Is Fasted Cardio Pointless?

Fasted cardio has been a topic of debate in the fitness community for quite some time now. Some argue that it's the ultimate fat loss tool, while others dismiss it as a waste of time. So, what's the deal? Can fasted cardio really help us reach our fat loss goals or is it just another fad?

 

First of all, let's define fasted cardio. This refers to performing cardio in a fasted state, meaning that you haven't eaten anything for a certain period of time before your cardio session. The idea behind this is that, in a fasted state, the body will be more likely to use fat as fuel instead of carbohydrates. This is because when you haven't eaten for a while, the body's stored carbohydrate (glycogen) levels drop and the body starts to break down fat stores to use as energy.

 

Fuel

 

Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate that is stored in the liver and muscles. It is the primary source of energy for the body during high-intensity exercise. When you eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose and stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When you exercise, the body uses glycogen as fuel, which is why it is important to consume carbohydrates before and during long duration or high-intensity exercise.

 

However, when glycogen stores are depleted, the body will turn to fat as an energy source. This is why fasted cardio is often recommended for fat loss. When you haven't eaten for a while, the body's glycogen levels drop, and it is more likely to start breaking down fat stores for energy. However, it is important to note that the body will always use a mix of fat and carbohydrates for energy, regardless of whether you're in a fasted or fed state.

 

Fat Loss

 

However, when we talk about fat loss, it's important to note that the body doesn't just magically start burning fat when you start exercising. The body will always use a mix of fat and carbohydrates for energy, regardless of whether you're in a fasted or fed state. The key to fat loss is creating a calorie deficit, which means burning more calories than you take in. And whether you're doing cardio in a fasted state or not, as long as you're creating that calorie deficit, you'll see results.

 

To burn fat, it's important to create a calorie deficit. This means burning more calories than you take in. One way to do this is through cardio exercise, which helps to increase the number of calories burned. However, it's important to note that weight training is also important for fat loss, as it helps to build muscle mass, which in turn increases the number of calories burned at rest. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn, even when you're not exercising.

 

So What’s The Deal?

 

Now, before you go and dismiss fasted cardio as pointless, hear us out. Fasted cardio can be a great way to switch up your cardio routine and add some variety to your training. Plus, let's be real, there's something pretty badass about hitting the treadmill before you've even had your morning coffee. But, it's important to remember that fasted cardio is not a magic bullet.

 

It's also important to note that performing cardio in a fasted state can have some drawbacks. One of the main concerns is that it can lead to muscle loss. When you're in a fasted state, the body will break down muscle tissue to use as energy if it doesn't have enough stored carbohydrates. This is why it's important to make sure you're getting enough protein in your diet to support muscle growth and repair.

 

On the other hand, weightlifting is still the best way to build muscle and burn fat. We're not saying you should skip cardio altogether, but if your main goal is fat loss, you should focus on lifting weights and building muscle. This will increase your overall calorie expenditure, and help you burn fat even when you're not working out. Weightlifting also helps in maintaining muscle mass which helps in burning calories even when you are not working out.

 

Takeaways

 

In conclusion, fasted cardio can be a helpful tool in your fat loss arsenal, but it's not a game changer. As always, the key to success lies in consistency and creating a calorie deficit. Stick to a consistent training and diet plan, and you'll be well on your way to reaching your fat loss goals. And remember, whether you're doing fasted cardio or not, always lift heavy, bro. Make sure you are consuming enough protein to support muscle growth and repair and that you are not losing muscle mass while trying to lose fat.