Cardio/burn and weakness

Werner1950

I recently joined the Gym (Life Fitness) and have been going regularly. On the days that I have more time, I go full of determination that following the cardio on the treadmill, I will do some resistance training as well to tone up the muscles. Inevitably, by the time I am done the treadmill (Pulse sustained at 135, 30 minutes) I feel so weak and shaky inside that I can barely climb hte stairs to the change room, never mind do any resistance training.

I normally go to work out just after breakfast. I wonder if I am not rehydrating during the treadmill episode that causes this weakness? Or am I just not eating enough (I am keeping it around 1200 cals per day). I always feel ravenous after the workout. But it feels more like a sugar low than anything..

Troll

I always do cardio last so i know my lifting form is correct you may try switching it up

scottb81

It sounds like you are working too hard for your current fitness level. A 30 min run shouldn't drain you like that whether you've eaten or not. Dial back on the intensity until your fitness improves enough to support it.

meerkat70

I think Scott is probably right - you're trying too much too soon. I find treadmill running particularly challenging, not least, I suspect, because I tend to expect myself to go faster than I comfortably can. Try setting the speed a little lower.

If you are prioritisiing strength training, for a particular workout, it would be more sensible to do it first.

If I'm doing a mixed workout at gym, I tend to do a shorter cardio 'warm up', then lift, then do cardio again.

scottb81

Also, if your max HR is around the average value you are working at 85%. That is a hard run. Once a week at that intensity is fine but most runs should be under 80%. Lower your working heartrate to between 120 and 128 and not only will you feel better, but your aerobic fitness will improve just as much as it will when you flog yourself on the treadmill.

Werner1950

Thanks guys. So here are my stats. I am 61 yrs, and am 5'4, and weigh 191. I am aiming to get fit in whatever time it takes. I am impulsive, and you guys are probably right about me trying to hard, starting out.

I will dial back the heart rate and see how that goes. I am not running though.. It's about a 3.5 mph walk. But to get my heart rate up there, the machine gives me a 9-11 degree incline..

By the way, if anyone wants to befriend me, I am open to that. I need the moral support. As a certain Dr Bernstein (Toronto) says in his weight loss ads, "If you could do it alone, you'd have done it already!"