Working out on an empty stomach?
Deadships
Posts: 16 Member
Hey guys, quick question. Is it alright to workout in the morning on an empty stomach?
I do have equipment sufficient enough so that I workout at home and also the program I'm following (One of the recommended ones) calls only for a pair of Dumbbells to work with & maybe a bench.
One of the reasons is time constraints but the main issue is, I often find it hard to lift weights after consuming my meals. I usually workout in the evening which is after me consuming at least 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch and and maybe a shake in between & say a Banana before my workout) and find it hard to lift weights as I would still be filling full from all the previous meals. Thus I was wondering if it is advisable to be working out first thing in the morning? Or after breakfast even.
Thanks!
I do have equipment sufficient enough so that I workout at home and also the program I'm following (One of the recommended ones) calls only for a pair of Dumbbells to work with & maybe a bench.
One of the reasons is time constraints but the main issue is, I often find it hard to lift weights after consuming my meals. I usually workout in the evening which is after me consuming at least 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch and and maybe a shake in between & say a Banana before my workout) and find it hard to lift weights as I would still be filling full from all the previous meals. Thus I was wondering if it is advisable to be working out first thing in the morning? Or after breakfast even.
Thanks!
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Replies
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You can workout and eat when best suits you - don't overcomplicate things! I don't like eating before training either4
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livingleanlivingclean wrote: »You can workout and eat when best suits you - don't overcomplicate things! I don't like eating before training either
^This. I don't like eating before cardio and I don't like lifting on a completely empty stomach. But that's just how my body responds. If you don't like eating beforehand, then don't.3 -
I workout b4 I eat/drink anything or after whatever I've eaten/drank has been digested and I can't "feel" it in my stomach anymore, which is usually an hr or 2 later, because a full stomach makes me feel bloated sluggish.1
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I usually lift in the mornings and i always make sure to have breakfast an hour before i work out otherwise id have no strength!! But everyone is different so do what feels right for you :-)0
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Penthesilea514 wrote: »livingleanlivingclean wrote: »You can workout and eat when best suits you - don't overcomplicate things! I don't like eating before training either
^This. I don't like eating before cardio and I don't like lifting on a completely empty stomach. But that's just how my body responds. If you don't like eating beforehand, then don't.
Count me in this boat. I like cardio fasted and resistance fueled.1 -
Look at it this way. Meal timing does play a role, but it is small. It's probably a good idea to eat a small snack with protein and carbs before you workout, but if you eat too much prior to working out, your workout will be affected negatively because you're stuffed.
If the meal is causing a drop in performance then it's worse than getting your meal timing spot on.0 -
If you even think about training on an empty stomach your body will go catabolic and eat ALL of your muscle. Happened to me once and spent the better half of a decade trying to get my gains back. True story...3
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livingleanlivingclean wrote: »You can workout and eat when best suits you - don't overcomplicate things! I don't like eating before training either
Alright thank you!1 -
I workout b4 I eat/drink anything or after whatever I've eaten/drank has been digested and I can't "feel" it in my stomach anymore, which is usually an hr or 2 later, because a full stomach makes me feel bloated sluggish.
Same here man. I mean the whole idea of getting enough energy through your meals/pre-workout supplement etc before your workouts just does not work for me. I feel bloated just like you said, but I'm glad that I'm not the only one who feels this way.0 -
Look at it this way. Meal timing does play a role, but it is small. It's probably a good idea to eat a small snack with protein and carbs before you workout, but if you eat too much prior to working out, your workout will be affected negatively because you're stuffed.
If the meal is causing a drop in performance then it's worse than getting your meal timing spot on.
What would suggest as the simplest form of a Protein Carb snack that won't be heavy on the stomach?0 -
I lift in the morning but I can't eat first. I've tried both ways and when I've eaten first, even if the timing is right, I just feel lethargic with no strength or energy. If I go in fasted I am super-hyper focused with a ton of energy. Same with cardio... but everyone is different. A Muay Thai friend of mine shows up for training after eating a giant plate of pasta, she feels great! I would have to take a nap lol!0
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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.11
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I have a protein shake first or my blood sugar crashes.
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I usually workout on empty. haven't seen any negative effects.1
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livingleanlivingclean wrote: »You can workout and eat when best suits you - don't overcomplicate things! I don't like eating before training either
THIS! In the end trust how you feel more than others opinions. Your body gives you the truth. As long as you are eating enough in the 24 hour period every day, you won't feel ill. Just listen to your body over time.
Every day doesn't have to be the same so don't get stuck in a "rule" about it. Some seasons you might need something to eat first, others not, and it can vary day to day.
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dieselbyte wrote: »If you even think about training on an empty stomach your body will go catabolic and eat ALL of your muscle. Happened to me once and spent the better half of a decade trying to get my gains back. True story...
If you think about it, its not even remotely true, especially for a standard non endurance lifter. Considering an average person can hold 300 to 500g of glycogen (more when you lift), have fat reserves for energy and realize that its expensive to convert amino acids to glucose, it would be unlikely to lose a ton muscle just by lifting fasted.
You'd have a greater chance to lose muscle from low protein, little to no lifting and aggressive cuts.
OP, do what works for you. Just get adequate protein and follow a progressive overload resistance program and you will be fine.8 -
Hey guys, quick question. Is it alright to workout in the morning on an empty stomach?
I do have equipment sufficient enough so that I workout at home and also the program I'm following (One of the recommended ones) calls only for a pair of Dumbbells to work with & maybe a bench.
One of the reasons is time constraints but the main issue is, I often find it hard to lift weights after consuming my meals. I usually workout in the evening which is after me consuming at least 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch and and maybe a shake in between & say a Banana before my workout) and find it hard to lift weights as I would still be filling full from all the previous meals. Thus I was wondering if it is advisable to be working out first thing in the morning? Or after breakfast even.
Thanks!
Are you working out for some kind of competition (bodybuilding, running).
If the answer is no, then do what works for you. If you can work out on an empty stomach and then eat after then do it.
Some people can't but that's because their bodies are different. Also, it depends on your goals and how far are you willing to go to get there.1 -
I can't eat before workout. I beat the gym crowd by going at around 6 AM so I go out with a coffee cup in my hand and that is it.
After workout, I get my breakfast and it suits me well so far as I'm famished after a good workout 0 -
You don't really need protein before, your body doesn't utilize it quickly enough to affect a workout immediately after. A few carbs (15 - 30 g) will definitely make things feel easier. I suggest a piece of fruit before and something with protein after. If you want both protein and carbs, a fruit smoothie with Greek yogurt or a piece of fruit and cottage cheese are alternatives to the standard protein shake.Look at it this way. Meal timing does play a role, but it is small. It's probably a good idea to eat a small snack with protein and carbs before you workout, but if you eat too much prior to working out, your workout will be affected negatively because you're stuffed.
If the meal is causing a drop in performance then it's worse than getting your meal timing spot on.
What would suggest as the simplest form of a Protein Carb snack that won't be heavy on the stomach?
If you are used to it and can handle it, there's no reason for a healthy person not to work out fasted.0 -
None they all bad for you especially if u allergic to them like me so i eat protein natural way1
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Different things work for different people. I have tried both... eating first and fasting first. I find that when I eat first I feel lethargic and have no energy or strength. When I fast I am super strong and have tons of energy. For me it also depends upon the type of workout. If I am having a Muay Thai stripe test I make sure to have a quick shake, usually with a protein powder, blended banana for the quick energy... those tests are total physical endurance and can last up to 2 hours. If I'm going for a regular workout - HIIT or lifting for an hour or so I am better off on an empty stomach. Just try both ways and see how feel the best.0
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dieselbyte wrote: »If you even think about training on an empty stomach your body will go catabolic and eat ALL of your muscle. Happened to me once and spent the better half of a decade trying to get my gains back. True story...
If you think about it, its not even remotely true, especially for a standard non endurance lifter. Considering an average person can hold 300 to 500g of glycogen (more when you lift), have fat reserves for energy and realize that its expensive to convert amino acids to glucose, it would be unlikely to lose a ton muscle just by lifting fasted.
You'd have a greater chance to lose muscle from low protein, little to no lifting and aggressive cuts.
OP, do what works for you. Just get adequate protein and follow a progressive overload resistance program and you will be fine.
I think dieselbyte was joking.....
(He highlighted that even "THINKING" about training fasted would use "ALL" your muscle before fat...!! And I'm pretty sure that no matter how hard I "THINK" about training, it won't burn muscle OR fat...! 
)) 0 -
I work out in the morning and then eat. I usually workout right now at about 7:45am fasted and my first meal will be around 12:00pm or after.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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I'm usually up around 3:30 am and hit the gym at 5. I usually take a pre workout and have oats or peanut butter toast. Give it about 30 minutes or so to digest. But I usually get better workout from it. Just fuels me0
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Thanks for all the replies. :-)0
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It really varies from person to person but on a normal workout day I prefer to workout on an empty stomach. If I am training for something like a mountain bike race or running for 5+ miles I will eat something light 30-45 minutes before just to give me the extra fuel. I will say avoid eating if you are lifting heavy on leg day or you will puke!0
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As others have said it really boils down to how you feel and what works best for YOU. Personally my workouts suffer quite badly if I do my usual cardio plus weight training on an empty stomach. 10 minutes in and I already feel winded, sluggish and light headed. Just a simple 2-300 calorie well rounded meal sits light on the stomach and provides an adequate energy source to avoid the starved workout feeling.0
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As others have said, do what works best for you. I can not do that. I get a HUGE headache about three minutes into it. Everyone is different so finding what works best for you is key.0
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