Cardio workout = tired
Jthanmyfitnesspal
Posts: 3,522 Member
Hello fellow pentagenarians,
I keep doing the same types of workouts I have in younger years, such as 45 minutes on the elliptical. Problem: it now makes me tired (like I need a nap afterward) and sometimes I don't sleep well in the night if I workout after work, despite being very tired when I get home.
I hate that! Looking for coping strategies.
I keep doing the same types of workouts I have in younger years, such as 45 minutes on the elliptical. Problem: it now makes me tired (like I need a nap afterward) and sometimes I don't sleep well in the night if I workout after work, despite being very tired when I get home.
I hate that! Looking for coping strategies.
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Replies
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I walk 5-6 days a week just over 4 miles and I find it boosts my energy. Couple of things I would look at is how big is your calorie deficit and are you getting enough protein? As for sleeping at night, are you in pain, even a low grade pain can interrupt your sleep so something to take a look at. Hope something in there helps you.0
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It could be many things. It could be your thyroid. It could be stress, not sleeping well, needing more carbs, etc. Did you tell your dr?0
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MostlyWater: I think you're right. I'm due for a checkup anyway. I'll bring it up.0
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Wise move to go to your Dr.
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If your thyroid's OK (and so is everything else), consider trying a bit of a readily-available-carb snack before your workout, and something with carbs & protein after.0
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I've found that proper fueling can enter the picture now more than when I was younger. I used to be able to go out drinking until 2am, get up and run. That's just not happening any more. There is some truth to energy levels changing with age IMO, but like many other things we just adjust and go with it.
As for the sleep, I think sometimes that is different life stresses, but often wonder myself what else impact it. If I work out too late in the day, I just can't fall asleep as easy that night. I'm more inclined to want to sleep or nap soon after a hard workout, but at regular bed time I'm mentally not ready, like the exercise hyped me up too much.0 -
This is all such good advice. Now that I'm near my goal weight, I'm more willing to eat some carbs before and after the workout. Even a bit of (gasp) sugar, such as Gatorade. It seems to help with recovery.0
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Some people find that exercise close to bedtime is activating. I notice this effect even with a 4pm workout.0
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You might also try backing off a bit on the intensity and lengthening the exercise time. You'll get the same numbers of calories burned but you may have more energy.
Also, now that that weather is warming up, you might want to exchange the elliptical workout for a 2-3 mile outdoor walk.0 -
Love walking, too. I rotate between elliptical, hiking/walking, swimming, weight training, cycling (in season). I hope to add some light jogging this spring, with coaching.
The elliptical is currently my highest-intensity sustained workout and seems to be impacting energy level and sleep. Bummer, I hate to back off on it!0 -
Can you move your elliptical to morning? I love my elliptical workout and do that 1st thing in the morning. I also rotate a lot of different exercises including running, walking and aerobic and strength videos. I am female and haven't had a decent night's sleep in over 20 years. I just figure it's normal. Don't know man stuff...0
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The trainers at my gym always advise rest days..
Perhaps cardio one day ...rest... Weights... Rest
Etc0
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