Tips for starting a new fitness regime- early morning

[Xtraincome]

Hi guys!

I am going to start morning exercise now both our DDs are (finally) in a room together so don't co sleep with us in our room anymore.

I always did morning exercise pre-kids and would usually eat a banana en route to bootcamp. It's been 7 years since then so my body might want more/something different.

My usual exercise is cardio (I have a cross trainer) followed by an app based workout- crunches, arms, legs etc. I am aiming for a 30-45 minute workout and would like to build up to a HIIT with Les Mills over time (all at home), no gym membership due to finances.

I was thinking of making sure I eat my evening meal around 8pm night before then working out as DH leaves for work at 5.30. If I should eat then, what should eat and how hydrated should I make myself before I even start. I am prone to getting stitches if I don't balance it all right.

Any ideas and opinions welcome.
Thanks

[fellrunner85]

I honestly think you're overthinking this. A 30-45 min workout won't require eating any differently, or any "hydration" apart from a bottle of water to sip from if you get thirsty.

When I was last marathon training, I started my long runs at 5.30am ish, so a similar schedule to you, and I'd just eat a normal evening meal the night before. If I was going for more than 3hrs or so I'd have breakfast; otherwise I wouldn't need fuelling other than gels en route if I got tired.

These days I still work out in a morning, but I start a bit later (6.30ish). Again, I don't eat beforehand but have coffee and a banana when I get back.

[Xtraincome]

@fellrunner85 I probably am overthinking this a bit you're right. I find articles with conflicting information when I Google the question. Will keep it simples and go with what I know. I always felt a bit of fruit just gave me a boost and forced me to eat fruit as I find it so dull lol!
Thanks x

[Dentistlakes]

I’m similar to fellrunner in that I run early and don’t eat beforehand. Generally, I just have a glass of water and go, unless I’m running for more than 2h in which case I take something small with me just in case I need it mid run (a few jelly babies). I very rarely need it, but it’s nice to have with me just in case. If I was exercising at home I wouldn’t bother eating anything beforehand.

[user1471464218]

I have a cup of tea before driving to the gym for a 30-45 min workout, cup of tea when I get home (maybe fruit if hungry) then get kids ready and eat later at work.

[PlugUgly1980]

I run every morning. Up at 5:45, just my usual breakfast, 2xweetabix and a coffee, then run 6-20 miles. Anything over 15 miles then I have a couple of Dextrose tablets and take some water.

[dreamsarefree]

Same as above - rarely eat or drink anything pre early morning exercise (and if I do due to an early dinner or something, usually a handful of homemade muesli as I know it won't cause digestive issues). I don't think for what you are talking about that nutrition and hydration would limit what you can do and may cause more issues due to the early start and proximity to exercising.

[Montalbanosono]

I would say just see what your body is telling you. I used to feel wobbly going out for a run on an empty stomach. After a banana or a yoghurt I feel fine.

[usernotfound0000]

I don't feel the need to eat before a morning workout (45 min HIIT), I usually down a glass of water and have another on hand during the workout. I feel it is more important to eat after, I aim to eat a carb based meal within 1-2 hours.

[HermioneWeasley]

No nutrition advice, but popping in to say LMOD is brilliant

[WhiskeryWoman]

I’m often on my bike for a few hours starting at 5 or 5.30am. I’ll either do endurance pace or endurance with some efforts. I don’t do anything different. So normal evening meal about 5-6pm ish. Normal drinking. Then I’ll have an expresso and some home made hot cross buns just before I go. If I’m doing efforts I’ll put complex carbs in my bottle, otherwise I just have plain water. I’ll always have a big cup of soy milk and huge bowl of porridge as soon as I’m back. Then I’m happy for the rest of the day 😬😬😬

[Jennyfromtheculdesac]

I don’t eat before a morning workout (and if DC2 has been a pain I’ve sometimes been up for 3 hours beforehand. I also suffer from stitches but only usually find it a problem with running. But I try to leave it at least an hour after drinking anything. So if I’m up at 6am I’ll have a cup of tea before an 8am workout but if I’m up at 7am and head straight to the gym I’ll have a few sips of water and a drink on hand through my workout.

[Xtraincome]

Wow! Thanks so much MNetters:-)
I am pleased to hear other people doing the same in the morning as I once did. Post-kids I switched to being an afternoon exerciser but, I felt less benefit. I am pleased to be trying the mornings again so will just have a bottle of water ready then I can enjoy breakfast with the girls.

Some of your daily exercise regime's are bloody awesome am super impressed and jealous. Am checking on LMOD offers now. Have a few other bits lined up on my Samsung Health app too.

Thanks again

[twolittleboysonetiredmum]

As above posters - I only run early morning on the weekends as can’t face it before work but I never eat breakfast and run for 2-3 hours. I take squash and a fruit bar with me but never eat them out of hunger, more habit. You can totally do those work outs without eating - you’ll probably feel better for it

[RedHotChiliChips]

I do a 30 min workout (weights and compound exercises) six mornings per week and never eat before hand apart from drinking water.

Ditch the banana as you will be only burning the sugar digested from it during your exercise and your body won’t have an opportunity to start burning your internal fat reserves instead.

[Montalbanosono]

I take squash and a fruit bar with me but never eat them out of hunger, more habit.
Probably a stupid question but how do you take the squash? I find it awkward to run with a water bottle but also get thirsty and end up cutting the run short to come home and have a drink!

[TheChosenTwo]

I set my alarm for 5am on run days before work, I’m out the door by 5:05 - just have a couple of sips of water before I go so I don’t have a dry mouth.
I’m not particular about what I eat and when the night before, I’m only out for an hour during the week so not at a high level of energy output for me to require any additional fuelling.
I’m not a morning eater anyway, I should probably eat when I get back before I go to work but I just can’t. Always have a few glasses of water though.

[Chocolateteabag]

@Montalbanosono - I have a decathlon running vest with front pockets big enough for 250ml soft pouch water bottles - and also room for my phone etc

I also have decathlon trail shorts with front and back zip pockets that I can get a soft water pouch in

If you make sure there is no air on the pouch it doesn't "slosh" while you run
I don't need water unless I go for longer than an hour but when it's really hot I like to have it to hand just in case

[BearPie]

Watching with interest! My problem is I stay up far too late of an evening!

[BearPie]

web.lesmillsondemand.com/offers?aff_id=636&transaction_id=102ec21d8b293b20d20e92fe99440e&offer_id=342

[Xtraincome]

Thank you @BearPie!
Haven't been on in a few days, sorry.
Love the responses!
I have slowly started making progress and am doing about 15 minutes in the morning. After my period has finished I will pick it up to 30 at least.
Not eating before though just having some water instead.