Cardio Timing

[lifterchick]

I've been browsing through a few of the online journals (man, you guys kick some serious butt!!!) and I have a question about the timing of your cardio. Do most of you do it after you lift, early in the AM and then rest/refuel before lifting, or on different days altogether? For 2 years I did cardio in the AM on an empty stomach, showered and ate breakfast, then went to the gym to lift. Over the summer I paid for an online nutrition counselor through Intrafitt (anyone know of them) and started having a small meal prior to cardio to help control my appetite, which was a BIG problem. Any suggestions on how to tweak this?
Thanks,
Lifterchick

Ultimately you need to do what's best for you. I could never stick to doing cardio in the morning on an empty stomach, I'm just worthless until I get some food in me. Right now I do cardio (via speedskating practice) on totally separate days from lifting but in the past I have done cardio AFTER lifting. I would recommend you do cardio on separate days but if not, at least do it AFTER lifting. You really want to save your energy/glycogen stores for lifting cause it's more important to have that energy available for working your muscle groups. And since lifting uses up a lot of glycogen, your body will be more likely to tap into more fat stores once you get to the cardio. Hope this helps. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[sicily1962]

Everyone is different.
Currently I am doing cardio in the morning on an empty stomach.
It works for me.
I have been able to consistently drop a % a week for the past 3wks since i've been back on my contest diet.
Morning cardio, i feel is really mind over matter.
I just get up and drink a couple of cups of coffee and i'm off to the gym.
It's my results that keep me coming back.
I eat a good meal when i get home, of about 550 cals and 60gr of protien and carbs each (approx) and get my day going.
Some totally dissagree w/ this approach, but John Parrillo has been a driving force in my training for years and i believe in his theories. They work for me.

I lift at night and have done some lifting in the morning when i'm in a crunch. But mostly, my morinings are for just flat out burning fat stores.
have a great day!
margie