Set Muscle

Discuss the pros and cons of intermittent fasting in a bodybuilding regimen.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity, but how does it fit into a bodybuilding lifestyle? Share your personal experiences, benefits, and challenges you've faced while combining IF with muscle-building goals. Let's explore whether this approach is effective for bodybuilders.

Key Questions:
How has IF impacted your muscle mass and strength?
What feeding and fasting windows have you found most effective?
Any tips for managing workouts during fasting periods?

I’ve been doing intermittent fasting (16:8) for a year now, and it’s worked pretty well for cutting. I feel less bloated, and it’s made managing my calorie intake so much easier. The only downside is cramming all my meals into the feeding window. Anyone else struggle with that?

Definitely, @JakeAnderson. I tried IF for a few months, and it was tough to hit my macros in 8 hours. Plus, training fasted wasn’t great for me—I felt weak during my workouts. What time do you usually break your fast?

I break my fast at noon, so I try to work out right before then. That way, I can eat right after training. It helps a lot with energy because I can train fasted without feeling like I’m running on empty.

That’s smart, @EthanBrown. I used to train fasted in the mornings, but I’d crash halfway through my session. Now I train in the afternoon during my feeding window, and it’s way better. Have you tried fasted cardio, though? It’s been great for fat loss.

I do fasted cardio sometimes, @FlexQueen. It works for me as long as I’ve had a good dinner the night before. For lifting, though, I stick to black coffee before fasted sessions. It’s a lifesaver for energy. Anyone else use coffee to power through?

I do, @SteelSpartan! Coffee before fasted workouts makes all the difference. I’ve also tried sipping on BCAAs during my sessions, but I’ve heard mixed opinions about whether that breaks the fast. Thoughts?

It probably breaks the fast, @SophiaMiller, but I think it’s a personal call. If you’re worried about muscle loss, it’s worth it. I couldn’t stick with fasted training—I felt like my strength dropped too much. I’m back to eating before workouts, and my lifts are stronger.

I feel that, @MasonTaylor. I’ve noticed my strength is slightly lower when I train fasted, but the fat loss benefits during a cut make up for it. IF isn’t perfect for building strength, but it’s great for leaning out.

I think that’s the key—IF works better for cutting than for bulking. I gave it up when I started bulking because I just couldn’t eat enough in my feeding window. Anyone successfully bulked with IF?