What makes us "bonk"?

[fitquest]

I know too much Easter candy will make me "bonk" but I'd like to give a more technical reason not to load up on sugars before a workout.
Thanks in advance for your input.

[FabulousAmber]

When you "fuel" your body with sugar before a workout, you are setting yourself up for a CRASH! Sugar will give you a feeling of "energy." The problem is, it is a short-lived high and you will end up burning it off quickly. Once the sugar is gone, you will experience the crash. You will feel sluggish and possibly shaky. It may be impossible to finish your workout because you have not fed your body with the appropriate foods!

also, your body will use those sugars for fuel INSTEAD of the fat, while fatburning is what most people want...

spin-up

[Todd S]

Bonking usually refers to the depletion of muscle glycogen during exercise lasting more than 90 minutes or so and causes an extreme falloff in one's ability to sustain even moderate intensities.

What you seem to be talking about is a rapid increase in blood glucose levels following the consumption of carbohydrate.

The latter may make you sleepy after lunch (due to your body's insulin response), but probably won't affect your ability to perform or sustain exercise.

[Jonnyspin]

bonking in the UK refers to an off-bike activity

[spin-up]

same here, you have to have e flexible mind on this forum jonny..

[fitquest]

Sometimes it may be called "boinking" or "doinking".

[spinnerpom]

I always thought the Brits called it "shagging"...?

[CancunCarol]

Sara, Is your reference for British Slang Austin Powers? :wink:

[Jonnyspin]

no, the term shagging refers to passing over the energy system boundaries from anaerobic to atp for a short period such as a high intensity burst of effort; hence the related term "I'm shagged out!" that is sometimes heard to be gasped after said activity.