low, to utilize free fatty acids for fuel.. the body’s energy systems have preferences, though not one system is solely responsible at one time.
- Understand that fasted cardio doesn’t necessarily equate to fat/weight loss.. you still need to maintain a deficit, but the true benefit maybe in the fact that you create behavioral changes such as movement early on in the day and consequently feeling productive and less likely to make poor eating choices because of it.
Bottom line, like all things fitness.. fasted cardio is another tool in the toolbox. Sure the science behind it may not be perfect, but if it works for you then do it. Just don't abuse or marry the idea because inevitably there will come a time when it may not be as effective or sustainable as it once was.
*I love my science nerds too.