I just started STS and I'm already exhausted! Help!

[bmccartney]

So I started my first round of STS on Monday and I'm doing Cathe's cardio suggestions in between. On yesterday's workout (disc 2) I couldn't keep up with my 1 RM target weights by the end of the session and REALLY struggled to finish the reps. I feel like such a wimp!!! I guess my body is used to a lot of cardio and moderate weights. 60% of my 1RM feels like 90% to me already. I literally feel sick today and just want to lie on the couch. I'm pretty sure I'm eating enough, though I have no clue how many calories I'm taking in (I just eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full).

My question is - will it get better? Is it just a matter of getting stronger? I can't go through the entire rotation like this...I don't have the energy to be a good wife and mommy. Any suggestions/encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Saturn]

It sounds to me like it is too much of a shock for you to use the weights at your 1RM. I would consider lightening your weights considerably, at least until you become more accustomed to these kinds of workouts. Then, you can increase your weights. There is no need to exercise to the point of illness, and if you are using all of your energy for working out and can't handle your daily life's tasks, it is clear that adjustments in your workouts are required. The good news is that you will gain strength and endurance, even if you lighten your weights for awhile. HTH!

 

[LaughingWater]

Yeah, I would adjust those 1RMs. Many of us had to play with the numbers, and I'm still adjusting them in Meso 3.

Our 1RMs are just an initial guide. Just because the workout card says your 60% is "X" doesn't mean you must lift "X" 15 times no matter what. It's just a ballpark figure, and you can fine tune that number as you do the workouts and see what your body truly can handle.

 

[JanetP1507]

Definitely make some weight adjustments. I'm almost through my 2nd round of STS and I've made weight adjustments (some up, some down) to every single workout, I think.

 

[pinkquinn]

i know EXACTLY how you feel. My baby is 4mo and I have a 2 yr and 6yr old

i required way more sleep. I dropped the cardio...just couldnt do it. I always adjust the weights to where I can finish a workout (except legs, I still have to do half the work out and the other half the next day or I will toss my cookies)

Now I am on meso 3 I am going to add one cardio (insanity no less) and I still have gotten AWSOME results

I did scale back and do still because I have to have the energy to be NICE. Over training makes me grouchy and sick.

Drink a lot of veg juice and sleep...and dont start again unitl you feel strong.

hang in there it is worth it!

 

[bmccartney]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I figured I'd have to lower my weights, but I'm stubborn and really wanted to stick to the program the way it was intended to be. I also didn't know if this fatigue was normal and if it would get better if I stuck it out with the heavier weights. One bonus though is that I sleep GREAT at night!

Pinkquinn, you saw results with just the STS and NO cardio? That's impressive! I would be terrified to do that, though I'm usually one to chose cardio over weights anyway.

 

[LaughingWater]

You are sticking to the program. Adjusting your poundage doesn't mean you've goofed up the program in any way ~ it just means you've tweaked the numbers so that you'll get the most out of your workouts.

For example, in Meso 3, if according to my workout card I'm scheduled to lift a 20 lb dumbbell for a concentration curl for 8 reps but can only do 3 or 4, I'm not really helping myself much. I'm not sure if I'd be making any positive strength gains, though I'm pretty sure my form would suffer, therefore my training would suffer, and I'd be risking injury.

In addition, how would I move up in weight throughout the rest of the Mesocycle? I think if I were stressing my body that much, I'd start to dread working out. I might not even finish the Mesocycle, and that's not good.

We have to remember that the initial 1RM is a mathematical guide, it's not THE number one must stick with. It's a number to start with and to tweak if necessary.

If you want an example of messing with the program and NOT doing it the way it was intended to be, I tried doing STS 4 days a week. I was exhausted and went back to 3 days.

 

[Melclear]

less cardio

I just wanted to add that my strategy for the exhaustion was to cut down on the cardio. I simply couldn't do 3 tough cardio workouts each week in addition to STS. So I have been doing only 2, and taking extra rest days where needed. I also deviate from Cathe's suggested cardio in the rotation if I know I don't have it in me, and I will sub something shorter and easier (usually still a Cathe but maybe a premix or a low-impact workout instead of an IMAX). It has made a huge difference in my energy level, as has eating more. It's a conscious effort for me to eat more, because like you, I usually just eat when I am hungry. But adding in an extra snack has helped. Good luck!

 

[worseenemy]

I got my 1MR numbers, but I changed them according to how I was feeling, some times I feel stronger and some times I just don't. If I sleep good, what I had eat the day before, taking recovery drink, eating good protein, I have 4 daughters all ages 18, 13, 7, 4.All kind of needs, but i'm hanging there you know and something else ( having my husband figure on my mind, hes deployed ). That help a lot.

But don't feel bad you are doing what is good for you and you will get stronger, and when you finish your first round you may want to do a second one, and than you will see that you can actually enjoy and finish as it is, whit cardio.

I'm doing a second round of meso2 and I'm doing it 2 month rotation with Insanity, and I'm feeling more stronger than ever, and I'm adjusting my 1MR numbers. And I'm happy..

Is not easy this month because of the new change of schedule, school, getting up early and all that fun stuff, but I know I will feel better as you will.