Cutting....no energy during workout

[Natty99]

He guys I've been following the cutting program pretty strictly. I'm doing low intensity cardio either in the AM on an empty tank or after lifting sessions.

Not having carbs before my lifting is killing me. I have very little energy.

For example usually can flat bench 165x6 for three sets. When cutting I can only do three reps WTF?

Can I eat some plain oats b4 my lifting sessions for energy? Or should I add a stimulant...? Ephedra or caffeine to keep my strenght up?

Or do I have to just bite the bullet and get weaker and weaker as I cut

[Jakt]

1/2 cup oats n pro hr or 1.5 hrs b4 and coffee or another stimulant will help...

don't forget some music

[Undecided09]

Who said you couldn't have carbs before you lift, matter of fact, carbs in the morning is essential, its what starts your day..IMO, bump for the GURUs...

[steve0]

He guys I've been following the cutting program pretty strictly. I'm doing low intensity cardio either in the AM on an empty tank or after lifting sessions.
Not having carbs before my lifting is killing me. I have very little energy.

For example usually can flat bench 165x6 for three sets. When cutting I can only do three reps WTF?

Can I eat some plain oats b4 my lifting sessions for energy? Or should I add a stimulant...? Ephedra or caffeine to keep my strenght up?

Or do I have to just bite the bullet and get weaker and weaker as I cut

why are you not have carbs bruh ??? its really a hottly debated subject on weather to eat them or not when cutting but most do eat them. and IMO you should what time of the day do you workout ? and what other times do you eat carbs i hope u aint going keto !! and some coffe is great before workout if you dont like coffe you can get some caffeine pills instead

[Panzerfaust]

Depends on your workout and where it lies in your day regarding meals etc...

[mrclark]

Hey what time are your lifting sessions usually? Regardless, typically speaking your meals before (if your lifting in the evening) or from the previous night + 1 meal in the morning should help...

What are you usually eating before working out nowadays anyway?


As steveo mentioned... coffee before helps a bit too - I myself take a cup black with a packet or two of splenda about 20-30 mins before I hit the gym.

Furthermore, whether cutting/bulking I usually space my carbs around my workout - i.e. preworkout (cooked oats + whey/lean meat protein) usually 2 hours before lifting and post-workout (dex + whey 2:1) usually 15-20mins after - and about 1-1.5 hrs later, my PPWO meal (brown rice + lean meat protein + veggies) I usually get in about 3 pro/fat meals before my pre-workout and one more after my ppwo.


It'll help tremendously as always, if you could post your full diet with macros and then someone will be able to assist you further of what the issue could be.

Everyone does react differently on how much he/she can lift... so you have to keep that in mind. Hopefully you're allowing yourself to eat at least an hour to 2 hours prior to lifting to absorb whatever it is you're taking...

At least if you can figure out how many grams of carbs your taking in a day - you could move some of those around - and don't count the veggies, stick with your complex and simple carbs.

The frequency of your training + rest also play a huge role too.

[steve0]

shvt !! i drink my coffee while i workout, French Roast baby

[Panzerfaust]

I have been taking an ECA and then slammin a cup of coffee shortly after, when i feel it kicking in i hit the gym.

[Natty99]

I usually workout around 6pm.

Meal 1

6 eggs (one whole)
1/2 cup oats

Meal 2

1 can of tuna
Almonds
4 grams flax oil

Meal 3

Lean meat
Veggies

Meal 4

Protein shake
Natty PB

Workout

Meal 5

Shake 2 Scoops whey, one scope dex, Banana,

Meal 6

1/2 cup Oats, one scoop protein

Or

1/2 Fat Free Cottage cheese with Natural Granola

[Natty99]

I will begin to switch my preworkout meal to a Pro Carb meal and drink some coffee.

6' 1.5" 196 18-20% BF Lift 3-4 days a week.

[novastepp]

you need carbs before a workout for many reasons. maybe do a search on this beause Giants has beat it to death a few times i can remember.

[steve0]

yeah giants11 has beat it to death, but hey somebody needs to man, theres all theses dude not takeing down carbs before workouts and then they wounder why they cant pick anything up, there to scared there gonna gain BF%, carbs are not always the enemy they are your friend , you gotta remember when you go lift you prolly end up moveing a few thousands pounds in total weight depending on what muscle group your working you need the carbs bruh so up em !!! and IMO you should drop the Dex and use quick oats or skim milk.

[novastepp]

good call steve0. carbs are definately needed and are not bad in any way when it comes to training. before, after, and sometimes...in between.

[Natty99]

yeah giants11 has beat it to death, but hey somebody needs to man, theres all theses dude not takeing down carbs before workouts and then they wounder why they cant pick anything up, there to scared there gonna gain BF%, carbs are not always the enemy they are your friend , you gotta remember when you go lift you prolly end up moveing a few thousands pounds in total weight depending on what muscle group your working you need the carbs bruh so up em !!! and IMO you should drop the Dex and use quick oats or skim milk.

Should'nt I keep the dex for an insulin spike?

[novastepp]

Should'nt I keep the dex for an insulin spike?

why do you want an insulin spike?

[Natty99]

To increase the absorbtion of protein and peptides. Isn't that one of the reasons why people put in dex in theire pwo shake?

[novastepp]

To increase the absorbtion of protein and peptides. Isn't that one of the reasons why people put in dex in theire pwo shake?

no. it has to deal with glycogen replenishment. maybe invest in an amino acid mix that includes Leucine...it is proven to start protein synthesis by itself! take 4g after a work out and a few grams throughout the day.

[Panzerfaust]

edit...

Use dex, oats..whichever you find works better for you. I prefer Dex

[wolfstriked]

Dex cause your insulin sensitivity is high right after a workout and your muscles soak up nutrients like a sponge.Oats take awhile and by then your muscles are shutting down there eagerness to accept nurtients.

Dex causes more insulin which is highly anabolic so use the PWO meal as an anabolic tool to ensure you lose as little muscle as possible.

[Sepsis]

read bold, i follow that regiment almost exactly when cutting and barelly loose any strength in my workouts

Hey what time are your lifting sessions usually? Regardless, typically speaking your meals before (if your lifting in the evening) or from the previous night + 1 meal in the morning should help...

What are you usually eating before working out nowadays anyway?


As steveo mentioned... coffee before helps a bit too - I myself take a cup black with a packet or two of splenda about 20-30 mins before I hit the gym.

Furthermore, whether cutting/bulking I usually space my carbs around my workout - i.e. preworkout (cooked oats + whey/lean meat protein) usually 2 hours before lifting and post-workout (dex + whey 2:1) usually 15-20mins after - and about 1-1.5 hrs later, my PPWO meal (brown rice + lean meat protein + veggies) I usually get in about 3 pro/fat meals before my pre-workout and one more after my ppwo.


It'll help tremendously as always, if you could post your full diet with macros and then someone will be able to assist you further of what the issue could be.

Everyone does react differently on how much he/she can lift... so you have to keep that in mind. Hopefully you're allowing yourself to eat at least an hour to 2 hours prior to lifting to absorb whatever it is you're taking...

At least if you can figure out how many grams of carbs your taking in a day - you could move some of those around - and don't count the veggies, stick with your complex and simple carbs.

The frequency of your training + rest also play a huge role too.

[novastepp]

Dex cause your insulin sensitivity is high right after a workout and your muscles soak up nutrients like a sponge.Oats take awhile and by then your muscles are shutting down there eagerness to accept nurtients.

Dex causes more insulin which is highly anabolic so use the PWO meal as an anabolic tool to ensure you lose as little muscle as possible.

this is highly debatable. some guys use it cause it has worked for other guys before. some guys it won't work as well. i still think that after being introduced to the davantages of aminos after a workout, that they are far superior to stop muscle catabolism since they can start protein synthesis alone. and an insulin spike will not.

[wolfstriked]

read bold, i follow that regiment almost exactly when cutting and barelly loose any strength in my workouts

Sepsis could you give macros on the pre/pwo/ppwo meals?

[wolfstriked]

this is highly debatable. some guys use it cause it has worked for other guys before. some guys it won't work as well. i still think that after being introduced to the davantages of aminos after a workout, that they are far superior to stop muscle catabolism since they can start protein synthesis alone. and an insulin spike will not.

Are you saying to just take aminos?Wouldnt a whey shake which is almost instantly turned into aminos do the same thing?

[steve0]

Are you saying to just take aminos?Wouldnt a whey shake which is almost instantly turned into aminos do the same thing?

yes protein alone whould cause insulin release.

[novastepp]

Are you saying to just take aminos?Wouldnt a whey shake which is almost instantly turned into aminos do the same thing?

eating alone will stimulate a insulin response. so oats, and whey would work. and down your amino drink as soon as you're done training.

[Natty99]

Thanks for all the help guys!!!!!!!

[CENADICT]

He guys I've been following the cutting program pretty strictly. I'm doing low intensity cardio either in the AM on an empty tank or after lifting sessions.

Not having carbs before my lifting is killing me. I have very little energy.

For example usually can flat bench 165x6 for three sets. When cutting I can only do three reps WTF?

Can I eat some plain oats b4 my lifting sessions for energy? Or should I add a stimulant...? Ephedra or caffeine to keep my strenght up?

Or do I have to just bite the bullet and get weaker and weaker as I cut

up your carbs a bit..try adding 50grams and see if it works...also try taking a cup of strong coffee before gym..that would be around 200mg caffeine...it works for me

[biglouie250]

sugar free red bull, B-complex, coffee, green tea, those are some of the things i use when i go real low carb to get me through the day. although i really dont go too low anymore. even when cutting i get over 100g of carbs.

and meal six should be solid food bro......

[Natty99]

Great responses to my Q thx guys