Off Day Lethargy ?

[BULKING_N]

Hello All.. Not posted in a long time here !

I have only started noticing this recently but it has been happening for a long time now. On my off days from training, no weights or cardio, I am totally lethargic and dragging all day !! Worse yet when I need to do my job, ( I am an active pilot ) I need to be able to be focused and sharp.. If I get my 10 sets of dumbell lunges prior to a flight I am sparking! If I dont get that workout in, my mind feels sluggish!! I simply cannot seem to function without some form of physical activity to get my day started. I do not drink coffee either and I think my body has go so used to the many years of heavy training, that on the off days, i simply just goes in a hibernation mode. I get very tired and also depressed somewhat. Is this an addiction to the endorphins ?

My body and nervous system needs the rest days but I will like to know if anyone experience the similar situation and how do they deal with it. Maybe brisk walks ? I couldnt wake up and spend all day at the tv or loaf...

Im a seasoned lifter, 5-6x week of weights together with cardio as per discretion.

 

[Tyrone]

Hey BULKING_N, good to see ya around bro....seems like forever since I've seen ya around here.

I think I've felt the same thing you're experiencing man. Sometimes even a little session is all it takes. I don't know the physiology or anything much about it, but it works for me.

 

[chemical engineer]

yes, I have notice this on occasion as well. I think it is purely psychological. It is almost like you shut down and lose purpose. I have tried to diversify so to speak and do other things and not be so pre-occupied with training and fitness. Tomorrow I am going to a pool and drink beer. The gym will still be there with all the weights,machines, and ladies when I comeback on Thurs.

 

[brutus69]

excercise releases endorphins. and it's proven to counteract mental exhaustion.
but i'm the same way. it's like i know i don't have to workout that day, so when i get outa bed i'm pretty much useless all day.

 

[BULKING_N]

TY

Great to see you man ! Not forgotten you..yes its been a long time... Thank you so much for the reply. It can be psychological I believe where the body knows it doesnt have to do a session of weights/HIIT cardio and it just goes in a state of total rest..But I think maybe a brisk walk in the am be a good thing to do as an Active Rest Day

 

[cavdude]

as i've aged-i feel the same thing on 'off days'-the only thing i've found to overcome this feeling is to do a little cardio ie: 10-15minutes of jumping rope brings back the motivation and eliminates the 'off day' fatigue-for me?

 

[waynaferd]

Getting the blood flowing and metabolism going while giving yourself a sense of accomplishment always gives you a "feel good" feeling i've found through the years.

I hate off days as I feel like a lazy bum LOL

 

[BULKING_N]

Great replies everyone. Thank you !

Agree 100% on that statement of the sense of accomplishment it gives you. I feel like a total bum and void when I havent done a workout. Something is missing, antsy, stressed, nervous . Its a whole spiral ! I will continue with just a few sets of ab wheel slide outs, gymanstic L sits or hanging leg raises first thing upon arising followed by a nice cold shower and a protein shake and OJ. It surely makes a huge difference and sets my entire day.

 

[BULKING_N]

If it is an off duty day from work and I just want to vegge all day, I will wake up and do the workout/ breakfast and THEN sit and watch tv or go back to bed ! But the workout takes precedence over all

 

[TNH]

In my case, it is most definitely mental. I have some mental health issues, and I find that exercise helps me feel better tremendously.
Even low intensity cardio like walking up an incline on the treadmill at only 130bpm really elevates my mood.
I also just feel good afterwards knowing that I did something healthy for my body that will also contribute to better overall gains just because of the body being well taken care of.

 

[BULKING_N]

Today was a rest day from training and I got busy with doing errands and no cardio or light ab workout and I feel like crap this evening . Feel like I havent achieved anything but I know my body needed the rest. :O ..Took a long nap this afternoon too and just woke up. Tomorrow I will make up for it with a brutal back workout in the morning.

 

[BULKING_N]

Did not workout today with the last few days being gruelling and though my body welcomed the total rest with naps through the day, feel very down ! Should have done a bit of activity this am !

 

[maxmuscle925]

as i've aged-i feel the same thing on 'off days'-the only thing i've found to overcome this feeling is to do a little cardio ie: 10-15minutes of jumping rope brings back the motivation and eliminates the 'off day' fatigue-for me?

Just what I was gonna say or you know what i guarantee will work hit the old punching bag 4 rounds in 15 minutes youll be golden plus youll keep punching skill,strength and mobility up.

 

[BULKING_N]

Thats a GREAT idea max muscle. thank you !!!!.. I havent used the punching bag in a while but it is a great suggestion !!! I also got the hanging bar and the ab roller, I do about 4x sets of ab wheel slide outs and then some full range hanging leg raises and that also works great.

 

[strongside26]

I get depressed and bored if I don't have a workout that day. I try doing something light like going for a bike ride or taking my dog for a long walk, anything to get out of the house.