The FastDay Forum

I've been doing 5:2 for nine weeks and I'm very happy with it and feel that my body and mind have almost adjusted to this way of life. the only problem I have is with exercising. So far I haven't done any gym etc. on a fast day though do walk the dog as I always feel quite weak and like I need to safe my energy as it were, although I have noticed that I am feeling a bit stronger now, but no where near doing my normal gym workout.
The worst part is the day after the fast. On those days I often go to the gym. I have breakfast as normal but a couple of times have had to abandon my workout. I feel hot, weak and generally nasty, and I know that it is low blood sugar level. Today, and on Wednesday I did complete my workouts but it was not an enjoyable experience at all and I'm not able to work to the same intensity as I know I could.
I've fasted yesterday and I've felt weak and incredibly grumpy all day!

It seems that my body must have a problem with using fat stores for energy I guess. I wonder why; type 2 diabetes runs in my family though I don't have it maybe that has something to do with it? If my theory is correct, does anyone know how I can switch on fat burning or do I need to be patient and let my body adapt.
Sorry for the long essay

I exercise on fast day, swimming or spinning, I generally do it before work in the early morning as I still have some energy from dinner the night before. I have done spinning in the eve of a fast but it was harder. I don't know what you eat but try to eat low GI food on fast days as this will help keep your blood sugar stable maybe?

I've recently started doing Josie Gibson's workout. It's HIIT and only a 20 minute workout, I do it in the mornings and then get on with the rest of the day. It's tough, but over so quickly that I don't get to the point of flagging. As it aims to increase and decrease heart rate - to optimum fat burning, HIIT might be something worth considering?

I would say that we are all individuals, so what is right for one person isn't necessarily right for another. Listen to your body! If it's telling you that it's not good for you to exercise on a fast day (or the day after a fast day), then plan your gym sessions for the other three days of the week. Or try a shorter, less strenuous workout on fast days and post-fast days. Experiment until you find the optimum exercise pattern for YOU.

I'm with you Sarah. I couldn't possibly deal with exercise on a fast day as I'm wasted. My fast days are Monday and Thursday so I swim on Wednesdays and go to the gym on Fridays and Sundays. It's good to hear that I'm not alone as most people here say they have a surplus of energy on fast days!

I also excercise in the early morning so I have no problem in a fast day. As for the day following a fast you should eat a breakfast that will not trigger an insulin surge and a dip in your blood glucose level. Go for complex carbs- whole wheat bread or cereal and a source of protein like cheese, egg or yogurt. good luck.

Second what Phoenix says and just want to add something my trainer said the other day- gentle exercise like walking, non strenuous cycling and swimming on a fast day is going to be using up your fat stores- maybe just gently do it the day after the fast too until you feel up for more hardcore exercise?

Btw are you eating enough on your non fast days? If I don't eat enough between Monday and Thursday fasts, the 2nd one is more hideous for me anyway...although, just looked at your bmi - maybe your body doesn't want to loose anymore?
Hope some of my waffling helps!