I’ve just started IF recently for the mental Clarity benefits and have been loving it.
I want to return to weight lifting. I used to love the powerlifting moves (been a few years) and I’m wondering how the body responds to heavy weights while IF. I’m doing 18:6 most days and having Saturdays off to just do whatever food wise
Would love your insights and experiences. My goal is to get strong again but this time be lean too.
I just start doing IF on new years again. In the past I had tried it and I just couldn’t make it work with CrossFit. Felt very weak very early into workouts. But now I’m exercising about 1hr of lifting weights every other day and the days in between I get about 30 minutes of intense mountain biking cardio. And then I still fast for about 3 more hours till I break fast.
I haven’t noticed a detriment in performance, if anything I just feel stronger. Starting hydrated and drinking lots of water helps to stave off hunger and cravings. Also noticed that I do need a heavy meal the night before because if it’s too light then I feel weaker before the next morning workout.
I started last year after countless attempts of gaining muscle and losing fat at the very same time . I’m m52 and followed a power lifting routine for 2 decades on and off . After I went from 235 to 190 I started back at the gym . I went at the end of my 20 hour fast and even after a month , I was as weak as a kitten . I asked questions on this sub , asked friends , etc… the only thing that worked for me was moving my eating window so that I could eat at least an hour (usually 2 hours) prior to my workout . Within 3 weeks the amount of weight I could lift literally more than doubled, still much less than a younger heavier me but at least I wasn’t as disheartened as I was . It also continued up from there . I tried 3 or 4 things that people suggested on this sub but I guess my body just doesn’t work well during exercise without food in it .
I do OMAD and work out before my eating window. Starting at 50% 1RM and working my way up. Going good so far. Doing gzclp and sometimes the t3s (I’ve programmed extra) do make me feel like my muscles are depleted (since they’re volume heavy), but it’s not something I cannot finish.
I do IF and workout in the mornings without breakfast. I drink a pre workout drink (debatable for lots if it breaks your fast) then after I workout I drink a protein shake to break my fast. Working out on an empty stomach isn’t for everyone but you will definitely be ok if you’re overweight and have weight to loose.