Exercise before or after gym?!

Exercise before or after gym?

Hello.

I am a 28 year old female who is very a very active participant in my gym. I go at least 5 to 6 days a week for at least 2 hours: I briskly walk (3 to 3.5 mph) at an inclination of 15 for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Then I use weight machines for 20 minutes, then 20 additional minutes working on glutes and abs. Then sometimes I return to the treadmill or step machine for 20 minutes.

My question is, Is it more effective to eat before going to the gym or to wait until I get back, or a little of both?

I also want to know if anyone knows how to eat (or drink) grapefruit to help burn fat, and any other fat burning, metabolism boosting tricks?

Serious answers only please. I am trying to lose another 40 pounds before christmas. Thanks.

Congrats on losing 40 pounds so far!!!! With working out, variety is the key to effecting change. How long have you been doing this routine?? If it's for a few months, it's time to change it up. Your body gets used to the routine, etc. and doesn't change much in response.

What time of day are you going to the gym?? Have you been able to get your body fat/muscle composition checked?? I always have my clients do only 10-15 minute warmup cardio and then 45 min. of weights...then more cardio if they want. It's important to have enough energy to hit the weights to effect more change.

Cardio burns calories, but having a bit more muscle on you burns more calories when you are sitting around doing nothing...plus it takes up less room in your clothes. I would switch things around a bit - less cardio to begin with, more weights and then more cardio if you want. If you need help with the weights, you can do one session with a trainer to get the proper technique down. Working your legs and glutes more can effect more change as they are the bigges muscles in your body and will help you burn more calories.

As far as eating goes - it depends on what time you are going to workout. If you are starved, you won't have the energy for a good workout. However, if you have a full stomach, your body is working to digest food and not at as available for a good workout. I would eat a small meal 2 hours before. Although I have read that if you workout first thing in the am, it's best to do that on an empty stomach so you will burn more fat.

Grapefruit (1/2) can be eaten with every meal. Another vitamin that can help with fat burning is L-carnitine. It is an amino acid that you normally get from eating red meat. What it does is to take the long chain fatty acids (fat) in your blood and transfers them into the mitochondria of the cell where they can be burned as energy. You can take this before a workout, preferably on an empty stomach. What I've read is to take at least 2,000 mg - or 2 grams up to 4 grams for weight loss. Google the name and see what you find. I recommend that you get this in liquid or capsule.....sometimes tablets don't breakdown as well.

Make sure you are drinking enough water!! Also remember that losing weight is about cardio, weights, diet and getting enough sleep. If you are stressed, your body produces a stress hormone called cortisol and that can prevent you from losing weight - especially around the middle. Good luck and keep up the good work!