Lack of Stamina

[tinkerbelle]

I am doing STS and enjoying the workouts with pretty heavy weights. However, I guess I've let my aerobic conditioning slide - too much walking for cardio.

I find my HR gets uncomfortably high during something like Higher Intensity Step - I end up walking or jogging lightly during the 'blasts' instead of blasting.

I'm thinking I will just stick with this one workout for cardio for a while (in addition to walking an hour most days). I am trying to do a little bit more of the intensity each time I do it. Please tell me my stamina will improve!!

I am past 50 but until about a year ago I was doing Cardio Coach and other Cathe step workouts with pretty high intensity. I know we are all different but I'm wondering if anyone else has had the expereince of losing conditioning and getting it back at this age. Thanks!

 

[cendrine]

Not your age, but I have had stamina problems before as well. With me it usually has to do with low end of normal hemoglobin numbers and low red bloodcells, both things you can easily get checked by a simple bloodtest.

When I notice my stamina going down, I focus on more red meat and iron rich foods or supplements.

I'm not sure if this is the cause for your problem, but it might be worth checking out.

 

[petramom]

Think about your diet. I find a huge increase in my energy when I eat lots of veggies, complex carbs, etc. etc. and stay away from the junk.

In fact, I've had a tough time with working out lately and I'm sure it's because I've been eating so poorly.

 

[regina]

I naturally go through cycles when I have more energy and stamina then others. Sometimes I can identify a cause such as over training or not enough sleep poor diet. If you know that medically you are cleared- ie- thyroid function test are wnl, CBC- Hg/HCT is good, Hg A1C is wnl, electrolytes are normal, etc., etc. Since you mention that your heart rate gets unusually high, check that your EKG has no unusual recent changes. You may want to also consider - menopausal or per- menopausal (increasing FSH values) causes for your recent lack of stamina. Most causes of lack of stamina for people who are otherwise fit are transient.

 

[JodelleFitzh20]

I agree...

I agree with PetraMom. Make sure you are getting right balance of complex carbs from whole food sources, and make sure you are drinking plenty of water,especially if you are a coffee drinker as the caffiene dehydrates and robs your muscles of water which will leave you very fatigued. Also, make sure you have one total day of rest going on. If you push yourself hard everyday your body has no chance to recover.
One other thing to think about is how much sleep you are getting at night? If you are not getting good sleep or only 4-6 hours you may be sleep deprived which will definatley make you feel run down and you won't be able to perform at your best.