Fasted Cardio

What it is

• Aerobic work (often fasted Zone 2 Cardio or fasted endurance) done in an overnight-fasted state.

How it works

• Low insulin + low glycogen → greater reliance on fat oxidation; the fasted state also keeps somatostatin low and GH higher (why GH-secretagogue / fat-loss peptides are often timed pre-fasted-cardio).

Goal relevance

• Fat-loss protocols; a prime window to time morning peptides (e.g. MOTS-C 30 min prior, or a morning GH-secretagogue dose).

How to do it

• Morning, fasted, low-to-moderate intensity (high-intensity fasted can be catabolic).

Cautions

• Don’t do heavy/HIIT fasted if it costs performance or lean mass.