i lift weights.why do i get weaker as i lose body weight?

Question

as a weight lifter, i have been working out for more then 20 years off and on.i am currently losing a lot of body weight. i am unable to figure out why i am also droping dramatically in my strenght

Answer 1

As a power lifter I can tell you that there is definitely a relationship between body weight and absolute strength.The most probable reason for your strength loss is diet.If you don't have sufficient glycogen stores from the consumption of carbohydrates(which is most likely if you're trying to lose)then you won't have enough fuel to complete all of the reps or lift the same 1RM.Your body is capable of making glucose to store the glycogen from other macronutrients(fat,protein)through gluconeogenisis but it may not be doing this as efficiently.It's always best to strength train will eating a little more then tone and shape while trying to lose.When I have to make weight before a contest I always do it by purging excess water before the weigh in(drinking 2 gallons a day then cutting way back 3 days before).Unless you simply aren't resting properly this is the most likely cause.Look at any changes you may have made in your diet,sleep patterns and work out for possible changes you may have made that could have prompted this change.Try carbing up the day before your work outs,train each body part only once a week and keep up a high quality protein plan as you mat be experiencing muscle wasting(catabolism).Protein should be consumed every 3 hours to help prevent catabolism by helping you retain a positive nitrogen balance.Try adding a little creatine supplementation as this will help you produce adenosine triphosphate.Yet another form of stored fuel.

Answer 2

If you've been lifting weights for 20yrs then I would imagine there are a number of possible reasons why your losing a lot of bodyweight:

1. You're overtraining, remember, if you overtrain then you're not allowing your body enough time for recovery.

2. You're not getting enough protein to complement the amount of training your doing - I suggest a protein supplement.

3. Probably not what you want to hear.... As you get older (sorry) then muscle dystrophy occurs naturally. The only consolation is that by training you prolong your muscle mass 'the if you don't use it - you lose it'.

Hope this helps!!

Answer 3

well... go to a sauna it burns calories because ur heart works hard to keep your body temp down and u will lose water weight as well so maby around 500 calories a session. however cardio is the best weight and that has to be combined with a better diet... from what you said in your question i can tell you dont really have the desire to lose the weight because cardio is the most effective and sure thing when it comes to losing fat, and you just started doing it and you are trying to find alternatives??? cmon really? get a grip and run.

Answer 4

Assuming you are eating adequately-- muscles require A LOT more calories than flab-- are you resting --taking days off between working muscle groups. To get stronger you have to let the body repair the damage you do with each workout. I've found that 2-3 (even four) days off between say pec workouts really shows a boost in strength.

Answer 5

Rocket Man,

As a wellnes coach I always recommend body cleansing. Why? With the right program you can safely and naturally loose weight by removing the harmful impurities that are slowing you down. After cleansing you will notice your energy spiking through the roof! I mean it! You will be ready to tackle any exercise program with added focus and energy. And hopefully regain the strengh you have lost. If you need more info or guidence on cleansing, let me know.

Answer 6

i hope you are somewhere where you can find ENSURE. it will put back the body fat. it has vitamin B12 which will give you energy. it's like a shake all of them are good, but i prefer vanilla. easy to drink but make it cold, cold. you can drink it down fast, one in the morning, one for lunch, one in the afternoon at snack time and one in the evening. or when ever you want really. continue to exercise but cycleing and swimming is better. lifting weights are good , but after 20 years, maybe it's time to change up. i hate to say this but if all your symptoms continue go to your doc. get some blood counts...

Answer 7

SERIOUS ANSWER: GO TO A DOCTOR ASAP. All the answers here are excellent. The loss of body weight "dramatically" is a possible sign of serious disease and should be treated by a medical doctor immediately.
Secondly, one of the answers used the term muscular dystrophy with respect to your loss of weight as you get older. I think he meant muscular atrophy, which is simply that the muscles get smaller.
Third, weight loss accompanied by loss in strenght is especially troubling. There are many possibilities and you must see a doctor tomorrow.

Answer 8

combine exercise and diet

Answer 9

If you are losing weight because of hunger, that explains the strength loss. If you are losing weight because of fat loss, you may also be having muscle loss. Fat won't be the only thing used for energy when the body is being starved.

Answer 10

Chew thoroughly chewing each bite 30 times before swallowing