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Q: I know that you're supposed to wait for your meal to digest before you begin exercising. But how long should you really wait? I know that it is recommended that you do not eat for at least 2 hours before yoga, for example...but I think that the time should vary by type of exercise.
I'm just curious.. I do two types of exercise the most: yoga/pillates, and cycling (moderate bike riding along the beach for around 2-3 hours every other week or so).
As an estimate, how long should you wait after eating, before starting exercise? It would be helpful if you mentioned the type of exercise (e.g, moderate, strenuous, etc.), and the digestion time for each.

Basically, the standard is don't eat half an hour before any strenuous exercise.
Yoga/pilates I don't think is very strenuous at all, so half an hour would probably be the maximum time you need to wait.
I run, and I'll go for like three miles half an hour after a decent sized meal.
Two hours is a little excessive, because (to boost metabolism, anyway) you're supposed to eat every 3-4 hours. If you eat, then wait two hours, then work out, you'll have already started to burn a lot of the calories you had before.
It takes the stomach 20 minutes to digest, provided you didn't overeat, so half an hour should be sufficient wait time for basically anything.
Good luck
-Siren =)

Rating: 5

Thanks, actually for certain types of yoga (especially Bikram) you're advised not to eat for at least 2 hours before, since it is pretty vigorous. I was just curious about everything else, so thanks for answering!

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I'm a laid-back 26 year old with a Psychology BA, starting my MA program, and working my way into the field as quickly as I can. It took me an extra Bachelor's degree (in vocal performance and creative writing) to figure it out, but I was put on this Earth to help, to heal, and to love.

I have made the decision to dedicate my life and career to helping others. I am here to do just that.

I've been a member since 2004, and since I signed up, I've gone through quite a lot and learned quite a lot from it. I'm here to give guidance where I had none; no one should have to go through the difficulties I went through alone.

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***While I do tend to answer mental health and other health-related or medicine-related questions, I am by NO MEANS a licensed physician or practitioner of any sort. Any and all advice I give for these questions is from my own experience or studies.***

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I'm a strong believer in the idea that there are no stupid questions except the ones left unasked, so, please, keep an open mind, heart, and mouth.

Siren