Energy is taxed before legs are fatigued

[ryno9000]

I have a bad problem. When I train my legs, I find that I am getting totally drained of all over energy before my legs have really gotten a great workout. Squats are usually my first exercise, when I am fresh, but they really take it out of me! I then go to leg press, and after just a few measly sets I find myself DRAINED. But my legs aren't getting that great of a workout. I have even tried splitting up my leg days so I am doing calves with chest, quads and bis, and shoulders and hamstrings. My diet is good, so that is not what is causing lack of energy. And this only happens with leg stuff, I can do tons of sets of pretty much any other body part. Any tips?

 

[deathdroprob]

I have the same thing.........with Bicep Curls..................
lame I know

 

[GUARDIAN]

could be simply a matter of conditioning, leg endurance.

do u have a physically demanding job?

 

[digitizedsoul]

I have the same issue.

I have learned that it is not a CNS or muscle related problem, but a cardiovascular one. Do you feel very VERY winded toward the end of your squats or leg presses? I do, and I found if I attempt a cardio session that I experience the same issues when I crank up the intensity.

I need to work on my cardio to close that gap, but i'm almost certain it is the cause of my issues. It could very possibly be the cause of yours as well.

Just a thought

 

[djeclipse]

I would say the same, it sounds like an endurance issue. do you do any cardio at all?

 

[ryno9000]

Guardian: I have the opposite of physically demanding job, it involves either sitting in a classroom (student) or sitting in an office (work).

Cardio comments:Haha, Damn you guys are good! I HATE cardio, and do very little of it, maybe 1-2 sessions a week for 20 minutes a pop. I have a very lean build, so I never saw much need for it. I knew it was going to bite me in the ass in some way though. So you guys think if I up the cardio, my leg endurance should follow? Makes sense, I'll (reluctantly and with a grudge) give that a shot. I do warm up for 10 minutes on the bike before I even touch weights though, before every workout. That doesn't count I know...

 

[ryno9000]

So what do you guys suggest then, to help me start getting my overall endurance up? What would the cardio regimn look like?

 

[djeclipse]

So what do you guys suggest then, to help me start getting my overall endurance up? What would the cardio regimn look like?

You don't want it to get in the way of your lifts so start easy. Aside from playing soccer, every once in a while I'll get o the treadmill and do the speed thing.

Warm up with speed 3 (I think it's 3mph)

run at speed 5 for 1min, then walk at speed 3 for 1 min.

Run speed 6 1min, walk 1min
run speed 7 1min, walk 1min

I do this up to speed 10 and then back down.

It takes about 30min and is better for endurance then a straight slow paced jog. You don't have to go up to 10, start slow and try to better yourself each time. You'll build up you cardiovascular system in no time.

This is just one of many ways to increase endurance. Find something you like, maybe a sport you like.

Just be sure to not let it get in the way of your lifts.

 

[ryno9000]

Thanks I'll give it a shot. I'll do it at the end of my lifts, which is usually where my cardio ends up.

 

[ALIN]

I have a bad problem. When I train my legs, I find that I am getting totally drained of all over energy before my legs have really gotten a great workout. Squats are usually my first exercise, when I am fresh, but they really take it out of me! I then go to leg press, and after just a few measly sets I find myself DRAINED. But my legs aren't getting that great of a workout. I have even tried splitting up my leg days so I am doing calves with chest, quads and bis, and shoulders and hamstrings. My diet is good, so that is not what is causing lack of energy. And this only happens with leg stuff, I can do tons of sets of pretty much any other body part. Any tips?

are you eating correctly? enough carbs and good fats??