I don't know if I'm forming a new bad habit or what...

I meet up with a couple friends at 5:30am 3 mornings a week for a workout. I've been doing this for a couple months now. But lately, once I get home and shower I find I'm exhausted and end up laying down and napping. (wouldn't be an issue, except I normally shower then head right to work to be at work before 8am).

This morning was a long workout. Rode my bike to the gym (4 miles) where we did a 6 mile power ride followed by a 1.5 mile run, then a leisure 4 mile ride back home. (my workout buddies have a triathalon this weekend and wanted to do a bit of double training today). It was close to a 2 hr workout overall.

I came home and after shower took a 1hr nap. I almost feel like I undid the benefits of my workout. (then again, I only got 6hr sleep last night, so my body needed the extra hour).

It sounds to me like you need to go to bed earlier at night. Is that possible for you?

I try. But getting into bed before 10pm is nearly impossible in my household. Last night I was in bed at 10pm, but hubby was wanting to "chat" and then I had trouble going to sleep so it was about 11pm before my eyes finally shut.

On a humorous note I would tell the hubby he can chat with me while helping me do the dishes, or putting the laundry away so I could get my beauty rest! I feel like I could nap after exercising, but I don't.... although your routine is tougher than mine.


EDIT-
Wait, I read your post again..... by chat do you mean actually talk about the day, or Extra Curricular Activities? lol

well, last night "chat" meant talking about our upcoming vacation. Last week one night it meant something else, and I turned him down becaue ... well - 5am comes pretty damned early at 11pm at night! And I hate turning him down for that too.

I dont see anything wrong with it. I do it if I have the time. It really aides in recovery. How would it "undo" your workout?

Inadequate sleep is hard on the metabolism. Additional exercise increases your need for sleep and if you cant get it at night, there is nothing wrong with a short nap as long as it fits in your life. Most pro athletes do it.

I can't sleep more than 6 hours at night. Just can't. If I go to bed earlier I wake up earlier. Naps are my friend!

I am often very tired after exercise and find that even though I am taking a multi vitamin, b12, and iron, I am exhausted after exercise and am unable to make it through the day without a significant amount of coffee.

i don't know what it is, but exercise is <b> exhausting </b>

I am the same way! I have a nap after a long 2 hour workout OFTEN, if I have the time...I've been doing this for years and have seen no ill effects other than I feel rejuvinated afterwards and raring to go...As ennay said it aids recovery... So go for it, if you have time...

I'm glad to have found this post.
I have been exercising since June 28th. I started on the treadmill for 30 min. The last 2 days I have done warm up, 1 mile and then the cool down. After wards I feel exhausted and have just been tired all day for the past 2 days. I have taken a nap both days and felt like I could take more.
Now I don't feel so bad taking a nap. It just has to get better.

Thanks

Nothing, not flowers, not housecleaning, not a romantic letter (as if!) makes me love dh more than when I get back from a long run and he has taken the kids somewhere and plans not to be back for a few hours. Food. Shower. Nap. THAT is love baby!

I never noticed a problem before, but I was always working out at night. I think its the morning routine that has thrown me. I'm just so tired after the workouts. If I worked out at night, I'd come home, shower, eat, relax and go to be an hour or so later and then get my rest. I think that is where the difference comes in. I get my full night's sleep and plenty of rest right after a workout.

ANewCreation, Thanks so much for your words of wisdom.

I can't even imagine 6 months ahead right now. So for now I just take one day at a time. I do feel proud of myself after a work out even though I am sore and exhausted. I know that I am taking another step to being a healthier me.
Thanks again
Leann

If I may put my two cents in, I think napping after an intense workout is very productive. Because it's during this rest stage that your body begins to repair your muscles and new ones grow, right? And exercising IS relaxing in a weird way, as the endorphines get pumped during exercise, right? In my opinion, there's nothing better than working out, taking a long relaxing shower afterward, and then lying down for a nap. Ahhh...heavenly. Excercise routines don't have to be torture