Group: Beginners to Exercise

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 970, Messages: 18927

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Training in the morning

tj135
tj135
Posts: 33
Joined: 2003/05/21
United States
2003/12/06, 08:13 PM
Hi there,

I find that I need to work out in the am or I just don't do it. I have two toddlers and am plum wore out at midday until I go to bed. My question is for those who lift in the morning, I'm just wondering what you're routine is? Do you eat a little bit, warm up and then lift? I'm worried that I might injure myself from being half asleep and/or less flexible. Does having coffee before or during the workout help?

I've been to the doctor regarding the fatigue and he believes I am not getting enough sleep. Done some blood work...all is good. Anyway, I need some encouragement about working out in the AM. So please, bring on some advice!
Thanks, C
jbennett
jbennett
Posts: 1,558
Joined: 2001/02/28
United States
2003/12/06, 09:57 PM
I get up at 4am and I'm working out by 5. I'll give you a call when I wake up. ;)

Coffee really isn't so bad (minus the sugar of course). I hate the taste, but if it works for you, do it. I take one Ripped Fuel with 25oz of water before I train. Caffeine and ephedra are a very potent combination and it works well for me. I have an 18-month old so I understand what you mean.

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--JBennett
"I've up-ed my intensity.... now up yours!"
"Pain is only weakness leaving the body."
"Never think of how weak you are; think of how strong you're going to be."
Firehawk734
Firehawk734
Posts: 295
Joined: 2002/07/31
United States
2003/12/06, 10:11 PM
What I dont understand is how you dont have any energy when you are lifting weights. I have a TON of energy.

ON the other hand, i dont have kids so im sure thats rough, but i do have a very very busy schedule.

detox174
detox174
Posts: 115
Joined: 2003/10/28
United States
2003/12/06, 11:39 PM
i wake up have some cereal then a protein shake...my gym is at my college which is 40 min train ride away so by the time i get there im wide awake from dealing with the people on the subway LOL
tj135
tj135
Posts: 33
Joined: 2003/05/21
United States
2003/12/07, 04:48 PM


============
Quoting from jbennett:

I get up at 4am and I'm working out by 5. I'll give you a call when I wake up. ;)

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Jbennet, how many hours of sleep do you get? I try and drag myself out of bed at 5am, but usually the pillow wins :)

I'm wondering if I get up at 4:30am and make that my time for myself, have some coffee, and work out at 5am. That just might be the ticket.

Firehawk - I wish I had your energy!! I don't know if it's kids or lack of sleep or mental stress or what. I do have a decade on you though. Ah, to be 25 again...
Jdelts
Jdelts
Posts: 1,218
Joined: 2003/10/19
United States
2003/12/07, 05:19 PM
Lack of energy can be from a variety of reasons from sleep, to diet, to stress. How are bodies handle it differes from person to person based on these factors. Age is another factor; how long you've been training could be one. Shame on you Firehawk for making such a statement, nice way to rub it in on the poor guy.LOL(joking bro).

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WISE MAN SAY: ONLY FOOLS DON\'T LIFT
Firehawk734
Firehawk734
Posts: 295
Joined: 2002/07/31
United States
2003/12/07, 08:03 PM
lol jdelts... ;)

i suppose maybe hes not eating the proper carbs or not eating enough times per day.

I eat small meals all throughout the day TJ, and that seems to boost my energy. If you eat one or 2 big meals (which it seems anyone not working out these days does) your body gets very very sluggish, regardless if u work out. Dont be ashamed ;) we all do it. Psst i bet jdelts does too sometimes...shh dont tell him i said that ;)

ALso if u eat too much "junk" (simple carbs) like pizza, beer, lasagna, pasta, lol that all can weigh u down.

When i quit working out, and i return back to eating like poo, my energy level drops severely and i dont even feeel liek standing up sometimes. Why this is not enough motivation for people to continue working out , ill never know.

tj135
tj135
Posts: 33
Joined: 2003/05/21
United States
2003/12/10, 09:05 AM

You know, I was not even considering that my diet would have an impact. THANK YOU for pointing that out. It could be that vicious cycle ...tired...eat carbs to get energy...tired again...more carbs...more tired...etc! Works the same way with working out. I just have to get the monkey off my back and do it!!
tenorsaxmandave
tenorsaxmandave
Posts: 538
Joined: 2003/01/23
United States
2003/12/10, 09:30 AM
Yo TJ!

My 2 cents... Breaking the high-glycemic carbs cycle can be tough, but once you do, I'll bet things level out for you. I have kids, too (3). I'm up at 4:30 and working out at 5:30 - not necessarily because I like it, but because it doesn't take away from family time. Those few hours in the morning when everyone else is sleeping is my time. And, like any other habit, I found that after a few weeks, it just became part of my routine. Just be careful about getting enough rest. Aside from the detrimental effects a lack of sleep has on muscle building and fat loss, it also plays havoc with the immune system - something to think about during cold and flu season, especially when you have kids that are bringing home every germ known to man from all their friends at school!

I am not a morning eater. It is very difficult to eat anything that early, but I manage a very low carb (<2g), high protein drink before my workout. The low carbs mean I'm not really sabbotaging my "cardio on an 'empty' stomach" philosophy to badly (my muscle glycogen remains fairly depleted), but I'm getting something in my body to fuel the weight training and keep my body from eating away at the lean tissue for energy. There are lots of opinions on this subject, though. I'm a firm believer in listening to everyone's opinions, gather all the facts you can, and then make informed choices until you find a plan that works for you.

Good luck, TJ.

TSMD

tj135
tj135
Posts: 33
Joined: 2003/05/21
United States
2003/12/10, 09:57 AM
Thanks for the encouragement. I will try to tweak my eating and see if there is improvement.

It'll have to wait until after I try your Biscotti recipe though, TSMD :)
tenorsaxmandave
tenorsaxmandave
Posts: 538
Joined: 2003/01/23
United States
2003/12/10, 10:11 AM
Those bad boys are a guaranteed trip to the dark side. Use that recipe wisely. And note that they are ONLY to be eaten in cases of complete mental emergencies during hectic holiday crises. The biscotti force is strong. Be careful!

TSMD
malice1992
malice1992
Posts: 1
Joined: 2003/12/29
United States
2003/12/29, 04:29 AM
I work graveyard shift and sleep in the day. Then pick up my kids from school and cook for my husband who gets out of work at 5pm. What kind of work out and diet would you suggest for a busy sleepy mother?
tenorsaxmandave
tenorsaxmandave
Posts: 538
Joined: 2003/01/23
United States
2003/12/30, 11:09 AM
Yo malice!

I am not the poster child for perfect fitness, but I try to maintain a healthy balance in my life. Folks could debate all day about whether it's better to workout in the morning or evening or whenever. The bottom line is: everybody has just 24 hours every day. You should find a time in your 24-hour period that you can call your own -- a time period that you are willing to devote to yourself, and one that has minimal effect on your family and your hectic schedule. Then make a commitment to yourself (and your family, really) and (here's the key)stick with it. If you pick a time that works for you and your family, you're more likely to stick with whatever program you choose.

There are tons of workout routines and nutrition tips on this site. Research, pick one, train, eat healthy, and don't give up. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey (it's a great stress reliever!).

TSMD