How Many Hours Is Considered Fasted Cardio

If you're looking to lose weight and burn fat, you may have heard of the benefits of fasted cardio. This type of exercise involves doing cardio on an empty stomach, typically in the morning before breakfast. But how many hours is considered fasted cardio? In this article, we'll explore the answer to this question and provide some helpful tips for incorporating fasted cardio into your fitness routine.

Table of Contents

• What is Fasted Cardio?
• How Many Hours is Considered Fasted Cardio?
• How to Do Fasted Cardio
• Step-by-Step Guide
• Tips for Doing Fasted Cardio
• FAQ
• Pros and Cons of Fasted Cardio

What is Fasted Cardio?

Fasted cardio is a type of cardio exercise that is done on an empty stomach, typically in the morning before breakfast. The idea behind fasted cardio is that when you exercise on an empty stomach, your body is forced to burn fat for fuel instead of the carbohydrates that you would normally consume before a workout. This can lead to faster weight loss and fat burning.

How Many Hours is Considered Fasted Cardio?

The general rule of thumb for fasted cardio is to wait at least 12 hours after your last meal before doing cardio. So, if you finish dinner at 8pm and plan to do fasted cardio in the morning, you should wait until at least 8am to start your workout. This gives your body enough time to digest your last meal and enter a fasted state.

It's important to note that everyone's body is different, and some people may need more or less time to enter a fasted state. If you're new to fasted cardio, start with the 12-hour rule and adjust as needed based on how you feel during your workout.

How to Do Fasted Cardio

Doing fasted cardio is simple. All you need is a cardio machine or a clear path for running or walking outside. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Wait at least 12 hours after your last meal before doing cardio.
2. Choose a cardio machine or a clear path for running or walking outside.
3. Warm up for 5-10 minutes by doing some light cardio or dynamic stretching.
4. Start your cardio workout at a moderate intensity for 20-30 minutes.
5. Cool down for 5-10 minutes by doing some light cardio or static stretching.
6. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate after your workout.

Tips for Doing Fasted Cardio

Here are some helpful tips for incorporating fasted cardio into your fitness routine:

• Start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
• Listen to your body and adjust your workout as needed based on how you feel.
• Consider taking a pre-workout supplement to help boost your energy levels.
• Don't overdo it - remember that rest and recovery are just as important as exercise.

FAQ

Is fasted cardio better for weight loss?

Fasted cardio can be effective for weight loss because it forces your body to burn fat for fuel. However, it's important to remember that weight loss ultimately comes down to creating a calorie deficit through diet and exercise.

Should I eat before or after fasted cardio?

You should eat a healthy meal or snack after your fasted cardio workout to refuel your body and promote muscle recovery. Aim for a balanced meal that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Pros and Cons of Fasted Cardio

Pros:

• Can help burn fat and promote weight loss
• May improve insulin sensitivity
• Can be a time-efficient way to exercise

Cons:

• May lead to muscle loss if done excessively
• Can be difficult to maintain for some people
• May cause low blood sugar levels in some individuals

Overall, fasted cardio can be a helpful tool for weight loss and fat burning when done in moderation and with proper nutrition and hydration. If you're interested in trying fasted cardio, start slow and listen to your body to find what works best for you.