Cardio in the AM, Heart Rate, and Fat loss

[HodgeMN]

Read an article recently that reffered to studies indicating that if you do cardio in the morning (i.e. on an empty stomach with little or no carbs available for fuel), your body will use body-fat for fuel if you exercise at 65% of max heart rate. The article went on to say that if you go over the 65% mark you risk burning muscle. Thought I would post here for opinions on this. I currently do cardio, at around 85% of max heart rate, for 35 minutes. I am thinking I might need to tone this down some.

 

[sawastea]

I agree with that article...

You do have another option, but it's adviseable to consume some protein/carbs beforehand and that is HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training...

http://www.musclemedia.com/training/hiit.asp
http://www.13thpower.net/interval_training.htm

 

[Senior Woonaki]

do you guys trust the hear rate monitors on the machines? Just wondering....

 

[HodgeMN]

I use mine and it is pretty accurate. I have compared its readings to taking my own pulse rate with a stopwatch.

 

[SoreArms]

I agree with that article...

You do have another option, but it's adviseable to consume some protein/carbs beforehand and that is HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training...

http://www.musclemedia.com/training/hiit.asp
http://www.13thpower.net/interval_training.htm

Thanks for those links sawastea

I've been wanting to incorporate some morning cardio into my routine and HIIT sounds perfect since I can't seem to wake up in time for a 45 min. jog in the morning.

 

[LeanforLife]

so 220-age x .65 is the optimal heart rate for fat loss?

 

[HodgeMN]

+ or - 10% of that number. Anyhow, that would be the rate on an empty stomach.

 

[George Spellwin]

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