Weight lifting on an empty stomach

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Sam29a
Sam29a Posts: 201 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have recently started back at the gym and was wondering if it's bad to workout on an empty stomach. I have been eating breakfast (oats, water, banana) and then going to the gym, but I hate it. At that time I'm usually not hungry at all and force myself to eat. When I return that's when I find myself hungry but I've already eaten my calories earlier. Plus I would like to get my workout done first thing.

I'm currently eating at a deficit and mostly do cardio (5 days), but also do strength training machines, free weights, and bodyweight exercises (3 days).

Replies

  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
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    Give it a go and see what happens. When I work out first thing, I'll do it fasted. The main thing I find is that I'm more shaky and fatigue faster. But then I have a big breakfast and life is good again.
  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
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    Nope.... Not bad. If you prefer to not eat, don't! Some people prefer training after eating though as they feel like they can perform better when they train.
  • Sam29a
    Sam29a Posts: 201 Member
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    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    Give it a go and see what happens. When I work out first thing, I'll do it fasted. The main thing I find is that I'm more shaky and fatigue faster. But then I have a big breakfast and life is good again.

    I've done it before, but I read that you lose muscle mass if you lift without eating. I'm not exactly lifting heavy at this stage, but still, I have barely any muscle on me as it is. Don't want to lose any more that's why I thought I'd eat something.
  • rheddmobile
    rheddmobile Posts: 6,840 Member
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    Listen to your body here. If you have the energy to get through a fasted workout at your best effort, there's no need to eat first. Many people find they have more energy, particularly for cardio, with a few carbs in their system, but it doesn't have to be much. Something like a banana would do it. If you feel yourself tapping out or getting short tempered and "hangry" after working out fasted, eat a little something to keep your blood sugar up.

    Eating a mixture of carbs and protein after working out is good for recovery. This doesn't have to be some fancy protein shake - one study found that chocolate milk worked well. And it doesn't have to be right after working out. But getting some protein in pretty soon is a good idea for muscle building, and the carbs will bring your blood sugar back up.
  • Sam29a
    Sam29a Posts: 201 Member
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    livingleanlivingclean wrote: »
    Nope.... Not bad. If you prefer to not eat, don't! Some people prefer training after eating though as they feel like they can perform better when they train.

    Great, I reckon I will just go back to working out before eating. Much prefer that.
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
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    Sam29a wrote: »
    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    Give it a go and see what happens. When I work out first thing, I'll do it fasted. The main thing I find is that I'm more shaky and fatigue faster. But then I have a big breakfast and life is good again.

    I've done it before, but I read that you lose muscle mass if you lift without eating. I'm not exactly lifting heavy at this stage, but still, I have barely any muscle on me as it is. Don't want to lose any more that's why I thought I'd eat something.

    Excess loss of muscle will mostly come from too aggressive a deficit, lack of protein, and poor workout performance. If you feel your best and have progressive and great workout sessions fasted, then go for it.

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