Is it better to do anaerobic exercise on an empty stomach or after eating?

Generally, anaerobic exercise is better performed after meals. Performing it on an empty stomach may lead to hypoglycemia, whereas exercising after eating helps avoid this issue, making post-meal timing more favorable. The detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Anaerobic Exercise on an Empty Stomach

Anaerobic exercise consumes excess energy in the body and rapidly burns fat. Although fasting exercise may yield better weight-loss results for individuals aiming to lose weight, when the stomach is empty, there is no reserve food supply. During exercise, the body's energy consumption increases significantly, and due to insufficient energy supply, symptoms such as hypoglycemia or low blood pressure may occur.

2. Anaerobic Exercise After Meals

If anaerobic exercise is performed after eating, the body already has sufficient nutrients to meet energy demands during physical activity, reducing the risk of unstable blood sugar levels or decreased blood pressure. Additionally, it can enhance calorie expenditure, leading to greater fat burning. Therefore, it is generally recommended to perform anaerobic exercise after meals. However, one should avoid prolonged anaerobic workouts immediately after eating; waiting 1–2 hours is considered optimal.

In summary, it is advisable to perform anaerobic exercise after meals, as this not only prevents adverse effects but also helps burn excess fat from the meal. However, if a large meal has been consumed, immediate exercise is generally not recommended. If any physical discomfort occurs during exercise, stop immediately and seek medical attention promptly.