why do I feel so drained after exercise?

Question

I feel so weak and lethargic after exercise even though I am eating well. Is there anything I can do to feel more energized?

Answer 1

I know the feeling after a while back doing a tough regiment with the gym. Here are a few things that I found helped.

1. Make sure you are getting enough sleep - My sleep cycle has been out of kilter for a long time and certainly it was much harder to find the same amount of energy to work as hard.

2. Eating lots of protein- Their are different theories about dieting and food intake and certainly it gets confusing but make sure you are getting enough protein. It's easy to underestimate how much you may need. Sometimes looking at little snacks such as some light cheese, nuts can help. You can also look at protein shakes. Some can be very delicious and make a great meal even from time to time.

3. Water and dehydration - One of the other answers mentioned about water. It is an important to make sure you are drinking enough all through the day. Depending on the climate you live in as well as your body type will alter how much you require but for example I live in a fairly humid climate and so at times required many litres of water. It can be a pain at times drinking so much and going to the toilet a million times but your body will thank you.

4. Change up your routine - One thing that made me at times lethargic was keeping on the same routine. Say for example sticking to the same type of training workout. Look at doing some other routines or even finding different way to work out that may even be a bit of fun. Playing some basketball or going for a swim can be great to do and can be a bit more fun than just plain old walks or runs.

5. Look at when you workout - Its been proven in many studies that the best time to workout is in the morning. Whether or not this is what you are doing have a look at trying to exercise at different times and seeing how your body responds. Try to avoid doing exercise late and night or close to bedtime.

6. Limit yourself - Don't go overboard trying to do to much exercise. Your question doesn't give a lot of details so its quite hard to give more specific advice but its important to not do more than say 3-5 tough sessions a week. Find what is comfortable and try not to overdo it. Even going for a simple walk can help rather than using up a lot of energy on tough exercising.

7. Finally Have some fun - If you are not doing a few of the things you enjoy and having some fun then your body will find it tougher to get the energy to work out. Like any routine if you are not mixing it up then it will get boring and you will avoid doing it. Go and relax when you can and let your body take a break.

Hope that helps

Answer 2

Your body needs fuel to workout, particularly if you are doing a lot of cardio or strength training. Make sure to eat some type of carbs (bananas work great) earlier in the day before exercising for energy during your workout and LEAN protein after your workout (a low carb protein shake like Pure Protein by Worldwide or chicken breast/turkey) so you can rebuild your muscles. Rest the worked muscle group for at least a day.

Answer 3

I don't have an answer, but I know what you mean. I have never had that 'addiction' to exercise that many people talk about. I always feel tired and worn out after going to the gym.

Answer 4

You feel that way because you have depleted the fat and carbs from your system when you work out.

Get some protein powder. Drink 8 oz. of water with a scoop of protein powder mixed in.
It will perk you right up.

Answer 5

You might be dehydrated.. Make sure to drink plenty of water during the day, and about 30 minutes before a work out drink about a cup of water! It helps!