Is Empty Stomach Cardio Better For Fat Loss?

Does it matter if you do cardio in the am on an empty stomach? I get up at 4am and do my cardio at 6:30am so i've been eating my first meal of the day at 4am. Am i defeating the purpose of burning fat?

No, it does not have to be done fasted. Can it be if it's more convenient for you? Sure. But it's not something that must be done. That said, intervals and other high intensity modes should not be done fasted.

What matters isn't so much where the energy is coming from (ie. fat vs glycogen), but rather, how much you're burning (overall caloric expenditure). 300 calories is still 300 calories at the end... read more 4 comments

Countdown to the NY Pro - 6 Weeks Out

This weekend marks 6 weeks out from NY Pro. Now it's time to shoot for 110% every single day ... no excuses. This is the time where I need to dig deep and push, the time when I can either make significant gains or stall out. I choose to push on ahead, trying to be better than I was last time I took the stage.
 
My physique is almost there ... from the front. From the back? Well, let's just say Beyonce has nothin' on me. Alas, I was cursed (or blessed, depending on your point of view) with 'juicy booty syndrome'.  I'm still sporting the bubble butt, but hopefully, not for much longer. Sigh ... it would be... read more 2 comments

New IFBB Pro Blog Coming

I am just about to start working with another IFBB Figure Pro as she prepares for her pro debut this year. In addition, she is going to keep a regular contest prep blog on my site journalling her prep experience. 

However, we're not going to reveal who it is until show time. So it's sort of an 'undercover pro' blog, which you'll be able to follow along with as she progresses to her pro debut later this year. She'll post progress pictures along the way - neck down - and you'll be able to see her physique change along the way. Then come show time, she'll reveal who she is ... and we'll see how she does, which I... read more 3 comments

Sandi Stuart - Countdown to the NY Pro

Another entry from IFBB Fitness Pro Sandi Stuart

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Somehow, I have found myself in the single-digits of prep weeks left til showtime ... YIKES!!!  It's just under 8 weeks until I take the stage, and it's hard to believe 5 weeks of dieting/routine work have already passed.
 
This prep has been very relaxed. Now, by saying that, please don't get the idea that I am slacking over here. QUITE the contrary!!! I'm probably one of the most focused, competitive people you will ever meet. (After all, I DID graduate from medical school at the age of 25.) Truth be told, I've put more hours of work into my fitness routine than ever, but that's because I... read more 6 comments