In which scenario is low-glycogen training most appropriate?

Low-glycogen training is most appropriate for highly trained athletes who have maximized their training response. This practice typically involves training under conditions of low muscle glycogen, which can help enhance fat oxidation, metabolic flexibility, and endurance adaptation. Highly trained athletes often seek ways to further improve their performance and adapt their bodies to rely more on fat as a fuel source during prolonged exercise.

For these individuals, the body can be pushed to adapt by conditioning it to access fat stores more effectively when glycogen levels are low, thereby improving overall endurance and performance. This level of intensity and adaptation is generally not suited for beginners or individuals with moderate experience in training, as they may not have developed the necessary physiological adaptations or endurance required to handle low-glycogen training safely or effectively. Additionally, individuals focused primarily on weight loss may benefit more from consistent energy availability to sustain their training intensity and promote a healthier approach to body composition changes.