Cardio on empty stomach vs few hours after a meal

myfitnesspaller

Is it true that if I go walking/running first thing in the morning (without eating anything and just with a water bottle) it would be beneficial and will be able to burn more fat then eating something and then going? I get the energy level factor, but if going for a walk/run on an empty stomach burns more fat, why not do that instead?

Shesaid_destroy

My colleague, who was a high jump european champion and is therefore very knowledgeable about nutrition, exercise etc. from years of doing that as his job with the best coaches around, would tell you 'yes! Definitely!' (We had that talk with him about three weeks ago).
He also said that it shouldn't last long, i.e. a morning empty stomach jog should last 20 to 25 minutes. Otherwise, you risk feeling bad/fainting on the way.

I for one went to a cardio work out class on a 'semi empty stomach', i.e. I was hungry and went nonetheless. Never again! I thought i was going to pass out in the middle of the jumping jacks.

Lyadeia

The extra calories burned when exercising fasted is negligible. Just do what's more comfortable to you and what you will stick with doing. If it happens to be fasted cardio, so be it. If not, then no biggie. Exercising is what's important, not when you do it. Don't overcomplicate things.

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

I think I'm the only one on MFP that chows down before working out. I would pass out if I attempted anything that physical on an empty stomach.

Lyadeia

I think I'm the only one on MFP that chows down before working out. I would pass out if I attempted anything that physical on an empty stomach.

No you're not.

I never workout in a fasted state. I actually exercise about an hour before going to sleep which is after I eat all 1800 or so of my calories.

j6o4

Slow steady pace cardio like a light jog or a walk on an empty stomach is doable, but if you are going to do HIIT on empty stomach you will probably die or atleast be in pain and light headed.

MelodyandBarbells

Slow steady pace cardio like a light jog or a walk on an empty stomach is doable, but if you are going to do HIIT on empty stomach you will probably die or atleast be in pain and light headed.

Hmm nope not necessarily. My Saturday morning BodyCombat, BodyPump, and BodyAttack combo is usually done on an empty stomach. Only thing I should say for full transparency is I do drink a can of diet dew to keep me awake on the drive up, and I also midnight snack many nights a week. I just can't do the whole shebang with waking up at 5:30 and chowing down... anything.

I don't necessarily recommend this at all, nor do I do it to burn more calories or anything. Like a previous power said, it's about how you feel and what keeps you working out more consistently

sarahrbraun

I think I'm the only one on MFP that chows down before working out. I would pass out if I attempted anything that physical on an empty stomach.

Nope. I tried it ONCE...never again . I eat 2 eggs, fried potatoes, and toast about an hour before I work out

CSJAN12014

I always go to the gym first thing... mostly at 5am... and always on an empty stomach regardless of what i'm doing

I never have a problem... in fact the only issue i have ever had was trying to wolf down something just 20 mins before i went... felt awful afterwards! And i'm definitely not getting up at 4am just so i can have quick bite to eat with enough rest time before i start!!

Unless you starved yourself the day before, you'd have plenty of nutrients etc available the next morning

Do whatever suits your particular lifestyle

Joehenny

I do full on training fasted, it's a preference for me. I don't like to feel food in me when working out.

annakow

I like to walk to the gym at 6am hungry:) feels good

vivaldirules

Hours?? 30 minutes max after a small meal and I go for it. Only if I have something very acidic will I feel any indigestion at all.

shelllord

The only time I get chance to exercise is at 6am now, I seem to lose weight faster working out first thing, I have it in my head I have not eaten so rather than burning food I have just eaten I'm burning fat x

CyberEd312

I think I'm the only one on MFP that chows down before working out. I would pass out if I attempted anything that physical on an empty stomach.

Nope your not alone..... I just plowed through 1400 calories for breakfast and will be gearing up to hit the Gym in about an hour.... I never workout in the early morning fasted but if I do an evening workout say around 6 then I will not eat til I get back home. There is little benefits between the two other than personal preference, beyond that it really doesn't matter.... Best of Luck

jacksonpt

The extra calories burned when exercising fasted is negligible. Just do what's more comfortable to you and what you will stick with doing. If it happens to be fasted cardio, so be it. If not, then no biggie. Exercising is what's important, not when you do it. Don't overcomplicate things.

Agreed.

Is there a difference? Yes. Is it significant? No. 99.9999% of the time, you'll be better served exercising when you can go the hardest for the longest, rather than trying to manipulate the timing of your meals/workouts.

lacroyx

I do full on training fasted, it's a preference for me. I don't like to feel food in me when working out.

Same here. I easily get nauseated and feel sick if I go workout after eating, even if I wait a few hours.

MORECHABLIS

Over the last week, I've not been eating breakfast and gone out for a cycle most mornings (approx 30 miles)... I did try and go over 3 hrs cycling a I think I got a low sugar (I normally put cordial in my water), as felt unwell, but OK after got home and had some cordial/sugar.

I have done it since with some glucose tablets/cordial no problems not eating...