Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below I just started to do cardio after my lifting. My lifting usually last about an hour sometimes more. My question is : is it a good to down a recovery drink or protein shake right after lifting then do my cardio. Because if i lift do cardio by the time i get home i have lost the "Anabolic Window"??????????????????
The Anabolic Window
- Thread starter madrid
- Start date
Thaibox
New member
I would say that you'd have to take it after your lift. But, If you slam enough carbs and protein for your post workout drink to be effective, you might toss it during cardio. I haven't ever thought of the negative effects of cardio on concurrent metabolism of protein(post workout). Then, the added demands of the cardio would change the window and requirements. I thought I could help, but I guess I was just thinking out loud. 
DrBones
New member
I would like to know more about this too...
I usually lift for 45-1hour and then do 40-45 min of cardio...
By the time I get home to get a shake (usually 10 min after the cardio) I can feel my body just starving for nutrients... My pump from my workout is completely gone...
On another note, I've been doing this for about three weeks now and all of my lifts have still been going up... I got a new stretch mark, and I have managed to keep the same body weight while simultaneously dropping fat. I think I'm having some extra hormones show up from somewhere because I've been noticing a lot of pimples showing up... which I normally don't get...
But I would be very interested in knowing weather it would be good to bring my drink to the gym.
Only problem I see with having a shake before cardio is that it is going to replace some of the glycogen you just burnt off, and your body may use it for fuel instead of frying the fat...
Thanks
ryan
I usually lift for 45-1hour and then do 40-45 min of cardio...
By the time I get home to get a shake (usually 10 min after the cardio) I can feel my body just starving for nutrients... My pump from my workout is completely gone...
On another note, I've been doing this for about three weeks now and all of my lifts have still been going up... I got a new stretch mark, and I have managed to keep the same body weight while simultaneously dropping fat. I think I'm having some extra hormones show up from somewhere because I've been noticing a lot of pimples showing up... which I normally don't get...
But I would be very interested in knowing weather it would be good to bring my drink to the gym.
Only problem I see with having a shake before cardio is that it is going to replace some of the glycogen you just burnt off, and your body may use it for fuel instead of frying the fat...
Thanks
ryan
Thaibox
New member
45 minutes of post lift cardio is a long time. Figuring the actual time of the intake would be around an hour, you definately lost the window. I believe that the post lift protein/carb intake is the most important of the day. Wouldn't a better choice be to simply follow the morning cardio theory? Even pre-workout would be a better choice right?
DrBones
New member
Morning cardio is just not an option for me.... I have a VERY hard time waking up really early.
The benefit to doing it post workout in my opinion(when cutting) is that virtually all of my glycogen stores will be gone, which will obviously allow my body to convert more fat to enegy. I'm in a cutting phase right now... so I'm not too concerned if I don't pack on very much muscle, I bulked really hard for 3 months and really need to shed a few of those extra pounds that were the results of the loads and loads of extra calories.
Will it still be possible to gain any lbm while training this way?
If not, can I at least maintain the muscle I have with very vigorous training?
Thanks
Ryan
The benefit to doing it post workout in my opinion(when cutting) is that virtually all of my glycogen stores will be gone, which will obviously allow my body to convert more fat to enegy. I'm in a cutting phase right now... so I'm not too concerned if I don't pack on very much muscle, I bulked really hard for 3 months and really need to shed a few of those extra pounds that were the results of the loads and loads of extra calories.
Will it still be possible to gain any lbm while training this way?
If not, can I at least maintain the muscle I have with very vigorous training?
Thanks
Ryan
post workout cardio
This year I have been experimenting with post workout cardio and I found that:
20 minutes of medium intensity is perfect for me during the bulking phase, not to burn existing fat but merely preventing addtional fat depositing while packing on muscle. A slight extra raise in BMR is sufficient and won't hinder gains....
More than that will hinder serious gains for me, less than that will pack on mass, but with 20 minutes it's quality mass if you know what i mean......
40 minutes post-workout cardio while in the cutting fase. Provided you do take the proteine shake immedialtely after weights, your pre-elevated BMR can profit from the additional cardio to burn the fat faster than you lose muscle while cutting...
This year I have been experimenting with post workout cardio and I found that:
20 minutes of medium intensity is perfect for me during the bulking phase, not to burn existing fat but merely preventing addtional fat depositing while packing on muscle. A slight extra raise in BMR is sufficient and won't hinder gains....
More than that will hinder serious gains for me, less than that will pack on mass, but with 20 minutes it's quality mass if you know what i mean......
40 minutes post-workout cardio while in the cutting fase. Provided you do take the proteine shake immedialtely after weights, your pre-elevated BMR can profit from the additional cardio to burn the fat faster than you lose muscle while cutting...
MrMakaveli
New member
I cant find the original post by lyle Mcdonald on M.W.F but anyway here is a summary: If you use fat during cardio..sugar will be used after. Burn sugar during = fat after. Energy balance from the two sources always evens out (thats why morning cardio isnt as effective as everyone thinks it is).
louden_swain
New member
Liquid amino acids would be suitable. 3 tablespoons of this stuff should do the trick. It would be extremely easy to digest.
Post workout Refuel:
3 tablespoons of liquid Amino Acids
1 quart of gatorade
Post workout Refuel:
3 tablespoons of liquid Amino Acids
1 quart of gatorade
WannaBPowerful
New member
WOW thats a good question. I know it is better to get the protein and carbs in you quickly too. Bulking, i wouldnt do any cardio at all, itl just cut into the carbs n protein you are using to grow. Cutting, id go with 15min WALK pre workout, have an intense workout, andmaybe 10min WALK after workout. Plus if your cutting, cardio on an empty stomach in the morning is a MUST.
