Workout struggles,,

(John) #1

I am a week into Keto. Overall, I feel great, but my workouts are sucking. When running, my legs feel like they’re full of cement. Weights are a little down, but the running really is sucking…

(Carl Keller) #2

Hi John.

Your body is in a transitional state where it’s learning how to use fat for fuel and weening itself off of its reliance on carbs. Strenuous exercise means that you are stepping on your metabolic gas pedal with limited effect. This struggle for proper power is likely to continue for a month or so as your body adjusts… but eventually, once your body becomes proficient in using ketones for energy, you will probably find exercise easier than it has ever been.

I would limit working out in the meanwhile and just focus on eating the right things.

(Little Miss Scare-All) #3

I felt the same way for a few weeks. Trust me when I tell you, this stops. I found that after about a month for me, my workouts started to really kick butt. My endurance for strength training, my endurance for HIIT and conventional cardio sky rocketed. I kept making mental notes about how my performance overall was so much stronger.

I also noticed that my ability to focus on my form, and put my “all” in were also markedly improved.This is one the biggest things about Keto benefits, that I noticed for myself. I found myself having to bump up my intensity to get my heart rate to its targeted zone, which is cool and dumb at the same time lol.

Hang in there! Work through the lag and you will really be pleasantly surprised! That’s church, homes.

(Steaks b4 cakes! 🥩🥂) #4

My workouts took a beating too! Both my HIIT’s and my weights suffered massively, while you’re in the transition phase it might be worth taking it down a notch until your strength and energy comes back.
I picked lighter weights, and did low-impact HIIT just to keep moving during my transition.
You’ll bounce back in no time and start loving running again I promise!

(charlie3) #5

Fitness is a long game, health is putting off the end game for as long as possible. I bet it took me months to adapt to lower carbs. After a year I bet I’m still getting more adapted. Most dedicated fitness trainers are chronically over trained. Try seriously reducing sets per week and see if strength gains come faster. Run less often and see if that makes the runs easier and eventually faster.

(Scott) #6

This was so me! It caused me to start doubting keto because “this just isn’t the way I want to feel”. I am glad I stuck it out. I got my miles up to 30 for the week and am looking to train for a HM soon. The downside was it took me three months to get fat adapted and fully convert to using fat for running fuel. I was having to walk frequently and one day as I was running up a hill I thought “my runs don’t suck anymore and I have energy now”. I got up Sunday morning and did 6 miles fasted. When I got home I decided I just didn’t feel hungry so I didn’t eat until lunch. I can’t wait to get back to doing a ten or twelve mile run on Sundays again. When that happens it will be time for a half marathon again.

(John) #7

That is awesome!! Not doubting Keto, I am down about 6 lbs in a week (Probably mostly water), but I feel great.