do i really need carbs on a cut before I workout?

[juggernaut]

I'm on a cut. I workout first thing in the AM @ 4am. I usually eat oats and whey right an hour before I train. Is it really necessary to get those carbs in? I was thinking of just taking in a whey drink of 40g with 2 cups of coffee. My thinking is that instead of going through the glycogen stores it cuts immediately to bodyfat since I havent eaten any carbs since the day before. I also want to do to this so that I dont have to waste my time and hopefully get a 1/2 hour more of sleep.

 

[WetSock52]

Depends what type of cardio you do as well. If you're doing high intensity cardio you absolutely need carbs in order to provide adequate glycogen to complete the workout. Unlike lower intensity cardio, high intensity burns calories AFTER the exercise so don't worry about tapping into your fat stores during your session.

However, if you are performing low to medium intensity exercise you should perform on an empty stomach preferably first thing in the morning. The effectiveness of low and medium intensity exercise is the calorie burn DURING the workout. You want to ensure fat is being burned and not the food in your stomach which is why it should be performed on an empty stomach.

-Dan

 

[WetSock52]

Oh yeah, love the Homer Simpson Divinci-man pic you have as your avatar.

 

[PreMier]

i would still drink a protein shake, or some sort of bcaa drink. remember the body is an effecient machine, and will use what fuel is available to it. muscle is burned before fat in most cases

 

[juggernaut]

yeah...the hiit training that I'm doing made me question the motive of using carbs beforehand. Guess I could reduce the carbs somewhat just to get a small portion to do the job that needs to be done.

 

[juggernaut]

Oh yeah, love the Homer Simpson Divinci-man pic you have as your avatar.

 

[danzik17]

Don't think I'd survive a workout without some carbs before it.

 

[Delusional]

whoah..so you wake up at 3 in the morning?

 

[juggernaut]

have to: I get up, train, teach own a gym and a cafe (which I am getting rid of-anyone want to buy it??) and make time for my family.
It's a good life.

 

[juggernaut]

Don't think I'd survive a workout without some carbs before it.

i've done in the past, I just only really started doing HIIT full time now, without the slow and steady aerobics. What a difference it made.

 

[Delusional]

have to: I get up, train, teach own a gym and a cafe (which I am getting rid of-anyone want to buy it??) and make time for my family.
It's a good life.

what time do you go to bed? how do you get a good nights sleep?

 

[juggernaut]

what time do you go to bed? how do you get a good nights sleep?

8:30, I hit the sack, read for about a half hour, nod off at 9-sleep ridiculously well and dream of Jennifer Lopez and that blonde chick from Las Vegas.

 

[Delusional]

any certain way you manage to feel so awake the next morning? im kinda in your situation with my job. gota be up real early, work all day, get home somewhat late. was considering working out in the mornings but im just so dead-tired and feel weak. how do you prepare yourself for a big workout so early in the morning? last question i swear =p

 

[juggernaut]

np-the fact that I compete really pushes me more. I think when I cant roll out of bed, when everyone else is sleeping. that there is someone out there who wants the pro card more than I do and is getting up and doing what he has to do to do to meet that goal.
I'm also a huge believer in aroma therapy: the smell of fresh coffee in the morning really make me feel alive. I have a coffee maker that is on a timer which grinds and brews.