As good as exercise is, doing it while someone is fasting might be dangerous to health. Because the person’s body within that particular period is not as energetic as before the commencement of the fasting period.
While staying active is great, one also needs to be strategic because too much of it can actually backfire, leading to muscle loss or injury.
To keep your energy steady and your body safe, Sporting Tribune compiles five activities you should skip until after you’ve broken your fast.
Competitive sports
Basketball, soccer, and rugby are unpredictable. They require constant sprinting, jumping, and physical contact. When you haven’t eaten as fasting requires, your reaction times naturally slow down. Meanwhile, playing on an empty stomach has a tendency to increase your risk of rolling an ankle or tearing a ligament.
Weightlifting
Now is not the time to go for a personal record on the bench press. Heavy lifting requires immense focus and immediate energy. Fasting often causes a slight dip in concentration and “explosive” power. If your focus slips during a heavy squat, your form will be the first thing to go, which is a fast track to a back or knee injury.
Long Distance Running
If you’re planning a run or bike ride longer than an hour, you’re entering the “danger zone” of fasting. Without the ability to sip electrolytes or grab a carb-heavy snack mid-route, you’ll likely hit a wall. In this state, the body can start breaking down its own muscle tissue to find the energy it needs to keep going.
Hot Yoga
Standard yoga is usually fine, but “Hot” sessions are a different beast. The extreme heat forces your body to sweat profusely to stay cool. If you are on a fast where you aren’t drinking water, you are inviting severe dehydration. This can lead to electrolyte imbalances that cause painful muscle cramps and dizziness.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT combines running, cycling, rowing, stair climbing, etc. The strategy is highly effective as it reduces the time needed in the gym and often helps its users lose weight, build muscle, and boost their metabolism.
However, trying to sprint or do burpees can cause blood sugar to crash, leaving the person shaky and shaky which is very dangerous during fasting.
