Working out on an empty stomach?

mwd1764

I've always tried to workout in the a. m. before work. Maybe it's just because of the early morning workouts in the military, but I believe there are other benefits. Such as your body has rested all night and you natural test levels are at their highest after a nights rest. Also you go to face your day with a natural high and endorfin levels elevated and a great sense of well being. If you have a bad day you don't have the workout in the back of your mind at the end of the day which can turn something positive to a negative.

WilmaValley

Lots of good suggestions. Looks like we are all different, some need food to fuel ourselves, some don't.

piperdown44

Some can, some can't.
I'm in the can't group. I have to have something about an hour before lifting otherwise I start to feel sick and nauseous (sometimes light headed too).
I also know some people that don't need to eat beforehand and they kill it in the gym.

LiftHeavyThings27105

So, this is a personal preference thing. Like so many other things.

I LOVE working out in the morning.....the body is well rested, testosterone is highest then and and and. And, the gym is usually empty (or, less crowded). But, I can not workout on an empty stomach. Fasted cardio - I can do without an issue. Fasted training - I get a huge headache within three to five minutes. And it really makes no difference if the training is a heavy dead lift or squat session or if it is more hypertrophy (lighter weights more reps).....same results for me.

What works best for you?

ijsantos2005

I think generally people will see a performance boost when they eat something prior to doing heavy resistance work. But, like stated above, YMMV.

Keladelphia

As most have said it's personal preference. I can do fasted cardio but if I don't eat before I lift I feel like i'm going to pass out and die.

Johncalvinfields

I normally have a whey protein shake about 30 minutes before workout. Followed by a pre work out drink. Give me more strength to complete cardio and strength training

ndj1979

SpideyWebSlinger wrote: »

Not a good idea to workout on an empty stomach... I can't eat a full meal right before working out either. But I at least drink a protein shake if I workout first thing... When you don't eat, the first thing your body consumes is muscle, not fat. Which is the opposite goal when working out.

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Unless you are on an extreme calorie deficit, you should still have enough calories and protein in your body from the day before to lift fast first thing in the morning. It's not like your body completely empties itself over night.

GerlaineGerry

I do fasted cardio but personally not eating and lifting resulted in a bad workout for me. I felt too weak to lift in my full potential. I usually lift after meal 4

scanners107

I tend to have something fast like a bowl of cereal then a coffee on the way to the gym.

isay808

Keladelphia wrote: »

As most have said it's personal preference. I can do fasted cardio but if I don't eat before I lift I feel like i'm going to pass out and die.

Completely agree with you, it's all a matter of preference. I'm currently doing cardio fasted as well. Jog/hike up the mountain nice and early in the morning.