Early morning Cardio Question

[Ken]

Ok not early but i work long days usually noon to about 1am (Im a bartender/supervisor for a busy hotel) Good thin is i work on 3-4 days a week. Now the question...

I am going to swim 1-3 days a week (used to be a top swimmer in HS 7 years ago) mostly in the morning before work. If i get up should I eat something first or should I get up and head straqight for the pool and eat PWO? Ive read conflicting arguments.

Swim on an empty stomach or eat first? (trying to shed some fat)

[Lost Dog]

That empty stomach cardio thing is a myth, I believe.

Eat or drink at least a little something. I usually have a cup of cottage cheese.

[RipStone]

Always eat before cardio or lifting.

[johan]

I suggest eating.

Some people swear that they burn more fat on an empty stomach. This may (or may not) be true. But even if it were true, it may only be so provided you did the same amount of exercise, and the amount of extra fat burned is probably negligible. But I'd say that:
- you're in a highly-catabolic state and may burn more muscle too
- you're more likely to swim an extra lap (and thus burn more energy) or lift a heavier weight if you're not glucose/glycogen-depleted

[Mahler]

I work out and do my cardio at 4:30 am. I usually mix my PWO and have half before the workout/cardio routine.

Mahler