Last Updated on February 9, 2023 by Lori Geurin
If you’re an intermittent fasting (IF) pro or fasting for the first time, you may wonder how this lifestyle will mesh with your workouts. Or if it’s safe to work out at all while fasting. The great news is that you can continue your fitness regimen.
As it turns out, training while intermittent fasting has some pretty impressive health benefits, which I know you’re going to love.
The Benefits Of Exercising While Fasting
Did you know that exercise and fasting combine to cause oxidative stress on your muscles? It may sound bad, but in this case, it’s actually beneficial.
Fitness expert Ori Hofmekler explains acute states of oxidative stress are:
” … essential for keeping your muscle machinery tuned. Technically, acute oxidative stress makes your muscle increasingly resilient to oxidative stress; it stimulates glutathione and SOD [superoxide dismutase, the first antioxidant mobilized by your cells for defense] production in your mitochondria along with increased muscular capacity to utilize energy, generate force and resist fatigue.
Hence, exercise and fasting help counteract all the main determinants of muscle aging. But there is something else about exercise and fasting. When combined, they trigger a mechanism that recycles and rejuvenates your brain and muscle tissues.”
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Exercising in a fasted state can help you:
- burn fat (1)
- lose weight
- improve body composition (2)
- boost cognitive function (3)
- increase growth hormone (4)
All great reasons to work out before breakfast!
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But before we get into the workouts, I wanted to share this fantastic offer from Find Your Trainer (FYT) for Two Weeks of Personal Training for FREE! Your certified trainer personalizes each workout for your goals, body, lifestyle, location, and equipment. Best of all, you can work out anywhere you want – at home, outside, or at the gym.
(Check out these 50 fun facts about yourself and more fun facts about yourself to infuse energy and fun into your conversations!)
RELATED: Interview With 10 Intermittent Fasting Experts
What Kind Of Workout Should I Do While Fasting?
Technically, you can simply fast and reap the benefits. But many people want to work out and further maximize their results.
(You may want to learn about clean fasting to improve your fasting results.)
Thankfully, this doesn’t have to involve going to the gym every day for an hour unless you want it to.
The great thing is this is highly individualized. You can find what works best for you and what activities you enjoy most and do that. Your workouts can be tailored to your goals and abilities depending on your commitment level and current personal fitness.
Because intermittent fasting is a lifestyle, you’ll likely find different workouts and schedules that best suit your goals and needs over time. Here are some examples of workout options you might choose while intermittent fasting:
- Many beginners starting out with IF enjoy taking a gentle walk 2 or 3 days a week for 20 minutes.
So now that you have some ideas for how to train while fasting, I want to share some important tips to help you get the most out of your workouts and some special considerations to be aware of.
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Tips For An Intermittent Fasting Workout
- An easy way to get the fat-burning effects of working out in the fasted state is by exercising first thing in the morning before eating your first meal. This works great with the 16/8 (or other) intermittent fasting methods and allows your body to tap into its fat stores.
- If you’re planning on doing heavy lifting, or other strenuous activities, make sure to eat a protein-rich meal within 30 minutes after your workout. Whey protein is especially beneficial and makes for a quick meal on the go.
- Listen to your body. Be mindful of individual factors such as medical history, whether you’re taking prescriptions, age, and physical fitness level. If you need/want to drink a whey protein shake before your workout, do it. If you feel light-headed, your ears are ringing, or you feel like you’re going to pass out during a workout, don’t “tough it out.” Use common sense and pay attention to warning signs like these. Plus, here’s something to consider: A study published in the Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise journal revealed that consuming 20 grams of whey protein 30 minutes before a resistance training session boosted metabolism for up to 24 hours after the workout. (5)
Summary – Intermittent Fasting Workouts
Working out and intermittent fasting can be done together, with many health benefits. These impressive benefits include fat burning, weight loss, improved cognitive and hormone function, and improved body composition.
There are a variety of workouts you can do while enjoying the IF lifestyle. If you’re doing heavy lifting or other strenuous workouts, eat a high-protein meal, such as a whey protein shake, after your training session. Everyone is unique and requires a specialized fitness regimen. Always listen to your body and use common sense when working out and fasting.
I wrote an eBook all about my experience with intermittent fasting. This method allowed me to burn fat, lose weight (effortlessly), and be healthy….without feeling hungry. It even cured my hypoglycemia. If you’d like to learn how I accomplished these great results, you’ll want to check out my book HERE!
What tips do you have for working out and intermittent fasting?
You can read more about intermittent fasting here:
- The Top 7 Myths About Fasting Revealed
- How To Simplify Your Life With Intermittent Fasting
- Quick Tips For Intermittent Fasting Like A Rockstar
- Intermittent Fasting: The Effortless Way To Lose Weight
- The Quick Guide To Intermittent Fasting
- 9 Health Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting
- 9 Essential Questions About Intermittent Fasting Answered
- Intermittent Fasting And Hypoglycemia
- Intermittent Fasting Nutrition: What To Eat For Maximum Results
