I have been weight training for a year now. I love it! I currently go to a personal trainer one day a week and do weight training on my own two additional days a week (kettlebells, dumbells, smith machine etc.). I usually weight train 30-45 minutes a session and also do 45 minutes of cardio three addtional days during the week.
I sometimes worry that I am tiring myself out and not getting enough rest and recovery. I have considered taking something for muscle recovery. What do you think? I currently take no supplements (other than a multi-vitamin and Calcium pill). I use to drink whey protein, but got tired of being a slave to it and really just want to eat real food. I also fear adding the additonal calories into my day. I eat a real meal within a hour of lifting. I have considered L Glutamine – any thoughts on that? I just don’t want to waste my time or money on these supplements if I am going to reap very little results. I just want to get the most of the time I spend working out. Beth
Those who have been reading for a while, know my view on supplements- why take them when you can get what you need, plus so much more from whole, healthy foods?
In all honesty, you are not working out enough to need artificial help from supplements. Strength training 3 times a week is what is recommened, for everyone, from 18 to 108 year olds.
If you feel like you aren’t getting enough rest or recovery- rest more. Take a day off. If you honestly feel tired and run down, just don’t workout that day. You aren’t working out a ridiculous amount, so your situation doesn’t really scream “over use injury” to me, but you know your body more than anyone else, so if you honestly feel you are training too much, cut back. But if the reason you feel you aren’t getting enough rest or recovery is because you aren’t seeing the results you want, I would look more to what you are doing, as opposed to how much you are doing.
You don’t need supplements. Your muscles know how to heal themselves, especially when you are getting a rest day in between, which you are. Those kinds of supplements are for professional athletes, bodybuilders and weight lifters who can’t take a day off of training.
A lot of people over estimate how much they workout. Your workout seems to be average in terms of frequency and intensity. Listen to your body if you are starting to burn out, but don’t pump it full supplements and expect it to help. Your body is a smart cookie and is perfectly capable of healing itself on your off days without any extra, expensive help.
If you have a question you would like me to answer, emai lme at kelly@everygymsnightmare.com
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