Such a n00b...

sarahisme18

I just feel like such a n00b always posting these dumb (and probably obvious questions), so thanks for bearing with me...

I have started to get into weight lifting the last two weeks. I'm starting with machines (yeah, I know, not as effective as free weights, but truly... I'm a complete newbie at this) doing a 3-day split full body, and hopefully want to get into the free weights in a couple of months. Before now I've probably never lifted anything heavier than a 12lb barbell, and maybe 50 lbs on any one weight machine, regardless of body part. I've always been way, way into cardio—like 5-6 times a week. I was pretty surprised at how much I could actually do when I got over the mindset that I couldn't.

But here's my question: I am SUPER tired after doing this for a couple of weeks. And at first I thought maybe I needed to change my diet around and balance the protein and carbs, but now I think I'm understanding that I'm just tired. Is that normal? I'm seriously a a newbie at this, and so I feel like I'm probably giving a moderate-high effort on my sessions... not maxing out or anything. But wow... I just feel like sleeping a lot!

Will it get better after awhile?

Plates559

Sleepy tired? Sleep more
Sore tired? Eat protein, sleep more, mobility work, foam roll
Emotionally tired? idk make your bed each morning?

Oishii

Bumping for more interesting answers

Sarauk2sf

How much are you eating? How is your sleep?

sarahisme18

I'm eating 1800 calories, 15% below TDEE because I'd like to lose the last 6 pounds.... but I was considering that 1800 might still not be enough. Sleep is OK—I've been going to bed earlier for 9 hours of sleep, but last night for example, I woke up a few times and had a hard time getting back to sleep. Not sure if that is related.

Lift_hard_eat_big

Are you taking any supplements, vitamins, etc?

CoachReddy

I'm eating 1800 calories, 15% below TDEE because I'd like to lose the last 6 pounds.... but I was considering that 1800 might still not be enough. Sleep is OK—I've been going to bed earlier for 9 hours of sleep, but last night for example, I woke up a few times and had a hard time getting back to sleep. Not sure if that is related.

if you're getting enough sleep - and it sounds like you are - and you're still tired, then you're not eating enough. calories = energy. no energy? you need more calories. try bumping it a couple hundred and see what happens after a few days of that.

sarahisme18

Yes, taking a multivitamin plus vitamin D (living in the northwest, blehhhh), and protein supplement.

Tonight I was feeling pretty bad... so I just ate a bunch of pasta and oatmeal, and feel 100% better. I think you're right—probably not eating enough!

Lift_hard_eat_big

Yes, taking a multivitamin plus vitamin D (living in the northwest, blehhhh), and protein supplement.

Tonight I was feeling pretty bad... so I just ate a bunch of pasta and oatmeal, and feel 100% better. I think you're right—probably not eating enough!

Were you restricting carbs until now?

Sarauk2sf

I'm eating 1800 calories, 15% below TDEE because I'd like to lose the last 6 pounds.... but I was considering that 1800 might still not be enough. Sleep is OK—I've been going to bed earlier for 9 hours of sleep, but last night for example, I woke up a few times and had a hard time getting back to sleep. Not sure if that is related.

Lack of sleep, or disrupted sleep will make cause it as well as lack of calories and for many, lack of carbs. It sounds like you felt much better after getting some carbs so you should look to play around with your macros so you get enough.

sarahisme18

I'm getting 50% Carb, 30% Protein, 20% Fat. No, I wasn't restricting my carbs, but trying to eat a lot more protein.

I got a really good night sleep last night, good on all those macros, and had a rest day—and still feeling really bad off and on. Today, same thing.

Sarauk2sf

I'm getting 50% Carb, 30% Protein, 20% Fat. No, I wasn't restricting my carbs, but trying to eat a lot more protein.

I got a really good night sleep last night, good on all those macros, and had a rest day—and still feeling really bad off and on. Today, same thing.

To be honest, I would see your doctor. If you are getting enough sleep, cals and carbs, which it sounds like you are, then it may be something else. Not saying its bad at all - it could be something like being slightly anemic.

sarahisme18

I was just thinking that.... trying to google everything in the world to figure out what could be going on, came up with some stuff about reactive hypoglycemia????? what in the world.....

The part that is hard for me to wrap my head around is that it seems like this all started after I started trying to incorporate weight lifting into my routine and adding more protein.

Sarauk2sf

I was just thinking that.... trying to google everything in the world to figure out what could be going on, came up with some stuff about reactive hypoglycemia????? what in the world.....

The part that is hard for me to wrap my head around is that it seems like this all started after I started trying to incorporate weight lifting into my routine and adding more protein.

To be honest, trying to google symptoms can often lead to some very odd diagnosis - I tried it once, it came back that I had yellow fever. I actually had a cold and sciatica! :happy:

sarahisme18

I was just thinking that.... trying to google everything in the world to figure out what could be going on, came up with some stuff about reactive hypoglycemia????? what in the world.....

The part that is hard for me to wrap my head around is that it seems like this all started after I started trying to incorporate weight lifting into my routine and adding more protein.

To be honest, trying to google symptoms can often lead to some very odd diagnosis - I tried it once, it came back that I had yellow fever. I actually had a cold and sciatica! :happy:

Hahaha.... good point.

I think I'm going to try to go to urgent care today. I looked back at my diary, and in fact, I'm getting MORE carbs and protein than I was a week ago, when I was feeling fine. So I'm pretty sure feeling bad is just a coincidence, and due to something else. Maybe I just have the flu!! OMG I hope not. Blech.

Tempe729

Yes, taking a multivitamin plus vitamin D (living in the northwest, blehhhh), and protein supplement.

Tonight I was feeling pretty bad... so I just ate a bunch of pasta and oatmeal, and feel 100% better. I think you're right—probably not eating enough!

Yeah we don't get much sun here in the NW haha! ( been raining for 3.5 weeks straight where I am :grumble: )

giggitygoo

Are you tracking your iron intake? I share these symptoms and it's actually due to an iron deficiency. Once I got that under control, I feel 100% better.

I'm probably totally off base here, because fatigue could be related to so many things.

I think the very best thing you could do would be to make an appointment with your general practitioner and have a blood panel drawn up. It should give you some answers. A deficiency is an easy thing to fix.

Of course....I really have no idea what I'm talking about here. I'm a designer not a doctor. I just had hese same issues when I started strength training more

sarahisme18

That might be it.... I know my mom had issues with iron deficiency, she has Celiac disease. But, I looked at my diary and my workout... and I am wondering if all of this is unrelated and I'm just sick. Going to see the doctor today or tomorrow.

GiddyupTim

Red meat? Anemia and/or a lack of iron is very common for women. And tiredness is a symptom.
On the other hand, I often will feel tired after much heavier lifting, in a way that I don't after days of running.

sarahisme18

Red meat? Anemia and/or a lack of iron is very common for women. And tiredness is a symptom.
On the other hand, I often will feel tired after much heavier lifting, in a way that I don't after days of running.

I've been eating vegetarian for almost a year now, and haven't had a problem (I do eat fish on occasion). I also take a multivitamin. I think the bigger issue is that I've been feeling sick off an on, in addition to just feeling tired. I think it might be unrelated.