Hi ladies,
I go to the gym 4 times a week and do a combination of weight training and cardio. i like to go in the morning, so i have breakfast at about 8.30-9 of oatmeal made with fat free milk and some blueberries and 2 pints of water. then i start the gym at 10. i push myself as hard as i can in the gym for about 40-45 mins, but when i finish all i want to do is sleep. i tried having protein shakes or some protein rich food like turkey breast or tuna straight after, but it didnt help. today for example, i got back from the gym at 11am, and went straight to sleep until 12.

my question is should i see a doctor about this or is it something simple that i'm missing?

thanks in advance!

forgot to add that i drink about a litre of water during the workout too, in case thats a factor.

Do you track your heart rate at all during workouts? If you're pushing yourself into an anaerobic heart rate, your body might not be getting enough oxygen, which could lead to the tiredness you're experiencing. You might want to try taking your pulse at various points throughout your workout or backing of a little bit so that you're at more of a sustainable level.

I don't know what it is about early morning workouts, but if I work out extremely early in the morning, I'm usually tired all day. For this reason, I usually try to work out in the evenings instead.

Also, are you eating anything post workout? I think it helps to eat something after you finish your workout. I have also noticed if I don't eat anything post workout, I'm usually more tired the next time I work out.

I'm often tired and really drained after my workouts. It takes about three cups of coffee and breakfast to jump start my motor again. Do check your heart rate while your working out to see if you are working too hard.

thanks so much for all your replys.
i didnt realise i could be working too hard. i will definitely check my heart rate next time. what should it be at, or do i need to talk to my trainer about it?

THis might sound strange but take a sublingual B12 pill or drops about 30 mins before your workout and then a banana within 30 mins of your workout. You should notice an improvement right away or within 3 days at the most.

borntobefine, if i can find sublingual b12 i will definitely give it a go! i tried to google them but i'm not having much luck. i live in ireland, so it sucks for things like that!

thanks so much for the tip!

If you're getting up early for a workout are you getting enough sleep the night before? I've noticed that with myself on lack of sleep...I try to push through it though with coffee and the day goes on...

hi ilene,
i get up with my 2 year old, so i know that every morning i will be up at the same time. i generally go to bed at 11, so thats 9 hours sleep. and its usually good quality sleep and rarely broken.

Good to hear that you're getting plenty of sleep, even with a 2 year old ...

Next question would be .... How long has it been that you've been working out regularly ?... If you've just started, even a month or two, is considered being a newbie to working out, it could be that your body is adjusting to regular workouts. Your muscles are repairing afterwards and that's tireing... I know that when I start biking a LOT in the summer, 20-25k/day, my body needs more sleep, so afterwards I often sit and rest, close my eyes for 20 or so mins and recouperate from the workout... This is after I eat a clean snack...

Hope these suggestions help, keep us posted on your progress....

i am definitely a newbie. i'm glad to hear its normal to take some adjusting! i've read so much about how energised you are supposed to feel after a work out, but i just feel exhausted. i was at the gym this evening, from about 7, to see if the time had anything to do with it. it didnt. slept for 15 mins when i got home and i'm fit for bed now!

thanks so much for all your help. i am so determined to get fit, i want to do it as best i can.