Empty Stomach
 

I am just curious is it okay to exercise on an empty stomach? DH and I hit the gym first thing in the morning, and especially right now we don't have time to eat before we go because of DH's work schedule. I felt fine during the workout...but I'm wondering if this could be harmful/counterproductive over time? Should I try to grab something before we go?

i would try and grab something. when I go to the gym in the morning i always grab a fruit of some kind that i can eat en route. Otherwise i end up feeling faint during my workout!

I only have a cup of coffee before I run 4 miles. I don't like any sloshing or cramping when I go out.

I think it's entirely up to you. I can't workout on a full stomach, but some find that having *something* in there helps with endurance. I don't think you are doing anything harmful by not eating until afterwards.

There is evidence that you should not be exercising on an empty stomach.

I think I feel more like exercising if I haven't just eaten something. However, I feel like I have more stamina and energy during my workout if I've eaten that day (maybe 2+ hrs before) before exercising.

But if you're feeling fine with it so far, then I think it's probably alright.

As others have said it just depends on how you feel when you're working out. I alternate 60 min. of cardio & weights and 3-3.5 mile rough jogging (lots of hills and a rough paved country road, it's half a step from trails including the creek I have to jump!) 5 days a week. I work out first thing in the morning and do not eat first. Working out after meals makes me feel icky. I do find that I need to eat within an hour of working out (especially on run days) or I start feeling hypoglycemic. Gotta refuel! I also make it a point to consume a decent amount of protein at dinner. Protein is great at stabilizing blood sugar and I feel better in the morning if I eat a high protein dinner vs high carb or even worse high fat!

My husband and I walk 3+ miles in the evenings after dinner 3-4 days a week an
d that's nice but at a 3mph pace I don't consider it a workout. It's just a nice late day stroll.

Liz

I think your body will get used to whether you eat or don't eat before working out. I don't eat before working out because I take thyroid medicine when I first wake up in the morning and I am supposed to wait for 60 minutes before eating anything. So I wake up, take my meds, and head to the gym. In the car, I drink a diet pepsi. :) I usually work out for 75-90 minutes. My workouts usually include a 3-6 mile run on the treadmill, plus weight lifting and body weight exercises (lots of push ups, pull ups, squats and lunges). On Saturdays I do a long run of 10-12 miles and don't eat before that either. I've heard that working out on an empty stomach teaches your body to burn fat. Not sure if that's true. I've also heard that working out on an empty stomach means you aren't properly fueled and can't work out as hard as you should. I can say that without a doubt that is not true, at least in my case. My body has adapted and I feel great and full of energy when working out. It definitely wants to be fed when it gets home, though.

Pam

Thanks for all the comments. I do eat about 30 minutes after working out. I just am like a lot of you and have a harder time working out if my stomach is full. I guess if I start to feel its a problem I will grab a little something before.

Thanks again! :D

Everyone is different you just need to experiment... If you feel good not eating and bad when you do then don't eat, it could deter you from working out period, so just do what feels good to you...Personally I can't eat for early morning workouts...

I think it comes down to personal choice. I feel sick if I don't have something to eat before I workout. I always try to include protein.