Rothstein Tapped for Fasted Workouts Article

Popular Science featured insight from Alexander Rothstein, M.S., instructor and coordinator for the Exercise Science program, in an article about the pros and cons of fasted workouts. Rothstein explained that the benefits of fasting are typically short-term. While individuals do burn a percentage of reserved fat when fasting, there’s usually less total fat burned over time, as the intensity needed to sustain a high-impact workout is more than a body running on empty can handle. In addition, exercising on an empty stomach can also lead to lightheadedness, a direct result of low blood sugar and dehydration, as well as injury if one is lifting heavy equipment.

“Get some food in your stomach. It does not have to be anything heavy, but something that will keep [your] blood sugar at appropriate levels,” said Rothstein.