Military Fitness: Train sober

02/08/2017 By Redaktion

Fighting Fit Combat Swimmer Military Fitness Sober

Running or training on an empty stomach? Does it make sense or is it unhealthy? This is the question posed by Torsten, author of "Military Fitness". Here are his thoughts on the topic: Strangely enough, opinions vary widely on this matter. English studies endorse it, as burning fat is faster with empty or almost empty carbohydrate stores.

Others say that a reasonable interval training burns more calories and is therefore much more effective. Then there are experts who say that you can only train the fat metabolism when carbohydrates are still present. Others write that training in the lower training zone (extensive GA1) particularly stimulates fat metabolism.

Who can still see through all this and what is right or unhealthy now?

My personal opinion on this topic:

I like to look at new insights or studies. However, quite critically. Because the mistake is often made of lumping all athletes together and not considering them individually. Every person has special training preferences, different performance capabilities, is differently motivated, has different time available, is a night owl or an early riser, and so on...

Based on my experience in endurance sports, I don't need to test some studies separately, I can quickly form my own opinion about them. I personally like to run before breakfast. If my eyes are open, I am usually wide awake. Then it's time to get up, brush my teeth, grab the dog, and go. But I am also an early riser.

Furthermore, I have been a triathlete for many years, so I don't need to worry about whether I can manage 7 or 10 km on an empty stomach. I just run as long as I feel like it or as the training plan dictates. However, I limit early runs to training zone GA 1 /45-60 min.

I don't specifically schedule these runs, but rather do them when it fits my schedule, when I'm awake very early, or when I have no other training option available.

Just give it a try.

One person enjoys the peace of the morning. Another the nature, the sunrise, the mist on the lake, or the fresh, unspoiled air.However, I know many athletes who need their coffee or cereal in the morning to get going before even thinking about moving.