Is it best to work out on an empty stomach?

Question

My husband works out all the time and has been doing it since he was a pre-teen because he got into doing Judo at that age.
So of course he knows more about working out all the body parts better than I do but theres one thing we don't agree on. He says it's best not to eat before a workout, it is best to workout on an empty stomach. I've never done that before so I don't see what difference it would make, but then again I'm only 5'7" and 115lbs so of course I'm not gonna start making what I think are unhealthy habbits and not eat for a workout. Does it help you get results faster on your body? Please someone tell me why this is, if it is true?

I don't know if this makes any difference but he works out to get bigger with more muscles and I just workout to stay toned or tone up what's not so tone since I've had two kids (3yrs and 1yr old) and I'm nearing 30yrs old.

Answer 1

You shouldn't be hungry or full.
You should feel just satisfied but not hungry enough to eat.
Its not good to work out when you or hungry or full.
Wow, you're only 115 pounds to be 5'7''? dang

Answer 2

It's better for you to eat before and after exercising. Eat a pre-workout meal consisting of some low glycemic carbs and a quality protein, you need some carb source to provide energy through your work out and lean protein to support muscle repair and growth.

I've seen people pass out at the gym for working out on empty stomach.

Answer 3

No you'll find that your stronger/have more energy if you workout with something in you for fuel...as thats what food is...our fuel
Even if its just a bit of fruit or something small
the whole working out on an empty stomach thing is just an old wives tale.....like lifting weights stunts your growth
or
weight lifters a slow and bulky.....have you ever looked at a sprinter???

Answer 4

You don't want to workout on a completely empty stomach, try eating a banana or drink a protein shake, such as a banana with strawberries and yogurt blended together. I know if I workout on an empty stomach, my blood sugar drops real quick and I will pass out if I don't drink some juice or something. I think I disagree with your husband as far as working out on a completely empty stomach.

Answer 5

I am not talking about stuffing oneself then trying to exercise, but eat something. Reason; If one is prone to being on the diabetic side, they could encounter low blood sugar and that can lead to passing out.

Why do think runners and others carry around a candy bar? Because if blood sugar gets too low they can temporarily increase it with the candy bar.

Eat a little bit, it will not hurt and it might keep you from passing out.

Answer 6

You should eat something 30-60 min prior to working out so your body is working off that food. Otherwise your body will be burning off your muscle.

Answer 7

In one way your husband is correct. well,if you are going to peform Yoga, it is good to be on empty stomach.

while, when we go for martial arts or weight training, it is advisable to eat a banana as banana is the only wonderful fruit which can only give u instant energy.

One banana can give u the constant flow of energy for a work out of one hour.

Answer 8

something like a matrial arts or dancing or yoga....no. If you eat then you are probably going to have a hard time. In fact most instructors tell you not to eat before you do what you do. In my opinion its best not to eat before you work out unless its something small like a few crackers.

Answer 9

With martial arts, it is preferrable to workout on an empty stomach as opposed to a full stomach. Never went to martial arts class in 3 years on a full stomach, our exercise routine was brutal enough, can imagine trying to do it on a full stomach.

Answer 10

You have to eat something so you have the energy to work out properly. You don't necessarily have to have a full meal, just something light.