Question for people who go to gym before work in the mornings..

[WithCheesePlease]

Hi,
I used to be pretty good at going to the gym after work, but recently been working late/have stuff that I have to go to, and I keep missing sessions.. can't even manage once a week now! Even on a normal work day I don't get home until 7/7.30pm, grab the car, go to the gym, and that means eating dinner after 9pm which isn't ideal.

So I was thinking of trying before work to get it out of the way and guarantee not to miss it. So I'd get up at 6am, leave house 6.30, class starts at 7 and with commute will just make it on time for 9am.

But what (if anything) should I eat before hand? When exercising in the evening, I'd always have a small healthy snack about 2 hours before- any closer to the time and I always feel sick, get cramps, and (tmi) it repeats on me with belching etc. I suffer a bit with ibs and acid reflux so that could be some of the reason.

It's spinning class btw. So if it's the morning, does that mean I have to get up at 5am, eat something, go back to bed for an hour? 😂

The alternative is eat nothing (and have a snack ready for straight after), but anytime I've done that I've felt faint, dizzy and had to keep stopping on the bike for fear of passing out. I also have low blood pressure and don't sleep well at all, so often feel a bit woozy in mornings.

Anytime I've tried morning sessions it's gone one of the ways above, so I always end up quitting.

Sorry for such a long post, it just always intrigues me when I see the gym packed in the mornings and I just don't know what the secret is around what to eat/what not to eat!

Thank you

[LordEmsworth]

Eat what works for you - you might need to experiment for a bit to get it right. I like to not eat but clearly that doesn't work for you.

Could you not have a smaller version of whatever the healthy snack was you would have for an evening class? A banana (or half of one); a slice of toast; yoghurt; a smoothie; half a bagel; a boiled egg. Or even a couple of biscuits. Small, easy to digest, and as soon as you get up so it's still nearly an hour till class.

[Mulch]

I always worked out fasted then have food ready to eat straight after, so over night oats, scrambled eggs made just before I left or a protein shake and frui

[Madeyemoodysmum]

Have a cereal museli type bar on route if you feel faint or a full fat yogurt. Quick to eat and no prep. I generally swim on an empty stomach but a class id struggle I think

[WithCheesePlease]

Thanks, yeah I might just try something really small and see how that goes

[dairymilkmonster]

malt loaf is my staple- i recognise it might not be for everyone. I eat it in the car en route to the gym!
I've noticed lots of folks have smoothies or drink energy sports drink during the class.

[Popalina]

I was getting up at 5.20, having a coffee and then working out between 6-7am. Breakfast after. Done that for 20 years but just stopped as exhausted! Two dcs and it's too much for me now!

[Eastpoint]

I used to run or spin at 6:30 and found it was fine to just do it. What time do you eat dinner?

[mummc2]

I'm similar to you with Ibs etc I used to do banana and a cup of tea when i got up then a shake on way to work as it would settle well with no cramps or bloating - I suffer with acid if I have a shake on an empty stomach but usually a banana is a good settler

[WithCheesePlease]

Thanks a million everyone 😀
Eastpoint, I'd usually have dinner around 7.30/8pm if I just come straight home from work.

Wow popalina, 20 years!! That's amazing.

[Popalina]

Amazing or insane! I think the latter!!

[MrsJBaptiste]

I go to the gym before work - up at 6.15, in the gym by 6.45. I don't eat before exercising, just have a coffee with cream. Then have either scrambled eggs or a protein shake with berries. Enjoy!

[NamedyChangedy]

I'm in the gym by 6.30 most mornings - I don't have breakfast till I get to work at about 9.30. It's such a kerfuffle getting the DCs and myself ready that I don't get a chance to be hungry beforehand! I do then have a big breakfast (either porridge with lots of toppings, or scrambled eggs & avocado), or I'd be starving 20 minutes later.

You could try having a more filling dinner if you find you're hungry when you wake up...? Or a bedtime snack, perhaps?

[Eastpoint]

Sorry I haven't been able to post for a few days.

So you don't eat particularly early, I think I read an article yesterday saying you don't need to worry about carbs before exercising, just try.

[Cakescakescakes]

Bananas

[Veterinari]

I think the faintness is often due to dehydration rather than lack of food - make sure you have a pint of water when you wake up and take a drink with you too