With the popularity of fat-loss weight training programs such as Meltdown and Fat to Fire that utilize lactic acid/GH to melt fat, and to certain discussions in the forum, I have become curious about the role of glucose (or lack thereof) during training. More specifically, the role of glucose and its relation to GH. It is true that having a low glucose level in the blood is important in establishing the ideal environment for GH peaking. My question is how important? It is not as if a low glucose level is the sole determining factor in the release of GH. To put it into a formulaic expression, less glucose may equal more GH but more GH does not necessarily equal less glucose. Lets assume you are lifting in the 10-12 rep bracket. Lactic acid accumulates in your bloodstream. GH is released. Now to a different scenario. You are lifting in the 10-12 rep bracket while drinking Surge (or any other shake that contains glucose). Lactic acid will still accumulate in your bloodstream. GH will still be released. This, despite the amount of glucose consumed. All of this is obvious. But it leads to my point: Sure, while training upon awakening when glucose levels are low will lead to a greatER GH output in fat-loss programs such as Meltdown and Fat to Fire, is that EXTRA GH release justified in the context of everything else that is occuring (or not occuring) in the body? Do the benefits outweigh the negatives (of not drinking Surge, for example) or vice versa, irrespective of whether the training is taking place first thing in the morning without the prior consumption of food or later in the day in a fasted state? Weigh in your opinion.
I would be very interested to hear you weigh in on this topic.
There are clearly a number of questions to answer in this thread, so I will do my best to add what I know. As for the GH release, it is my opinion that workout intensity has a greater effect on GH release than having a low blood glucose. But having a low blood glucose could make the GH release even greater.
Now is it worth it to train first thing in the morning? If you are overfat (>15% via bodybuilder standards), then muscle catabolism is not going to be a major concern. If you are on the border (10-15%), you are still not likely to lose muscle as long as you are eating correctly throughout the rest of the day. If you are less than 10% body fat, you need to be very wary of post-workout nutrition and definately make sure you are eating properly throughout the rest of the day. Pre-workout nutrition may be warranted also. BUT, remember that fat loss is key with these programs and it works two ways: 1) you burn calories during exercise and 2) you jack up metabolism after exercise (read Meltdown #2 for a good explanation). YOU NEED to workout hard enough to get the second fat loss component of a jacked up metabolism and that might require that you work out later in the day, eat a meal before your workout, or use Surge during your workout.
Bottom line: If workout intensity is suffering because you are working out on an empty stomach in order to have low blood glucose, you are going to shortchange your results. Priority #1 must be workout intensity. After that, everything else is just icing on the cake (i.e.-extra GH from low blood glucose). Another important note is that what I'm saying applies to all forms of weight training during a cutting phase, not just Meltdown, Fat to Fire and German Body Comp.
Thanks Jason! Exactly what I was looking for!
You’re welcome. I’m always glad to offer help when I can.