Lifting first thing in the AM

[Varlover]

I usually try to get up and go to the gym at about 5-5:30 am so that way its out of the way and nothing has a chance to get in the way throughout the day. I have recently been told by someone that lifting like this can do more harm than good, especially if lifting heavy, like deadlifts, squats etc. Something to do with how the spine and joints relax while sleeping apparently. They arent ready to handle that much stress till they adjust to bearing the weight of your body again a few hours later.

Is this hogwash or does it have some merit?

[Monka]

Not to sure, i found first thing in am, my energy wasnt there, but for ME i lifed the evening workouts

[GYMBRAT]

no clue, can't see it really but who knows? I love lifting in the am, or pm well anytime is good for me! I just love lifting period!

[CanadianIron]

I can't do it. I feel weak and loose in the morning, focus isnt there either. I think if you're doing heavy lifting you should be in your "zone" otherwise you risk injury. If you feel powerful, go for it. If not maybe just do cardio sessions in the AM.

[Scaffer]

i lift in the morning.wake up at 9am and leave for the gym at 9:30.
Just do a proper warm up i guess.

[jack_krauser]

Bad idea. I have injured myself couple of times during morning workouts because i wasn't properly warmed up or in the zone as canadianiron mentioned above. Afternoon workouts are best for me after a proper meal :)

But ya not sure how spine would come in play. I guess you will have to do more research on this.

[faller]

I train early as well, 5:30/6:00 AM. That's when i get my best workouts. I find i have tons of energy at that time of day, i'm not run down from the day's events.

Personally i call bullshit on it not being good for your spine. I spend a little extra time warming up, not stretching but i run sort of a non stop circute for about 10/15 min.

[Varlover]

Thanks faller.

[The Brick]

Just warm up and you will be fine.

[ubcpower]

i think a key element of first thing in the a.m. workouts is water consumption and being hydrated. I train at 6am, but i wake up at 5am and try and get in 1.5-2 litres of water along with my pre workout shake

[nisser]

Well if you don't eat prior to lifting (as the title suggests) then it's definetely the dumbest thing ever.

[JacktheThriller]

i have heard of not doing excessive stretching as soon as you wake up something to do with the spinal fluid, nyway as long as u warm up i dont see a problem with it.

[Ritch]

I`d recommend you at least get some carbs and protein before lifting. No way could I train without that and some pre workout nootropics and stims. The only thing I`d do empty stomach is cardio and low intensity cardio. Lifting weights empty stomach when you cns is still in sleep mode just dosen`t seem like a good idea to me. Maybe what you could do is get your pre workout meal in wait at least an hour then start warming up. This way you will have been up and awake for an hour and 15-20 minutes or so. While you`re digesting, you could get your meals and shakes and pills all set up for the day.

[Winnipeg Muscle]

I can't do it either, just not a morning person. Need some meals in me first. :)

[faller]

I get up about an hour and a half before i go to the gym. I have 4 pre boiled eggs from the night before and a couple toast with jam, 2 cups of coffee and a 50gr protien shake just before i leave. No way could i do this on an emptly stomach. I also put dextrose in my water bottle.

[bcmedic]

For me am is the best time. I find if I go later in the day I do not have as much energy. As well I find doing a hard core workout in the am gives me the energy I need for the rest of the day! As stated in another post, make sure you drink plenty of water and do a good warm up before lifting heavy. But do what you feel works best for you!

[_Ragnar_]

i hate working out in the AM it kills the rest of my day.

ps bcmedic you have a PM