Should I Poop Before or After Working Out?

It’s a dilemma many of us face when we’re trying to squeeze in a workout – should I poop before I hit the gym or hold it until after? You know the feeling – that brewing storm in your stomach as you lace up your sneakers and get ready to start your cardio. Do you take care of business beforehand or risk an uncomfortable bathroom break mid-workout?

On one hand, pooping beforehand can help you avoid any, ahem, accidents and make sure you’re empty before intense exercise. But on the other hand, some people swear that working out helps get things moving through the power of physical movement and exertion. Ultimately, whether to poop before or after your workout comes down to personal preference.

In this article, we’ll go through the pros and cons of both options. I’ll share some tips from experts on how to determine what will work best for your body and routine. The goal is to help you decide when it’s better to poop so you can have the best, most comfortable workout possible. After all, the last thing you want is to end up in a squat over the gym toilet!

By the end, you’ll know whether it’s better to poop before or after exercise so you can plan accordingly and keep your workouts flowing smoothly. Let’s dive in and settle this pressing poop predicament once and for all!

The Scoop on Pre-Workout Pooping

Pooping before you exercise has some distinct advantages:

You Won’t Have to Go Mid-Workout

This is perhaps the biggest benefit of pre-workout pooping. If you empty your bowels beforehand, you likely won’t have that sudden urge to poop and stink up the gym bathroom later. Holding it in during squats or sprints can be uncomfortable or even detrimental to pushing your limits.

So if you know you’ll have to go at some point, you’re better off taking care of business before you get all hot and sweaty. The last thing you want is to cut your workout short because your stomach starts screaming at you to poop.

It Can Enhance Your Performance

Another perk of pooping first is that you may perform better with emptied bowels. Think about it this way – if your body doesn’t have to work to digest yesterday’s burrito while you exercise, more energy can be directed toward your workout.

According to research, taking a pre-workout poop can lower your VO2 max – the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. The more oxygen available, the better you can perform.

You’ll Feel More Comfortable

Let’s be honest – trying to exercise while prairie-dogging is not an enjoyable experience. If you have a poop hanging halfway out the door, your mind will be focused on your urgent bathroom needs rather than your workout.

Pooping beforehand lets you exercise feeling light and free without distraction. Rather than worrying about impending bowel issues, you can zone in on your fitness goals and crush your workout.

Perks of Post-Workout Pooping

While pooping beforehand has some benefits, doing your business after also has advantages:

Exercise Can Stimulate Bowel Movements

There’s a reason you suddenly have to poop after exercise even if you didn’t before. The physical activity can jump start your digestive system and bowel movements.

The mechanical jostling of running and other cardio gets your intestines moving. Certain yoga poses and core work can also stimulate the urge to go. So you may naturally feel like pooping after you work out as a bodily reaction.

You Can Fully Hydrate Pre-Workout

If you tend to get dehydrated during exercise, pooping afterward allows you to drink fluids right up until your workout. You don’t have to worry about cutting off water intake a while before to empty your system.

Staying hydrated is key to peak performance and recovery. Pooping later lets you hydrate to your heart’s content beforehand.

You Can Shower Right After

Pooping post-workout means you can quickly shower and clean up when you’re done with your bathroom business. No need to take multiple showers or rinse off sweat after pooping pre-workout.

Hopping in the shower right after pooping saves time and lets you fully cleanse yourself in one go. No more washing workout gunk off, pooping, then having to re-shower.

Tips for Deciding When to Poop

Now that you know the upsides of pooping both before and after exercise, how do you decide what works best? Here are some tips for figuring out ideal poop timing around workouts:

Consider Your Regular Bathroom Schedule

Pay attention to when you normally poop during the day. If you have a regular morning ritual, stick to pooping before the gym. Night owls may prefer to go after an evening workout when their system is active.

Work with, not against, your natural bathroom schedule. You’ll feel more comfortable pooping at your usual times.

Note Symptoms of Needing to Go

Track symptoms like stomach gurgling, cramping, or bloating around workouts. If you consistently feel the urge to go mid-workout, pooping before is likely better.

But if you rarely feel symptoms until after exercising, holding it until later is probably fine.

Experiment With Both Options

Give pre- and post-workout pooping a test drive to see what feels best. Try each option for a week and note any differences in comfort, performance, and bathroom habits.

Everyone has different needs, so test out both timing options. Pay attention to the effects on your body.

Consider Your Workout Intensity

Plan poop timing based on your workout intensity. Lighter workouts allow more leeway in holding it until after. But for intense CrossFit or bootcamps, emptying first is likely wise.

High-intensity exercise requires full focus and maximum exertion without bathroom distractions. So poop beforehand if you’ll be pushing your limits.

Give Yourself Enough Time

Make sure to leave adequate cushion in your schedule for a pre- or post-workout poop. Rushing the process can lead to frustration and incomplete evacuation.

Building in poop time prevents that waddle-run to the toilet when your stomach starts screaming at you.

Listen to Your Body

At the end of the day, let your body decide when it needs to poop. Pay attention to its signals around workouts. If cramps kick in, don’t fight the urge – just go!

Your body knows best, so tune in to its natural rhythms and bathroom needs.

The Bottom Line on Pre- and Post-Workout Poops

Whether you prefer to poop before or after exercise comes down to personal preference based on your body. Keep in mind these key takeaways:

• Pre-workout pooping prevents needing to go mid-workout and can enhance performance.
• Post-workout pooping allows you to hydrate fully and shower right after.
• Pay attention to your natural bathroom schedule and symptoms.
• Experiment to see which timing feels best for your body.
• Consider workout intensity – the harder you push, the more pre-pooping has benefits.
• Build in enough time to poop without rushing.
• Let your body’s signals guide you on when to go.

While the debate continues on perfect poop timing, you can decide what works for your needs. Now that you know the scoop on when to poop, you can confidently head to the gym knowing your butt’s got your back!