Hi Afreet, I wanted to know how the less intensity thing is going? I need to accept the fact that this way of working out is best for my body. Yesterday I lifted heavy and did an intense HIIT session. The whole day I just felt like crap; totally runned down and then the hungrys hit. I cannot eat in a caloric deficit working out intensely. I want to drop these last 7lbs and its definately not going to happen with intense workouts b/c all i want to do is eat. Today is no better. I just feel like sitting down and stuffing my face. Its not just wanting to eat, i'm physically hungry from yesterdays workout still. All i keep reading is lift heavy and do HIIT cardio b/c if you don't nothing else will work. Now I know that everyone is different but for some reason i can't get past these messages which are constantly being brought up. Not only am I hungry today, my whole body aches and I feel drained. I keep trying to do the high intensity thing and I end up the same way each time and i don't know why i keep going back to it.
Afreet: hows it going?
- Thread starter kariev
- Start date
Hi Kariev!
Funny you should ask! I was just thinking I should do a new update!
It has been a month since I started the experiment. Last week, my mom came to visit and so I had less time to devote to exercise, so I did some shorter, higher-intensity stuff, but I also took some time completely off, which always scares me a little. Still, in the last month, I lost 6 pounds, which puts me back in my happy weight range, so I think I'm fine.
Everyone is different, so doing lighter weights or less high-intensity cardio may not be for everyone. Lots of people had terrific results with STS and Cathe's heavy weight work. I never expected my experiment to prove that one method of exercise was absolutely, 100% better than any other kind of exercise - and it doesn't.
By cutting back on the intensity of some of my workouts, I enjoy myself more. I have more energy to move throughout the day, and I keep enough willpower in my reserves to stick to a sensible eating plan.
I still have trouble allowing myself to take a day off! Even though I can see that getting my diet under control has been the critical difference, and I have finally stopped my vicious cycle of working out like crazy, feeling starved and not eating mindfully, then working out even harder to "pay off" my binges - which just makes me feel even hungrier, etc.
So I keep reminding myself of the benefits I have discovered: I still get DOMS, but I don't have the scary muscle strains and joint pain that I was accumulating by overtraining. Since I have permission to skip a workout if I don't feel up to it, as long as I keep moving throughout the day, I have cut a major source of stress out of my life. I feel good. I feel hungry at meal times but not ravenous. When I do a challenging workout, I perform better and I feel energized at the end of it. Exercise feels like a treat instead of an obligation.
I used to scoff at barre workouts, stretching DVDs and less intense stuff because if you're going to spend the time, you should get as much bang for your buck as possible, right? But now I am starting to see that the benefits of exercise go far, far beyond the calorie burn factor. I am actually improving my flexibility, strength, and feeling of well-being. I'm seeing very encouraging results! I'll keep everyone posted!
Funny you should ask! I was just thinking I should do a new update!
It has been a month since I started the experiment. Last week, my mom came to visit and so I had less time to devote to exercise, so I did some shorter, higher-intensity stuff, but I also took some time completely off, which always scares me a little. Still, in the last month, I lost 6 pounds, which puts me back in my happy weight range, so I think I'm fine.
Everyone is different, so doing lighter weights or less high-intensity cardio may not be for everyone. Lots of people had terrific results with STS and Cathe's heavy weight work. I never expected my experiment to prove that one method of exercise was absolutely, 100% better than any other kind of exercise - and it doesn't.
By cutting back on the intensity of some of my workouts, I enjoy myself more. I have more energy to move throughout the day, and I keep enough willpower in my reserves to stick to a sensible eating plan.
I still have trouble allowing myself to take a day off! Even though I can see that getting my diet under control has been the critical difference, and I have finally stopped my vicious cycle of working out like crazy, feeling starved and not eating mindfully, then working out even harder to "pay off" my binges - which just makes me feel even hungrier, etc.
So I keep reminding myself of the benefits I have discovered: I still get DOMS, but I don't have the scary muscle strains and joint pain that I was accumulating by overtraining. Since I have permission to skip a workout if I don't feel up to it, as long as I keep moving throughout the day, I have cut a major source of stress out of my life. I feel good. I feel hungry at meal times but not ravenous. When I do a challenging workout, I perform better and I feel energized at the end of it. Exercise feels like a treat instead of an obligation.
I used to scoff at barre workouts, stretching DVDs and less intense stuff because if you're going to spend the time, you should get as much bang for your buck as possible, right? But now I am starting to see that the benefits of exercise go far, far beyond the calorie burn factor. I am actually improving my flexibility, strength, and feeling of well-being. I'm seeing very encouraging results! I'll keep everyone posted!
SRP
Cathlete
Hi!
I've been sort of lurking around for a while... I haven't posted on Cathe's forums for some time, but every once in a while I stop by to see what's going on. I've read most of the low intensity threads with great interest!
I'm headed in that direction myself, sort of. I'm pretty much plagued by a constant stream of minor strains and injuries. Some of you may have read my "My bod is falling apart" post.
I still like to keep some high intensity in my workouts, especially cardio, but I'm lowering the impact. I've also cut out a day of weight training, and so now I have two days off a week instead of one. I really like that. My workout plans are still a work in progress right now, but like several of you here, I'm finding that my body definitely appreciates a more gentle approach.
Good luck to everyone. I may stop by here and there!
I've been sort of lurking around for a while... I haven't posted on Cathe's forums for some time, but every once in a while I stop by to see what's going on. I've read most of the low intensity threads with great interest!
I'm headed in that direction myself, sort of. I'm pretty much plagued by a constant stream of minor strains and injuries. Some of you may have read my "My bod is falling apart" post.
I still like to keep some high intensity in my workouts, especially cardio, but I'm lowering the impact. I've also cut out a day of weight training, and so now I have two days off a week instead of one. I really like that. My workout plans are still a work in progress right now, but like several of you here, I'm finding that my body definitely appreciates a more gentle approach.Good luck to everyone. I may stop by here and there!
LasVegasFitGirl
Cathlete
OH SNAP!
Just had to say that!
Afreet, reading your posts sounds like me EXACTLY! I can't wait to give your way a try. I have been questioning myself for so long about the same things. If I notice any significant changes or decide to ever get back on a scale, I'll be sure to post my results.
I'll be starting after my 6 month rotation of STS, I have this week and 5 more. I even bought P57.
Just had to say that!
Afreet, reading your posts sounds like me EXACTLY! I can't wait to give your way a try. I have been questioning myself for so long about the same things. If I notice any significant changes or decide to ever get back on a scale, I'll be sure to post my results.
I'll be starting after my 6 month rotation of STS, I have this week and 5 more. I even bought P57.