[CKD] (morning) Cardio effects on 'Squats'

[cmorera]

After carbing up, out muscles hold glycogen that are not used even after our livers stores are used up. So if I were to do cardio, this would primarily use my leg muscles (say running) and most likely use glycogen stores in leg muscles. Then when I do my leg day for the week, and go to do squats, should I expect a significant decrease in poundage if I have been doing cardio due to depleted glycogen stores? What is the experience of yall who do (morning) cardio as well as heavy leg workouts?

[Meg_S]

I make legs (all lower body) a priority, so I get to it right away - generally in the morning after the carbup. I'll do 20-30 mins of high intensity intervals (sprints) and use that as my warm up, then hit the legs.
I find that the cardio beforehand (as long as it is the day after the carbup!!!!!!) enhances my leg workout because the muscles are warmed up, flexible and feeling strong. Only if the cardio is the sprints though, if I go on a 2 hour hike my legs are very weak.

As for poundages with squats, I do them last - pre exhausting my legs/glutes so I can work them really hard without using heavy weights. (for safety purposes because I work out alone)

Cardio before squats, depending on the duration/intensity, how long it's been since your carb up etc will probably decrease poundage.

Meg

[BigDaddy32]

I actually find that doing squats after doing some leg presses and also after depleting some glycogen is better. This way you actually can't put so much weight on the squats, which reinforces correct technique and less change of injury...

[badboy]

in theory it might take some strengh from you.My personal experience just do the cardio and hit the squats bar .I agree with the 2 before me. You will fill warmed and strong.

[Trainerdan]

I do my legs late in the week, since I use that workout to ensure that I am 100% depeleted before carb-up.

I do moderately light leg presses, followed by squats, then deadlifts, then light extensions with forced pauses at the top.

The poundages are lighter, yes. But I still am shaking by the time it is done, so it's all good.

Intensity is the key here. The numbers on the plates don't matter.

[JonGarcia]

Ok, this is the simplest solution. lift first. since technically you dont start fat burning for 15 to 20 minutes into the workout. You should lift first. this will warm your body up, raise your heartrate, and get all the fat burning juices flowing, then do cardio. I mean they are two entirely different energy systems. you initially start burning a little glucose but by the time you start cardio you should be able to transition into the aerobic energy system quicker and not suffer any lapses in your cardio program.

[abarlament]

I thought we are burning fat all the time?? :confused:

[Big Dog]

After the carb load you go bac to burning carbs, until you get all of the stored glycogen used up. That is why the monday and tuesday workouts are so important.

They are used to get rid of the stored glycogen and get you back into a ketogenic state so that you burn fat the rest of the week.