Feeling Tired?
Have you ever wondered why you feel sleepy after a workout? It’s a question that many fitness enthusiasts ponder, and in this article and the video above, we’re going to explore the reasons behind post-workout fatigue and whether it’s normal or a cause for concern.
First and foremost, let’s consider why you’re working out in the first place. Are you aiming to improve your health, or are you striving for peak performance? Your fitness goals can significantly impact how you should feel after a workout.
If your primary goal is to maintain good health, your workouts are likely focused on getting some blood flow, building a bit of muscle, and maybe shedding a few pounds. In this case, you shouldn’t feel overwhelmingly tired after your sessions. You should actually feel more energized because workouts for health generally shouldn’t push you to your limits.
It’s essential to strike a balance between pushing yourself and allowing for recovery. Not every workout should be an all-out effort. Most of your sessions, especially if they’re for general health, should be well below your maximal recoverable intensity. A good rule of thumb that I use with my clients is to aim for about a 6 to 7 out of 10 in terms of intensity. If most of your sets and reps fall within this range, you should feel reasonably energized post-workout. Another way to think about this is that you should have a few reps left in the tank after any weight training set.
On the other hand, if you’re working towards peak performance, intense workouts may leave you feeling sleepy. However, even for performance-oriented individuals, these highly intense workouts should only be a small part of your overall routine. Most of your workouts should still fall within the 6 to 7 RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) range to facilitate recovery.
Several factors can contribute to post-workout sleepiness. High-intensity workouts, fasted workouts (exercising on an empty stomach), and high-heat workouts can all make you feel more tired afterward. Additionally, longer workouts that combine cardio and weightlifting with high volume and intensity can leave you feeling drained. Many times, people could just be extremely dehydrated of fluids, and void of electrolytes. The time of day when you exercise can also influence your post-workout energy levels.
If you consistently feel tired after your workouts, it might be an indication of overtraining or under-recovery. Poor sleep, inadequate nutrition, and high stress levels can all contribute to this feeling of fatigue. It’s essential to manage these factors to ensure your workouts leave you feeling energized rather than exhausted.
In conclusion, feeling sleepy after a workout can be normal, depending on your fitness goals and the type of workout you’ve completed. If your goal is overall health and well-being, you should generally feel more energized. However, for those pursuing peak performance, intense workouts may lead to post-exercise fatigue.
Remember that balance is key in your fitness journey. Push yourself when necessary, but also allow for adequate recovery. Pay attention to your body, manage stress, prioritize sleep, and maintain a balanced diet to ensure that you feel energized after your workouts in the long term.
Hang On There!
If you found this article helpful, please subscribe to our blog. We’re here to help individuals of all fitness levels improve their overall health and knowledge of the gym, regardless of where they are in their fitness journey. If you’re feeling tired and notice you don’t have time to workout, you might also enjoy this post below as well.
No Time to Exercise? (5 Step Guide for Busy People to Stay Fit & Motivated)
No Time to Workout? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or (CDC), reports that astonishingly 66% of American adults do not engage in regular leisure-time physical activity. One of the biggest reasons for this is usually because of a lack of time. If this is one of the main reasons you do not workout,…
#tiredness #sleepinessafterworkout #workouttips #fitnesstips #workouttips #postworkoutsleep #postworkouttiredness