Post: #1

Do any of you guys feel that way? When I'm dieting I just feel overall tired and weaker. Since hitting a PR is so unlikely, I don't feel the same motivation to push myself. It's just, "try to lift some shit, and whatever happens, happens."

Post: #2

(10-21-2016 11:58 AM)RexImperator Wrote:  Do any of you guys feel that way? When I'm dieting I just feel overall tired and weaker. Since hitting a PR is so unlikely, I don't feel the same motivation to push myself. It's just, "try to lift some shit, and whatever happens, happens."

1) Why do you think hitting a PR is unlikely?

2) Yes, I've felt that way. Sometimes it's just as simple as changing the format and the exercises. Sometimes it's easier to jump into an activity like soccer (God forbid) or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or boxing or swimming.

3) Browse programs on bodybuilding.com and rethink where you want to go with it and where you want to be, and tailor the program to do it. Sometimes just seeing all the different programs gets you imagining the endless possibilities, and you get inspired that way.

4) Get a workout partner.

5) When I'm tired and don't feel like working out, I used to take a nap to get some energy, but then I ended up napping too long and had to do my other shit. Now, I just force it, and while it sucks at the time, I take it one rep at a time and I always finish the workouts, and I feel straight proud of myself for doing it. So maybe you might just need two weeks of forcing yourself out of a habit of trying to make excuses to not work out, and just work out. Then it gets harder to let yourself not have the energy to do it.

But bottom line is you need goals.

Post: #3

Try a pre-workout

Post: #4

I haven't been really skipping workouts, but I find it harder to psych myself up for heavy sets.

I find myself adjusting my programming on the fly.

Today I was supposed to do 253x5 on the bench, but after one rep I knew I wasn't feeling it, so I did 5 singles of 265, which was a volume PR at that weight.

Post: #5

This is common.

Your body is responding to less food..

You can certainly improve your diet so that you feel satisfied, satiated, energized, and gym ready!

You probably are not eating enough.

You can eat more if you eat better..

Before going to the gym, you should consider a light but nutrient dense meal-- You can't lift heavy on an empty stomach!

(when I'm hungry on my way to the gym, I make a quick protein shake with peanut butter, oatmeal, and almond milk + protein powder)

I will explain in greater detail tonight after work!

Go have fun on your date and when you get back we will fine tune your diet AND eating schedule!

It doesn't have to be this way!

Fuck "dieting" -- Just strive to eat cleaner, more nutrient dense food which will fill you up and keep your energy levels high!

If you wanna get started on a SOLUTION.. Post everything you ate 24 hours before going to the gym.. We will figure it out.

Post: #6

Quote: Before going to the gym, you should consider a light but nutrient dense meal-- You can't lift heavy on an empty stomach!

I'may not OP however,

I spent a good deal of time lifting at the end of my daily intermittent fasting earlier. I can't say I was lifting for big numbers but what I was doing was nothing to scoff at and I saw great results. However, I would eat immediately after the gym and honestly was rather ravenous often putting down 1200-1600 clean calories in a single sitting.

Staying off the hunger each morning with coffee till 1300 became part of the normal almost fun routine. Curious if you've heard anything about that sort of behavior and it's possible detriments/benefits. These days I generally have about 5 hours before the last eaten food and a hard workout.l, followed by a clean dinner.

Post: #7

Happens to everyone.

Consider changing up your regimen to get excited about lifting or take a week off or a lot for a pre workout sumetin, sumetin'. I've been messing around with Beet Juice (Powder Form), Olive Oil, and a Dab of ACV to jump start things if I'm feeling fogey.

Quick aside, I've been reading a book "Willpower" and one his main points is that as Glucose declines so does your willpower. If you don't want to be there and your low on glucose from dieting, you're gonna be a real low energy Jeb!

Maybe you could share with us..what your program currently is and your gym schedule?

Some more specifics might help people troubleshoot with you.

Post: #8

I recommend caffeine or modafinil.

Modafinil especially because it lessens your appetite and it increases neuromuscular control (ie strength).

The other thing I recommend is ingesting some carbs, maybe 30 grams, before your workout and only working out two or three times a week.

Post: #9

I would cut out accessory lifts, or at least cut them to a minimum while on a diet. I usually try to maintain strength while dieting since strength and muscle correlate. I have actually hit new PRs on deadlifts while dieted.

Post: #10

(11-02-2016 04:02 PM)cascadecombo Wrote:  

Quote: Before going to the gym, you should consider a light but nutrient dense meal-- You can't lift heavy on an empty stomach!

I'may not OP however,

I spent a good deal of time lifting at the end of my daily intermittent fasting earlier. I can't say I was lifting for big numbers but what I was doing was nothing to scoff at and I saw great results. However, I would eat immediately after the gym and honestly was rather ravenous often putting down 1200-1600 clean calories in a single sitting.

Staying off the hunger each morning with coffee till 1300 became part of the normal almost fun routine. Curious if you've heard anything about that sort of behavior and it's possible detriments/benefits. These days I generally have about 5 hours before the last eaten food and a hard workout.l, followed by a clean dinner.

I second that, it's never been hard for me to lose weight, but on IF it just made fun. After you get used to it, it's great.. You don't have to go super low on carbs, you don't have to be moody because you're hungry all day long.

Plus, my workouts are better than ever, i get a huge adrenaline rush working out fasted (i'm kinda addicted to adrenaline). And the pumps are just crazy, especially if your bodyfat is getting to low levels, it feels like your skin is going to pop.

Now if because of my schedule I have to train after breaking the fast for some reason, I actually feel weaker.

OP, check your carbohydrates intake, that's what probably hurting your motivation. That's why they say "it's easy being happy while on high carbs". If you don't wan't to eat them, you may give a try to a ketogenic diet.

I'm on team Intermitent Fasting all day, it may not be for you, but I suggest you try it for one week. I guarantee you, you'll see your body and attitute towards getting lean change fast. I can offer you some help if you wan't, plus I bet there are other members that can vouch for it.

(11-02-2016 11:29 PM)Fortis Wrote:  I would cut out accessory lifts, or at least cut them to a minimum while on a diet. I usually try to maintain strength while dieting since strength and muscle correlate. I have actually hit new PRs on deadlifts while dieted.

That's the most important factor when dieting, great advice, not sure about cutting of the acessories. But people usually focus on doing lots of sets and reps with the acessories and wonder why they lost so much muscle mass.

Post: #11

^ Sure, you don't have to TOTALLY banish them, but doing 5x10 on a cut is gonna tax your muscles too much. Better to stick to compound movements, conditioning and good eating.

Post: #12

(11-02-2016 10:33 PM)Hannibal Wrote:  I recommend caffeine or modafinil.

Modafinil especially because it lessens your appetite and it increases neuromuscular control (ie strength).

The other thing I recommend is ingesting some carbs, maybe 30 grams, before your workout and only working out two or three times a week.

I've never tried modafinil but I basically do everything else you suggest. I've dropped all accessory lifts and only do bench, press, deadlift, squat, cable row, and chin ups.

I've switched from five sets to three sets, reverse pyramid style.

Post: #13

Decrease number of sets, but maintain intensity and frequency. This works really well for me.

If I know I'm just doing 1-2 sets per exercise, I can get a workout in in 30mins. Even one "good" set every five days maintains strength and muscle nicely. The key is to not let your reps and weight slip much. Keep the demand there with one strong set every five days and your body will maintain the muscle mass.

Then you can let the diet strip the fat off, and get back to pushing for lifting progress later on when you've leaned out.