Pre-Breakfast Workouts

When work starts tomorrow, I will have to wake up early to workout (around 5:30 or 6:00 AM).  This also means that I won't have time to eat breakfast before my workouts anymore.  I know there are a lot of different opinions about whether it's good to workout on an empty stomach, or eat first, so I'm just going to share what I noticed seems to work for me.

When time isn't an issue, I prefer to eat before I workout.  I feel that I have more energy and can push harder during the workout.  The downside to eating first is that I have to wait at least an hour after the meal before I can begin my workout.  That's a long time when you need to fit everything in (including a shower and packing a lunch) before 8 AM.  So, unfortunately, starting tomorrow I will be forced to workout right after I wake up (giving myself about 15 minutes to drink some water and wake up first, of course).

I decided to go ahead and "test-drive" this immediate workout thing this morning and I have to say that my workout wasn't great.  I made it through and I was super sweaty, but I didn't push as hard as I did on Monday in my cardio.  But this could also be because I did a 45 minute cardio instead of a 30 minute workout.  I have to admit that I went into the workout expecting it to be harder than when I get to eat breakfast so that could be a factor as well.  I'm going to try again tomorrow and Friday and see how those workouts go.  If I'm still having a hard time working out with nothing in my stomach, I'll try different things to see what works best.  Whether that's a half a banana before I workout or trying out a pre-workout drink, I'm not sure yet, but I'll be sure to report what I try!

I also want to emphasize that even though my workout wasn't my "best ever" it still helped move my fitness forward.  Even a lower intensity workout is way better than no workout at all!  I'm proud of myself for pushing through and I know that consistency over the long term is what will get me in shape, not sporadic 110% effort workouts.  So, even if you're not feeling it today, get your workout done.  Even if it isn't a great workout, you will feel better and your body will thank you for it in the long run.

Stay healthy!