Fasted or Fed Cardio? How to Choose What's Right For You.

When it comes to cardio there are many option to choose from:

 running, spinning, swimming, HIIT training, and more.  Incorporating cardio into your routine is important as it provides physical and psychological benefits. 

A question to consider is: when is a good time for me to get my cardio in? 

We all have different schedules and if you have a preferred time for cardio that fits best in your schedule, thats great! There is no need to change your current schedule if it is working for you.

If you are trying to decide whether you are an "early bird" exerciser (first thing in the morning) or a later in the afternoon exerciser, these factors can be important in deciding what aligns best with your goals. No matter the time of exercise, it is a wonderful thing to do. Please keep that in mind as you read. 

FASTED CARDIO: Working out first thing, without having eaten since the night before is known as fasted cardio. For someone that feels uncomfortable exercising with food in the stomach and does not have goals related to muscle building, this can be a great option. In fasted cardio, your body does not have "free energy" from food in your stomach and therefore taps into your reserves. When your body reaches for its reserve, it breaks down muscle tissue. If you are someone who has muscle building goals, consider taking a BCAA if you enjoy fasted cardio. Studies show that BCAAs can protect your muscles during fasted cardio.

FED CARDIO: Fed cardio occurs when you exercise after eating. Fed cardio can work well if you need to exercise in the afternoons. A benefit of fed cardio is that you have "free energy" to tap into. This can give your body more energy during your workout. Because the energy is readily available, your body does not have to tap into its reserves and therefore your muscles do not experience the same breakdown as fasted cardio. For individuals who have sensitive stomachs, fed cardio can make one feel nauseated. Other times it can lead to uncomfortable cramping.

I choose fed cardio because it works for my schedule and goals. I work out in the afternoon (that's the time I have in my day to give to the gym) and I am currently working to build more muscle mass. Just because this works for me, it may not work for you! Consider some knowledge you have about your own life: your schedule, your personal preference regarding time to exercise, and your overall fitness goals. 

Always happen to chat more if you have questions! 

Fasted or Fed... Enjoy your cardio!