No energy after workout?

lorigem

I keep reading that some people get a "surge of energy" after a workout. However, I just don't. If anything, I feel exhausted and am ready to hit the hay afterward.

I've done both 5 am workouts and am currently doing 5 pm workouts. When I did morning workouts, I was so lathargic the rest of the day, I hated it. Now, I workout and I am ready to just have a light meal and go to bed.

Am I pushing myself too hard? I feel fantastic DURING the workout but never after. I do weight lifting 3 x per week for about 45 minutes and HIIT 2 x per week for about 20 minutes.

Showcase_Brodown

I usually feel worn out after a work out as well. I kind of think that if I am running around with a surge of energy after the gym, I didn't work very hard in the gym. After I go to the gym I want to get a good meal in and relax for the night.

I don't think you are pushing yourself too hard... wouldn't it be perfectly natural to feel worn out after expending lots of energy?

ClumsyArtist

You might not be eating enough. If you're expending a ton of energy while working out, you need more energy from food. When I had MFP set to lose 2 lbs/wk (1,200 cals) I was tired and lethargic, especially after exercising. Since switching it to 1lb/wk (much more appropriate for the amount I weigh/need to lose) I have much more energy and feel pretty great after my workouts.

lorigem

You might not be eating enough. If you're expending a ton of energy while working out, you need more energy from food. When I had MFP set to lose 2 lbs/wk (1,200 cals) I was tired and lethargic, especially after exercising. Since switching it to 1lb/wk (much more appropriate for the amount I weigh/need to lose) I have much more energy and feel pretty great after my workouts.

Hmm. Well I eat 1600-1800 calories per day depending on how much I burn - targeting the 40-30-30 approach. I'm doing a 750 cal deficit per day (1.5 lbs a week). Thought that was appropriate - but maybe not?

ClumsyArtist

You might not be eating enough. If you're expending a ton of energy while working out, you need more energy from food. When I had MFP set to lose 2 lbs/wk (1,200 cals) I was tired and lethargic, especially after exercising. Since switching it to 1lb/wk (much more appropriate for the amount I weigh/need to lose) I have much more energy and feel pretty great after my workouts.

Hmm. Well I eat 1600-1800 calories per day depending on how much I burn - targeting the 40-30-30 approach. I'm doing a 750 cal deficit per day (1.5 lbs a week). Thought that was appropriate - but maybe not?

Have you just recently started working out after not doing so for a long time? Maybe your body is just getting used to it? It does sound like you're eating enough though.

lorigem

I've been working out consistently for about 5 weeks. Before that, I worked out every now and then. Not a beginner by any means. Maybe my body is still adjusting to the new routine I'm doing?

ClumsyArtist

Very possible! Tons of sleep always helps too

ninerbuff

If you're depleted in energy then you're fine. You're supposed to be "spent" after a good workout anyway.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

lorigem

If you're depleted in energy then you're fine. You're supposed to be "spent" after a good workout anyway.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Will that always be the case? I'd like to be able to do stuff at home after a workout - say clean and do laundry and mundane stuff like that.