Hi, A few years ago I stuck to a 16/8 IF routine and I’d like to return to it for a new training routine I’m starting.
Previously I fasted from 2pm until the following morning because I have to train at 6am and I thought it would be better to have a small breakfast with coffee before I train (rather than on an empty stomach). This time, however, I want to try a different routine and train at 6am but only eat from 12pm - 8pm.
Is this a bad idea?
What’s the general feeling with training in a fasting state?
I’ve not started this routine yet, so I guess I’ll know if it works out once I try it but I’m just a bit sceptical about waking up hungry and then working out in the middle of my fasting period. Any help or advice would be hugely appreciated.
Definitely train fasted! Your body becomes so good at utilising fat for energy. It might be difficult while you adapt for a few weeks but definitely worth it.
What training is it? It probably won’t work if you need to do high intensity intervals. I used to race bikes and there’s no way I would be able to do anaerobic or vo2 intervals while fasted.
But if it’s running or gym or whatever, doing so while fasted is so good. So many benefits.
Morning eating windows are great for it. Train in the morning and then eat afterwards. It maximises the time between eating and training.
I’ve been doing IF for three years now and have been training in a fasted state the entire time. At first it was a bit rough…now I can’t imagine changing the way I do things.
I’ve only made gains since training like this as well.
Definitely! I’m just finishing up a four day fast. I lifted like a beast this morning and I break my fast at dinner. The longer you are fasted the higher your human growth hormone increases. I strength trained three times during my fast, but laid off the cardio mostly. Exercise also can suppress your appetite as well. I always prefer to exercise fasted. Sometimes life happens and I can’t, but it feels better to me. Definitely try it and give yourself a bit of time to adjust to it.
It’s takes some time to get used to, but lots of folks do it and even prefer it. You might not want to do like one rep max powerlifting fasted, but I certainly do my at home weight routine fasted.
Fasting and exercise should fit your schedule not the other way around.