exercise Q??????????

[lookintolose70]

I am often very tired after I eat and end up falling asleep before I ever get to move from my seat. Is it okay to exercise before I eat or should I really do it afterwards? I want to do the one which will be more benificial.

[LegalEagle]

Hi there, I think everyone is different when it comes to this. For me, I am much better off exercising at the same time every day (mid afternoon), dead center between lunch & dinner. I have tried exercising right after I eat a meal, and I don't have as much energy. Exercising directly before a meal, makes me too shakey (sp?) to get in a good workout.

Why don't you try it both ways, & see what works best for you?

Hugs,
Dawna

[judyo53]

I'm a night owl & always work out at night. It's after dinner & usually between planned evening snacks. It doesn't seem to matter if I eat something right before or after.

I think what's most important is if the only way you'd be able to work out is before a meal, then go for it. Better to work out that way than not work out at all!

[susanhsma]

The only time I eat before exercising is if DH and I are doing a 16-20+ mile bike ride first thing in the morning. THen I have a yogurt or a banana....
otherwise I exercise on an empty stomach, daily. Just for reference, I usually do either a 2-3 mi WATP tape, or do a Firm workout (varies from 30-60 min, hard ST) Not sissy workouts, and even with my hypoglycemia I have no trouble doing these workouts at 5 am on an empty stomach.
What I've read in prevention and a couple other health magazines is that it's best to exercise when you will do it, not necessarily better in am than pm, full than empty etc. So long as you are EXERCISING.
And realistically, unless you are doing more than an hour at a shot of high intensity, you don't NEED to eat first.

[ April 09, 2004, 08:15 AM: Message edited by: susanhsma ]

[JenJen_in_NYC]

I only exercise before eating. I could never work out after eating. I would have the worst stomach cramps.

[flower girl1]

I am mostly runnig for my exercise up to 5 miles three or four times a week. I find I have to eat before and after. It seems to me that the level of intensity would have something to do with whether you need to eat or not. Some people just can't eat and then exercise, maybe try to time it about an hour or two before.

[deniselt]

I exercise on my lunch hour or right after work. I've tried doing early morning workouts and while I get it done, generally speaking my workout is a much lower intensity because I'm just not awake. I completely agree, you need to find a time of day that works for you as well as an exercise that you like to do.

I find that if I eat a little something before I work out it gives me more energy. But there is a fine line between eating too much and upsetting your stomach!

[mhawthorne]

I walk on the treadmill for my exercise. I do this at night, usually between 8 & 9 pm. This just seems to be the best time for me - dinner is over, DS has finished homework, etc, and I have make this time period mine - they are to leave me alone with my TV shows!!!!!!

[rouenmom]

As long as you're getting the exercise, it really doesn't matter when you're getting it. the point of it is, that long after you're finished with your session -- whether it was intense cardio or weight lifting or a moderate walk, your metabolism is increased, burning calories for hours later. So, do what works for you and don't agonize over time of day. Just make sure you're hydrated, and have something to eat when you're done.