Fasted training: a dilemma between benefits and limitations

Training on an empty stomach, or fasted training, is a popular practice, particularly within the context of intermittent fasting. The idea is simple: in the absence of readily available glucose, the body is forced to draw on its fat reserves to produce energy. The potential benefits are appealing:

• Increased fat oxidation: The body becomes more efficient at using lipids as fuel.
• Improved insulin sensitivity: A key factor for metabolic health and weight management.
• Hormonal boost: A slight increase in growth hormone may be observed.

However, this idyllic picture has its downside. Many athletes hit a wall: early fatigue, difficulty concentrating, decreased performance, and even an increased risk of muscle catabolism (the breakdown of muscle for energy). This is precisely where Shilajit comes in, not as a simple band-aid, but as a true catalyst for cellular performance.

What is Shilajit? The mountain treasure for athletes

Far from being a mere trend, Shilajit is an ancient substance used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a natural resin, a humic substance that seeps from the rocks of the Himalayan mountains during the warmer months. The result of the slow decomposition of plant matter over millennia, it is an exceptional concentrate of nutrients.

The key to its power: Fulvic acid and over 84 minerals

What makes Shilajit so unique is its biochemical composition. It is primarily composed of fulvic acid, a "super-molecule" that acts as a transporter. Think of fulvic acid as an ultra-efficient delivery vehicle that helps your cells absorb essential nutrients. Combined with over 84 minerals and trace elements in their ionic form (the most bioavailable to the body), such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and selenium, Shilajit offers a synergy found nowhere else in nature.

"Shilajit is not a stimulant. It's an adaptogen that nourishes your body at a cellular level. For fasted training, it's the difference between 'surviving' your workout and dominating it."

The 5 major benefits of Shilajit for your morning workouts

Incorporating Shilajit into your pre-workout fasted routine can unlock a new level of performance. Here's how it works:

1. A boost of cellular energy (ATP) without sugar or caffeine

Your body's energy is ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). Mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of your cells, produce this ATP. Shilajit, thanks to its components like Coenzyme Q10, helps optimize mitochondrial function. The result: more efficient and sustained energy production, without the spikes and crashes associated with caffeine or sugar. You experience a deep and stable vitality throughout your session.

2. Improved endurance and resistance to exertion

Fatigue is the main enemy of fasted training. Shilajit helps ward it off by improving oxygenation of muscle tissue and reducing oxidative stress generated by exertion. Preliminary studies suggest it can increase work capacity and endurance, allowing you to do that extra rep or run that extra kilometer.

3. Optimizing recovery and reducing muscle soreness

Training creates micro-tears in muscle fibers. Recovery is the repair process. Shilajit's anti-inflammatory properties and rich mineral content support this process. By promoting cellular repair and combating post-exercise inflammation, it can help reduce the intensity of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and speed your return to 100%.

4. Natural hormonal support: an ally for testosterone

Testosterone is a crucial hormone for performance, strength, and muscle growth in both men and women. Some research indicates that purified Shilajit may help maintain healthy testosterone levels, or even increase them. This is a significant advantage for preserving muscle mass, a major concern during fasted training.

5. Mental clarity and concentration for a perfect mind-body connection

"Brain fog" can sabotage even the best intentions. Shilajit possesses nootropic properties, meaning it can support cognitive function. By improving blood flow to the brain and protecting neurons, it promotes increased focus and better neuromuscular connection. You are more present, more focused on your technique and your sensations.

How to incorporate Shilajit into your morning routine?

Adopting Shilajit is simple. Here's a practical guide to get started:

1. Dosage: Start small. A dose the size of a grain of rice (approximately 100-200 mg) is ideal to begin with. You can then gradually increase up to 300-500 mg per day, depending on how you feel.
2. Timing: Take your dose of Shilajit approximately 20 to 30 minutes before your workout to allow your body time to assimilate it.
3. Preparation: The simplest method is to dissolve the resin in a glass of lukewarm water (not boiling, to preserve its properties). Its flavor is strong, earthy, and smoky. For more indulgent ideas, explore our recipe blog .

Remember, quality is key. Make sure your Shilajit is purified, lab-tested, and comes from a reliable source to avoid contaminants and ensure its potency.