Early morning weight training and less sleep

[anonymous-user]

Most nights after work I struggle to find time to gym. However I am toying with the idea of waking up earlier and then going to the gym for 0600 before work. Obviously I'd be sleeping a little bit less but nothing major as I'd try to catch up where I can.

Does anyone else here train in the early AM? Is it better? Does it affect your working day?

[944fan]

I have to fit all my training in early. In the gym or pool by 6 am usually.

Weightlifting doesn't seem to affect my day at work at all. Doesn't tire me out massively. A big swim will make me quite tired during the day though.

Not sure if there are any massive benefits either way round. If you like doing some fasted cardio it is easier at that time.

Reduced sleep may impact your gains. Depends on how much you will be getting I guess.

[didelydoo]

I get up at 0500 to train a few times a week- love it, gives me a free evening with my family and sets you up nicely for the day- tricky to start with, but you soon get into it.

[anonymous-user]

didelydoo said:

I get up at 0500 to train a few times a week- love it, gives me a free evening with my family and sets you up nicely for the day- tricky to start with, but you soon get into it.

That's the thing. I get home from work, things to do then by the time everything is done I don't really have time to spend with my wife.
Going to give it a try Monday with a strong pre-workout.

[944fan]

GravelMachineGun said:

a strong pre-workout.

Double espresso in your protein shake. Works a treat

[didelydoo]

944fan said:

Double espresso in your protein shake. Works a treat

For me, this morning was 400mg caffeine and a handful of raisins at 0500- I often train fasted at that time though, notice no difference TBH.

[AgentOrange]

I'm on an upper/lower programme 4 days a week at 0600 every morning. I tend to be in the the 'morning person' camp anyways so it isn't a major issue for me although I often question my sanity as I'm squatting first thing on a Monday morning.

As others have pointed out, it gives you a great pump for the day and also offers consistency, one of the most important factors in any programme. No time for 'other plans' to come up or to talk yourself out of it. You should definitely give it a go, I guess it may take a while to adjust but if it fits with your lifestyle then it is a winner.

[anonymous-user]

Just an update. It isn't as bad as I thought it'd be, I'm getting into the swing now.
First 10mins are not fun but when I'm up I feel pretty good.

[Roastie ITR]

I've been doing this for the past couple of months since having my daughter, so I get to spend more time with her after work.

I am doing circuits to try and shift a bit of fat, managed to lose half a stone so can now see my abs again

Thinking about switching to mainly lifting weights now to try and gain some size. But I will be doing this on an empty stomach, will this have any negative effect on my ability to lift and build muscle?

[didelydoo]

Roastie ITR said:

Thinking about switching to mainly lifting weights now to try and gain some size. But I will be doing this on an empty stomach, will this have any negative effect on my ability to lift and build muscle?

Probably not, provided you don't fast after training. I do it without issue, you could always eat a bit more carbs the night before to compensate if it's a concern.

[anonymous-user]

Roastie ITR said:

Thinking about switching to mainly lifting weights now to try and gain some size. But I will be doing this on an empty stomach, will this have any negative effect on my ability to lift and build muscle?

I have my weight gainer after my workout. Fine for a few hours but around half 9 I get the shakes and need to eat something. Other than that the 'gains' won't be affected assuming you still eat at other times

[Roastie ITR]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I train at home so will be having breakfast about 30 minutes after I have finished (usually 4 eggs or big bowl of porridge). If I find that I am struggling for energy I'll try the high carb dinner the night before trick.

[Roastie ITR]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I train at home so will be having breakfast about 30 minutes after I have finished (usually 4 eggs or big bowl of porridge). If I find that I am struggling for energy I'll try the high carb dinner the night before trick.