Well, I heard from a few friends that it's actually bad for you to hit the cardio machines after your lifting routine. Supposedly you somehow gain less muscle if you do cardio after a workout, is that true? and how could I incoporate a cardio workout with my lifting schedule on the same days?

BTW

I'm currently trying to lose some body fat, I've gained all the muscle mass I need these past 5 months and now I want to lean out and get my summer bod ready. Just turned 17, 5'7 and 150 pounds of bulk. I don't mind losing a pound or 2 of muscle, but can anyone please tell me what I could do to drop down on my body fat?

Every trainer I've worked with suggest cardio after weights if you're chasing some fat-burn. The theory is that after a good weight-training session you're blood-sugars are pretty low (depleted from the lifting/heavy-exertion) and a nice low/med intensity cardio lends beautifully towards getting your body to dip into some fat reserves. The weight-training supposedly leaves you in prime condition to burn some fat with light cardio.

At the same time, every trainer I've worked with also insists that immediately or very-soon after weight-training it's critical to "put back what you burned" and get some good protein/carbs into your system. And the theory also holds that if you don't eat anything and then get into some serious cardio, you could face some catabolism.

I also understand that the body won't burn fat unless the blood-sugar is low....so the moment you eat/drink something and the blood-sugar goes up, the fat-burning is diminished.

Quite the paradox. I haven't answered anything, just brought more focus & theories to the question. Ask 3 trainers and you'll likely get 3 different answers too.... I know I have!

Here's my take:

If you do a really hard weight-training session and you know you've really gotten into some serious tissue....best to just slam the protein drink, some healthy carbs, let the body recover.

If you just do your usual routine and don't work the weights like mad...then following-up with upto 1 hour of light cardio is probably fine (might be better to keep it to 1/2-hour). Mid-way and towards the end of your weight-training session pop some BCAA's and get some protein-shake & simple carbs in ya. I'd figure taking in about 200 calories worth. It'll protect you from catabolism and give you some oomph to help with getting more from your cardio.


They say "fat burns in a carbohydrate flame" and what's 200 calories in when you're gonna burn another 450-600 out?

I'd hope some other forum members can contribute to this thread......

Cardio after working out is recommended for those who want to lose weight. When I hit the cardio machines after weights the "fat burning zone" lights up regularly whereas starting with cardio cold it takes time to reach the same level.

Get a fast one mile run in before training. Hit it fast and hard. That way you don't deplete your sugars and have lots of gas for heavy lifting and also get your metabolism up for fat burn. I have hit a Carboforce after a run to get sugars really up. Also I like NO Explode before the run.

Just my suggestion.

Dude.