Who works out on an empty stomach?

beckajw

this is something that gets discussed a lot and its something i've done some reading on in the past

this is my basic understanding:

1.) heavier lifting on an empty stomach is bad news bears
2.) cardio on an empty stomach in the AM is usually regarded as a pretty good thing as you burn off all the "leftover" calories in your system
3.) you run the risk losing muscle mass. Theres a whole bunch of science-speak behind this, and i recoment a lot mroe reading on the subjet, but my understanding is that after a certain point your body may begin to burn its own muscle, which will take weight off for sure, but not the kind you want to lose
4.) whatever is most comfortable to you is best. In the grand scheme of things we're talking about minor differences that wont make or break you.

Thats just my understanding, and i am very, very far from an expert so if someone wants to jump in here and elaborate or correct me, by all means, please do

good luck

I have heard the same thing, that you should eat before doing lifting. But, I just can't do it with my schedule.

vaughny

ok I did Turbo Fire on empty this morning and I made it through I didn't feel sick or hungry so i think I will try to do it this way in the mornings. Thanks Again everyone!

johnwhitent

I run on an empty stomach, not necessarily by choice or because I burn more. If I eat first, I get cramps. I found I can drink something (smoothie or chocolate milk) but no food. I don't think it is healthy, but it is what I have to do. I do sprint triathlons and runs without eating first. Thank goodness they are early morning events.

Wow, you do sprint triathlons on a completely empty stomach? I do short runs or bike rides first thing after I get up but I would have to have some carbs for energy to do a sprint tri. A banana would suffice for me. Have you experimented? I would be interested to see if you could perform better with some added energy.

michelec64

I work out on a empty stomach but that's only because when I'm done I immediately have to get ready for work. I don't get to have breakfast until I'm at the office a few hours later. For me I don't think it would make a difference either way in terms of losing weight.