I think you're overtraining your body.  IMO, pumping iron more than 1-2
times a week is counterproductive and it will also weaken your immune
system.  If you're going to use the upper-body/low-body training split, then
just do upper-body 1 day per week and lower-body 1 day per week.  You'll
probably get stronger by working out less.

When training naturally, you have to weigh your recovery ability very
carefully.  I have especially found this to be true with myself.

Doing abs is a waste of time.  If you do compound movements (squats,
curl-grip pulldowns, dips, standing dumbbell shoulder press) then your abs
are going to get more than enough work.  If you want washboard abs, then
ultra low bodyfat levels are what accomplishes this, not crunches or situps.

I would eat more carbohydrates too, especially in your post workout meal.  I
don't think there's anything unhealthy about eating a higher carbohydrate
diet so long as the carbs come from fruit/vegies and not grains.

~Justin Hasselman


<snip>
Mary wrote:
wanted to report a problem and see if anyone has any advice for me-
worked out with weights Friday, upper body (do this 3 x wk Mon, Wed, Fri)
For the first time since I started weight training 6 months ago I had kind
of an energy collapse. I completed my first set of overhead press and could
not finish my next two sets. It felt like I was lifting twice as much weight
as I actually was. I did complete the whole workout but it was limited in
reps and sets. The next day I was sore. Should not have been.

That day I did eat a little less than usual before the workout (worked out
at 4:00 pm) and did not eat as much protein. I ate half an apple at lunch
(with other food-meat)which is a new item added to my diet as of late. I eat
mainly meat and do take supplements. After the workout I felt weak and
slightly nauseous.

I eat, generally, a low carb diet, less than 40 grams carb per day.
I lift weights fairly intensely on the 3 upper body days. On Tues and Thurs
I do lower body workout. All five days I train my abdomen. I work out on
weekends sometimes but not always.

I figured I ran out of glycogen and my muscles just couldn't perform.
What do you think?
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