How Effective Is Cardio On An Empty Stomach?

Many people are under the illusion that working out on an empty stomach helps the body to burn fat up to three times faster than when executing the exercises after eating. But is this actually the case? After sleeping for six to eight hours, the body’s glycogen levels drop as your body uses it for various bodily functions. The myth surrounding cardio is that if you perform it while the body is still in fasting mode, the stomach fat will be burnt instead of the body’s carbohydrate store.

Understandably, exercising on an empty stomach causes you to feel nauseous and dizzy. It also means that your body won’t be performing at its best, as your energy levels will be too low. There is a risk while working out in a fasted state that you will lose the muscle definition that you’ve worked hard to achieve, as the body may use muscle as an energy source. Cardio is an intense and demanding exercise, so your body needs to be well fueled in order to provide the energy and stamina it requires.

Morning workouts are generally encouraged as it stops you from making excuses later in the day – your body is also well rested after sleeping, so you have more focus and drive that after working during the day. Research has shown that if you work out in the morning, you’re more likely to work out later in the day as well, so you’ll benefit from regular exercise. If you’re an outside exerciser, the fresh morning air can be a great way to wake up and set the day off in the right frame of mind. If you’re a night worker though, working out in the morning may be a bit too intense for your body. It is advised that you opt for a light breakfast which is rich in protein and a small amount of carbohydrates, so as your body has plenty of nutrients to work with during the session.