Question about having the energy to go to the gym

[Doctor_Jackson]

@Lakai

I’m lifting, but because I’m so out of shape I get winded after a few heavy reps.

I am giving my answer based on this point, plus the quotes below. It is entirely possible that I’m way off base, and if so I apologize - but here goes.

@Lakai

What kind of peanut butter? Natural peanut butter or the sugary kind?

@Lakai

Do you just eat a plain bagel without anything on it?..
What’s in your protein shake? What kind of protein powder are you using?

The answer to all of these is “It really doesn’t matter, just do something similar”. You are new to working out. Eat a little something an hour or so before you get to the gym - fruit, nut butter, regular size Payday or Snickers candy bar - anything to begin with. You can refine and optimize as you go forward. The key now is to just commit to it and make it a habit.

@Lakai

Mornings are rough for me because of my caffeine addiction. I feel miserable until about 10am each day.

Comments like this and the questions above make me think the root of the issue is less hunger and more motivation (or lack thereof). That’s OK, most people don’t love to go to the gym. It’s a decision you have to make - daily. Decide that you are going, regardless. Eat a little before you go to take away that distraction. If you don’t have a chance to eat first, go anyway. Once you decide that you are going, and follow through consistently, it will get easier. I’m no gym rat, I can think of 100 reasons not to work out, 100 things I’d rather be doing, but I work out anyway. My health is that important to me.

[BeeGee]

I keep a jar of store brand no-sugar added crunchy peanut butter at my desk. It’s my back up plan. When I’m planning well, I grab a snack size baggie of red or black grapes, a cheese stick, and some dry roasted peanuts. I get to the pool at 6pm, so I try to eat this around 3. Lots of people swear by bananas.

[Sir_T-Cups]

@CookingWithGas

I was going to question the protein angle but found that a standard PayDay bar has 7g of protein. Not bad for a candy bar but a cup of yogurt with fruit has more than twice that for maybe half the calories.

This is true. BUT…mine is candy and candy > yogurt

[ivylass]

@Riemann

Yup, I think a protein shake is an odd suggestion just before a workout. Protein is difficult to digest.

It was my first boot camp, I was nervous. I learned my lesson about halfway through the mountain climbers. And it’s Extra Crunchy Jif.

[Mangosteen]

My HS running coach once said to me, “You’re not hungry, you’re thirsty. You’re not tired, you’re dehydrated”. He would constantly be telling us to drink water during workouts and it really kept us going. He explained that our mind almost always mixes up the two.

Ever since then, mid-afternoons I always drink a huge (26 oz) glass (or 2, in the summer) of cool (not cold) water. Afterwards I feel totally rejuvenated.