This is a kind of controversial topic among fasting experts. Some believe that fasting should be a time of slowing down and healing and the body should not be overburdened with exercise or with repairing muscles. I think this type of approach makes a lot of sense to people.
On the other side, fasting induces a huge surge of growth hormone release, beginning at around 14-16 hours into the fast and peaking at 72 hours. Many athletes train to take advantage of this period for accelerated muscle growth and improved fitness goals.
So what does this mean for the average faster such as myself? My approach was to just listen to my body. On the 3rd day of my fast I went on a hike with a friend and I could feel my body not being in top form and I even felt out of breath at times. It wasn't enjoyable so I listened to my body and cut my hike short.
On the 4th day, instead of my regular weight training routine, my trainer and I did some Yoga and stretching routines. It felt amazing and I even went for a nice walk later.
On day 9th of my 10-day water fast I got a huge burst of energy and went to the gym and pumped iron for about 40 minutes. I loved it! I still had energy for a long swim and walk later that afternoon.
The moral of the story? If it feels right, do it! Listen to your body and don't force it into anything it's not ready for. There will be days to rest and other days to do things you could never imagine without a full belly. Make the whole experience as enjoyable as possible.
On the other side, fasting induces a huge surge of growth hormone release, beginning at around 14-16 hours into the fast and peaking at 72 hours. Many athletes train to take advantage of this period for accelerated muscle growth and improved fitness goals.So what does this mean for the average faster such as myself? My approach was to just listen to my body. On the 3rd day of my fast I went on a hike with a friend and I could feel my body not being in top form and I even felt out of breath at times. It wasn't enjoyable so I listened to my body and cut my hike short.
On the 4th day, instead of my regular weight training routine, my trainer and I did some Yoga and stretching routines. It felt amazing and I even went for a nice walk later.
On day 9th of my 10-day water fast I got a huge burst of energy and went to the gym and pumped iron for about 40 minutes. I loved it! I still had energy for a long swim and walk later that afternoon.
The moral of the story? If it feels right, do it! Listen to your body and don't force it into anything it's not ready for. There will be days to rest and other days to do things you could never imagine without a full belly. Make the whole experience as enjoyable as possible.
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