[NaturalStupidit]

I'm wondering about how long does it take to start actually feeling the energizing effects of exercise? This is usually my biggest downfall. By the end of the week I'm just so tired from working out all week I get discouraged and don't really have the motivation to try again.

[GatorgalstuckinGA]

it depends...if you aren't eating enough calories and protien than that's why you don't feel energetic..i'm usually energetic every day i work out. Now if you don't give your body one or two days of rest..that could be doing it. If you are eating right, working out 4-5 times a week...you should have a lot more energy. If you are following that and you are still tired...go to the dr and check to make sure you're not anemic or hypothyroid. Evercising makes you more energetic only if you are eating properly...correct amount of protien, fat (yes you need good fat like olive oil), fruit and veggies. Hope that helps. Good luck!

[NaturalStupidit]

I already know I am hypothyroid but it's under control so I don't think that's the problem. It's probably what I'm eating. What would be good examples of things to eat maybe before I work out? As of right now, I am going to be going straight from work to the gym and I could probably eat something in between there. Is there anything that would help me stay energized while I'm exersising? I've heard eating like half a bagle before you work out is good? I'm not completely sure. Right now I think I've just got to get out of the "lazy rut" !!!

[GatorgalstuckinGA]

i never work out without eating. It really depends on you...some can't workout with a lot of heavy stuff...i find one thing that helps me give a good energy burst is a bannan with a 1tbsp of peanut butter. The protein from the pb helps and the potassium from the bannan is good. Find stuff you like...an energy bar, low fat yogart...what ever...just make sure you have some protein. If you just eat carbs...you'll have a crash and burn session after working out hard. i also find i need to eat shortly after working out. Maybe double check with your dr to make sure you are regulated. Also, i'm not hypothyroid but another poster here who was, noted she was on a specific diet that seemed to help her energy level with her thyroid issue. i can't remember the specific behind it...but maybe a few of those out there with thyroid issues can help. Also see if you can do a google search on hypothyroid and diet.

[foucault]

I'm a walker, and I always eat before I walk. By the time I've walked two miles, I'm super energized and want to walk another two. The first week I walked, I wasn't all the energized, but by the second week, I was wanting to walk more and more and more.

[mandalinn82]

I think it varies for everyone - for me, it's instantaneous. I wonder if you are pushing too hard for your fitness level? If you do too much, too fast you may be wearing yourself out too early. That's a bad idea, in general, because it may discourage you from exercising in the future...you start associating pain and exhaustion with exercise, and soon enough, you don't want to do anything at all.

If you aren't pushing too hard, do make sure you're eating enough. Your body is like a car - it needs fuel to run. If you don't give it fuel, you'll stop running eventually. So make sure you're fueling those workouts with healthy foods and that you're exercising at a level appropriate for your fitness. A good guideline? You should be able to talk while working out, but not sing. If you can't talk, you are working too hard. If you can carry a tune, pick up the pace!