Hey, all. I'm still pretty new to this lifting thing, and this morning I had a *bad workout*. The cardio went fine, but when I started lifting on my usual machines, I just felt weak, like I couldn't lift what I normally do! On every machine, it seemed I had to move down one weight from what I usually lift. I've had this happen once or twice before, but never to this extent.

Is it possible that, since I've started to lose weight, I've started to lose muscle? Noooo! Could the fact that I'm about to start my period explain it? Could I have just gotten psyched out after the first one or two machines?

Do you all ever have bad workouts, and if so, what do you think causes it, and what do you do about it?

Do I ever have bad workouts... Well, YES!!!

Sometimes it's attributed to:

1. Not eating enough, specially protein...
2. Fatigue, just not enough sleep...
3. That time of the month...
4. Not drinking enough water...

It happens quite often, don't worry about it, just keep on truckin'... Try to figure out what it was... The next workout will be better...

TTFN....

You betcha I've had bad workouts.

Not enough sleep
Hungry
Mind elsewhere
PMS
Soreness from another workout
Cold
Gym too hot
Had gas and was afraid that too much exertion would overcome my control.

It happens to all of us. Just do what Ilene said, keep on truckin. What counts is that you ARE there working out, you realize that it isn't your best workout and you know that the next one will be better.

Tiki.

Lots of "weaker" workouts here too. I'm not going to call them bad. A bad workout is one that doesn't happen, or you get hurt, leave the gym in an ambulance or tears. Or when some annoying clown keeps interrupting you.

The effect of your hormonal cycle on strength and "fatigueability" has been documemented. It is supposed to be weakest just before TOM, then get stronger through ovulation, and head downwards again. Even if you are lifting lower weights than usual, if you are lifting to your current level of personal high intensity, you are getting a good workout. If you get disgusted or depressed and leave, that's a bad workout

Mel

Gotta add that some of my best workouts have happened when I least expected them- hit the gym when I was exhausted or upset, it was crowded, I was cranky, PMSing, etc. Then for some reason, it all just clicks and you are on top of the world

Me too. Who would have thunk it?

Take today: I have a sore throat and have felt cruddy for a couple of days. I only did cardio yesterday -- skipped a back workout entirely -- and forced myself to go in for arms today. Figured I'd go light, go fast, and go home.

Well, with each rep, I felt better and better. Once you grab those DBs, it's like something kicks in and it's hard to just "go light". It ended up being a great arm workout in the end, though I sure didn't expect it, and I even threw in a few extra sets.

Meg -- I love doing an arm workout when I am lazy, because the pump doesn't take long to happen then next thing I know -- BAM!! -- I'm having a great workout!

Today, I didn't feel like doing cardio... I was with DS, BTW I got him a year membership, anywhoo, and wanted to show him the proper way of doing workouts by doing cardio after the weights... I started with the idea that I was going to do only 20 mins... I did a quickie warm up... then started going up and down the scale from 4.5mph to 6.5mph... next thing ya know I'd done 2.2 miles!!

Sometimes ya just gotta push a little !!

Your afternoon workout did NOT sound PEE YOO to moi

Sounded pretty darn difficult!!!!!

It happens to everybody I think. Sometimes I'm in a class, or on a machine and I just lose all energy. There are times when I just have to cut my losses, so to speak, and go home. There will always be better workouts ahead. Main reasons I have "weak" or "bad" workouts:

1. too darn hot!
2. I get dizzy/faint (I have low blood pressure)
3. didn't have enough to eat
4. can't keep up with the instructor or the class is too crowded
5. horrible cramps

It's kind of embarassing (especially in a class!) to put everything away and leave in the middle of the workout, but sometimes I just have to or I'll faint/cramp up.

It's strange, too, because there are days when I think I'm fine, but when I get there, I'm a weakling, and other days when I think "Kill. Me. Now." when I start, but I end up working my little heart out!!!!

Yesterday I had such an awful workout that I got so mad at myself that I left the gym early and came home in tears. The key thing, though, is that I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and had an AMAZING workout today.

Ah, the emotional rollercoaster that is losing weight...

Yesterday I had a horrid workout too!! I almost didn't go, but did go walking in the door backwards so to speak...

Did legs, I could not go heavy at all, I could not do more than 5 reps, I felt sick to my stomach...so I compromised rather than doing 4 sets of 10 reps I did 6 sets of 5 reps, it was better than nothing... I could not run for the life of me so I walked 1 minute jogged 1 minute... I still had a sweat on when I left...

What I think was bothering me was the humidity eventhough the gym is air conditioned...

I have definately had my share of crappy workouts where I am thinking "OK...is this my first day out of my wheelchair in 2 years or what?!" "Did someone slip me a valium cuz I can't even lift my arm let alone that DB!"
I mean having a cold and not being able to breathe through your nose can throw a damper on it, not to mention a slew of other things.....
I have found I can increase my chances of having a strong, energetic workout by making sure I eat a modest meal 2 hours prior consisting of protein and (not too processed) carbs. Example Tuna sandwhich on whole grain. Or 3 oz salman (my FAV!) w/ 4 oz sweet potatoes. If I miss that meal or it is too sugary (white bread'ish) my blood sugar will be in the tiolet and I will want to curl up on the bench and take a frickin' nap. Eating clean all day is best but if not (oops!) I can sometimes 'fix' it by having my 'good' meal a couple hours before my workout. It helps get my slow acting protein in there and my blood sugar stable. I don't like to eat sooner than 2 hours cuz I want it digested in there and doing it's job by the time I am at the gym.
Now this may be something that only works for me, but I thought I would throw it out there.....
My absolute crappiest, weakest workouts have been on those days where I am OFF the nutrition wagon and doing the frappe' and muffin' thing all day. It took me a few years (and books) to figure it out but this little trick has saved me more than once.
Oh yeah and being well hydrated too.
OK that's all Igot...
XOXO
L2L