cardio for weight loss/ muscle maintanence

[Marcinator]

I'm currently doing a few weeks of fat loss and am running 30 minutes (about 3.5 miles) during the morning, 3 times a week.

My buddy just told me that I should be doing intense sprints, followed by light jogging, then more sprints, jogging etc. for only 20 minutes....

which sounds better for losing fat and maintaining as much muscle as possible????

(assume I have the right caloric intake, etc.)

Thanks!

[asianbabe]

Are you eating beforehand?

[Rodja]

HIIT cardio is great for fat loss, but you need to eat or you will breakdown muscle. I like it because it is a shorter time and not nearly as boring. I cannot do long distance jogging on a treadmill anymore, I have to go outside for my cardio.

[Marcinator]

no, not eating breakfast beforehand....just getting up and running. So with the shorter, more intense workouts I should eat first???

[Rodja]

no, not eating breakfast beforehand....just getting up and running. So with the shorter, more intense workouts I should eat first???

Yes, the higher the intensity, the more your body relies on glucose for fuel. When there is not any glucose present in the blood, your body breaks down protein to supply glucose through gluconeogenesis.

[asianbabe]

It will be hard to maintain muscle if you do HIIT on an empty stomach. Some fuel it in a similar way to a regular lifting workout.

If you are doing it first thing in the morning, keep it low-moderate intensity, and a protein shake before hand, or some bcaas.

[prld2gr8ns]

The style of cardio really depends on the individual. I personal like morning moderate cardio on an empty stomach. Really helps with fat loss or keeping fat gain to a minimum when I'm upping calories.

[EctoPower]

All good stuff here. I like HIIT and it is the best way to get the good effects from cardio without sacrificing muscle. You do need some cals beforehand and I do a post-cardio shake with whey, glutamine, and bcaas to make sure the muscle stays intact.

Reps for Rodja.

[WhatsaRoid?]

I love the Hit cardio in the morning with no breakfast. I drink bcaa's with my workout and I've been feeling great. Try it and you might not go back to reg cardio for fat lose.