I have no energy at the gym anymore- why?

misskate719

I uses to have so much energy at the gym- but this past week it seems like I just don't have energy to give it all I got- I'm not tired, I get plenty of sleep. I'm eating lots of protien (nuts, meats) and I drink a protein/energy drink before I go- but I'm still dragging a**. What's wrong with me?

misskate719

*used

Jenscan

Are you bored with your workouts? Are you eating enough?

Mindful_Trent

A few thoughts -

1) Are you eating enough calories? If your deficit has been too low for awhile, that can really affect your energy levels.
2) are you getting enough carbs? I know some people say they feel fine doing the low-carb thing, but many people find it can drain their energy.
3) You might try changing it up and doing something different - try a new routine, new exercises, new machine, etc. It could me mental fatigue from doing the same thing for too long.
4) Do you drink enough water? low-grade dehydration can affect energy levels.

(Or any combination of the above...)

6heatherb6

Are you having enough carbs?? They're used for energy too! Or enough iron...(you're a woman) or maybe you're bored with it??
Try mixing life up a bit
All the best

blacgirlost

Maybe you're body is bored with the workout. Try something new.

sweetheart03622

Might be over training as well as any of the other things mentioned here. Try taking two or three days off and then hitting the gym again.

KaizokuNoMaiku

Are you training to much or to hard, not giving your muscle's enuff rest ? For most you need about 48 hours of rest if your doing weight exercise's.

Are you also following a diet ?
If so are you cutting a lot of calories ?
Are you getting you vitamins and other stuff aswell ?

Stress or a hard/long day at work can also add to your tired feeling.

macdaddyyall

I've been having the same issue recently! But I upped my carbs, water, and sleep, and I feel so much better and more motivated now. Make sure that you're eating enough net calories, that'll help too! You might also try going with a friend for support, if that would help.

LessMe2B

A few thoughts -

1) Are you eating enough calories? If your deficit has been too low for awhile, that can really affect your energy levels.
2) are you getting enough carbs? I know some people say they feel fine doing the low-carb thing, but many people find it can drain their energy.
3) You might try changing it up and doing something different - try a new routine, new exercises, new machine, etc. It could me mental fatigue from doing the same thing for too long.
4) Do you drink enough water? low-grade dehydration can affect energy levels.

(Or any combination of the above...)

Totally agree with this statement!!!

Refisblind

Protein is great for getting the muscles repaired but you need your carbs for energy. Try carbing up one day and see how you feel.

floydg68

Even though you may be getting enough sleep and eating right, your body may still need to rest from working out. Your body builds strength as you rest and it has a chance to repair itself. it may be asking for that kind of time. I work out pretty regularly but also include rest periods every 4-6 weeks as I work out. I also use that time to change my workout as well. IMHO. Take care.

JDMPWR

Overtraining or just burnt out. Take a few days off to focus but not more then 1-2 or you have a tendency to slip away.

gnalani

Don't beat yourself up over it, that will just make it even harder to go in!

Even if you're getting enough sleep every night, your body still might want more rest than that. When athletes train for races, there is a mandatory tapering period that happens every few weeks. During that week, training time is usually cut in half from the week before. Your body may just want to relax a bit.

Sometimes I lose motivation and I have to find a new exercise that gets me excited about the gym again. I loved running, then I lost motivation for it, so I took up kickboxing and now I can't wait until my next class! Maybe try mixing up the routine.

Finally, maybe a goal would help (outside of a weight loss goal which I would assume you already have). Maybe a 5k, triathlon, or something? When I don't want to go to the gym, it always helps me to think, "I could skip today... but I'll regret it on race day."

Hope that helps! Good luck!

misskate719

Thanks for the replies everyone- no, I don't eat many carbs - I'm also not a big water drinker, but In beginning to see how important water is. and i take my multivitamins at night, should I take them w my breakfast? I'm new to this whole healthy diet thing and working out. It's been about a month I've been doing it- and got the exercises down and I enjoy doing them, DEFINITLY not bored. And sometimes I feel I don't push myself enough because recently my body hasn't hurt after my workouts. - But what are some lowfat foods w carbs?

misskate719

And also, I have been resting. I usually go to the gym for three days, then take a day off.

doughnutwretch

All great suggestions so for. You need to drink lots of water, eat protein about 30mins-1 hour before a workout and make sure to fuel back up after workouts. Also, if you have been changing up your routines, your body may have hit a lull and it's time to mix things up. Do different types of cardio and new strength training moves you don't normally do. It's important to find things you enjoy so working out is as fun as possible and your energy levels stay up.

Mindful_Trent

Thanks for the replies everyone- no, I don't eat many carbs - I'm also not a big water drinker, but In beginning to see how important water is. and i take my multivitamins at night, should I take them w my breakfast? I'm new to this whole healthy diet thing and working out. It's been about a month I've been doing it- and got the exercises down and I enjoy doing them, DEFINITLY not bored. And sometimes I feel I don't push myself enough because recently my body hasn't hurt after my workouts. - But what are some lowfat foods w carbs?

Healthy carbs would include (but not limited to) fruits and veggies, quinoa, oats, barley, sweet potatoes/yams, beans/legumes, and whole-grain breads/wraps and pastas. I noticed you mentioned low fat - make sure you're getting enough healthy fat! Fat is important for our health, and you should be getting 15-30% of your calories from fat. Think nuts, avocados, olive oil, fish, etc.

diembroadhurst

another thing to take into account as females is our monthly cycle - normally the week before my visit I feel pretty sluggish when I work out. It will have an impact and you should work it in the equation if its a factor for you soon.

misskate719

another thing to take into account as females is our monthly cycle - normally the week before my visit I feel pretty sluggish when I work out. It will have an impact and you should work it in the equation if its a factor for you soon.

Ahhhh- Never even thought of that. That's a good possibility.

notoriousgtt

I don't know how well these are though of in these parts but a pre work out supplement would certainly increase your energy levels. Even something basic like an energy shot (red bull shot etc) about 20 mins before working out should kick you up a gear for training hard.
I will be starting a 4 week cycle of Jack3D next week to give me the pep to kick onto the next level.

Aside from that some of what has been said above is spot on, carbs before a workout for energy, protein after to repair the muscle fibres and lots and lots of water. Hydration is absolutely critical not just for working out but for overall well being.