I’ve noticed an increase w/my numbers since starting this protocol 3-4mos ago. As much as I hate getting up an hr earlier I’ve noticed I’m more focused & my CNS seems to be much more active. You’re also so much more clear minded first thing in the morning. Total concentration on the wts. & nothing else.
I too enjoy getting the day started off this way. I find I’m more alert at work & get so much more accomplished.
I don’t worry mid-aft. about getting out of work to train. It’s behind me & I can focus on my goals at work.[/quote]
My worry was my CNS not being fully awake even if I did a warm up on a cardio machine or light sets so that is why I do my lifting at night. Also I can go in and do different type of cardio in the morning either steady state or HIIT depending on how much time I have.
But I do like getting in and getting something done. It was really hard for me to make the switch.
Ok so I’ve been drinking a shake like bonez suggested as early as I can prior to my workout, I have a hard time eating anything right when I wake up so it’s usually about 30-40 min before I hit the weights. So far things are getting better, I’m certainly not moving the kind of weight I normally do but I have gotten all numbers except my heaviest/last rep of deadlifts this morning. Did have an interesting moment on my second set (5/3/1 week 3 1x5 1x3 1x1) of DL almost blacked out, everything got real small for a second but I got that sum bitch.
Anyhow, be it the new pre workout shake or adaptation things are getting better.
I’ve been working out in the morning for the past few weeks and am liking it a lot. I get up at 7 and I’m in the gym working out by 7:45. Basically I wake up brush teeth mix up 2 scoops Surge Workout Fuel with 3 scoops MAG-10 in 2L of water and start drinking it as I’m walking out the door around 7:30 finishing about 800ml before I start, then drinking the rest during the workout.
I have plenty of energy doing it this way and am making good progress. I think the main thing is to just get your body used to working out first thing in the morning while making sure to provide adequate nutrients at the right time to fuel your workouts and support recovery. If you’re not willing to shell out for Surge Workout Fuel and MAG-10 then you could just do regular carb powder/protein mix before during and after for similar results.
I’ve noticed an increase w/my numbers since starting this protocol 3-4mos ago. As much as I hate getting up an hr earlier I’ve noticed I’m more focused & my CNS seems to be much more active. You’re also so much more clear minded first thing in the morning. Total concentration on the wts. & nothing else.
I too enjoy getting the day started off this way. I find I’m more alert at work & get so much more accomplished.
I don’t worry mid-aft. about getting out of work to train. It’s behind me & I can focus on my goals at work.[/quote]
My worry was my CNS not being fully awake even if I did a warm up on a cardio machine or light sets so that is why I do my lifting at night. Also I can go in and do different type of cardio in the morning either steady state or HIIT depending on how much time I have.
But I do like getting in and getting something done. It was really hard for me to make the switch.
[/quote]
It took some getting used to. But once in a rhythm I find I really like it. I do feel like an hr after being awake & feeding that the CNS is up & at’em.
I’ve no problems thus far w/PR’s & such. I start w/a couple of warm up sets to grease the skids. After that I’m good.
The other thing about not training at night are 14-16hr days. I don’t have it in me to do it. I’m mentally & physically tired. What ever I’m losing in morning training is worth it to me.
I’m a late afternoon/evening lifter. The few times I’ve tried to train in the morning, even on a full stomach, my strength and energy levels sucked. I could probably pull off some cardio if I pushed myself, but my strength just isn’t there. But I do realize it’s largely a matter of persisting until you get used to it.
But, for you early-morning folks: what about your spinal disks? I’ve often read where the disks fill up with fluid while you sleep, actually making you a little taller when you first wake up. It then takes a good hour or two before the fluid levels in them return to normal. I’ve read where heavily loading the spine is not a good idea early in the morning. That’s not to say you can’t lift at all after waking up - but you might want to be doing lots of heavy compound movements. Thoughts?
On the food side it is recommended to eat a normal protein and carb meal about one hour before training. With your posted schedule, why not have a MRP in some milk when you wake up. Then some pre-workput drink like Supercharge.
You can also train immediately after waking by making a shake before bed and keeping it in a bedroom fridge, setting your alarm to wake you up an hour early. Then chug the shake and go back to sleep. Some athletes I know do this.
Other than that some people are stronger in late afternoon than in the morning.
I like training in the mornings though, the only part that sucks is having to watch the clock more.
[quote]BobParr wrote:
I’m a late afternoon/evening lifter. The few times I’ve tried to train in the morning, even on a full stomach, my strength and energy levels sucked. I could probably pull off some cardio if I pushed myself, but my strength just isn’t there. But I do realize it’s largely a matter of persisting until you get used to it.
But, for you early-morning folks: what about your spinal disks? I’ve often read where the disks fill up with fluid while you sleep, actually making you a little taller when you first wake up. It then takes a good hour or two before the fluid levels in them return to normal. I’ve read where heavily loading the spine is not a good idea early in the morning. That’s not to say you can’t lift at all after waking up - but you might want to be doing lots of heavy compound movements. Thoughts?
[quote]LankyMofo wrote:
This won’t help anyone but when I started working out (senior year in college) I worked full time and went to school full time so mornings were the only time I could work out. Being a complete noob my breakfast consisted of 4 hard boiled egg whites, then off to the gym. I did this for 5 months or so.
Don’t do that.
I don’t think I could go back to lifting in the morning.[/quote]
It’s weird. I can’t and never have been very good at after mid-day training. I always seem to be drained mentally before I go in. I am sure this could be adapted to, but I just prefer morning training now…[/quote]
I sometimes notice this… I usually train in the evening, but once in awhile when I get the opportunity to train in the morning, I notice energy is better. There’s less distraction in your mind, the day has not had a chance to wear on you. Also sometimes with night sessions, I’ll be psyched up during the day, but can’t lift yet, and its a struggle to maintain it
[/quote]
Well, I have to admit it. I missed a morning workout and decided to get it in at night. It may have been the best workout I have ever had. So maybe everything I said was a lie. hahaha. But actually, I was beyond stressed out and it was a “I have to do this now or I might kill the next person I see” kind of workouts.[/quote]
I tried waking up early a year or so ago and just couldn’t wake up enough to get a good workout. I have to admit, though, now caffeine (around 4 pm) gives me the boost I need to have a good night workout (around 7 pm). Otherwise I’m usually pretty tired.
I also work out early (up at 5:15, in the gym and warmed up by 5:50ish), and one the best things about doing so is that the gym is empty! My gym is fairly small (the weight section, anyway), and after work and later on weekends its a real drag waiting around for the equipment to free up.
During exams I had to work out in the morning to allot time to study when I would usually work out around 4-7pm. Up at 630am and in the gym by 8 (not as early as most of you guys) but after a normal breakfast my lifts were consistent with my late afternoon lifts. Not to mention having the WHOLE day to do things was a huge benefit as well. Definitely going to hit up morning lifts next year at school… productive as hell
[quote]Spaceman3 wrote:
I also work out early (up at 5:15, in the gym and warmed up by 5:50ish), and one the best things about doing so is that the gym is empty! My gym is fairly small (the weight section, anyway), and after work and later on weekends its a real drag waiting around for the equipment to free up. [/quote]
Same here, no one but my workout partner and myself.
I love morning workouts, but i like to lift as soon as i can after waking so i don’t like eating too much. Usually a banana and some peanutbutter. By the time i get to the gym i am good to go. I have a post shake and about 45 min or an hour later i’ll have a more balanced meal. It’s worked great for a little over a year now. but some people just can’t lift in the morning. The answer is pretty much the same as every other question…everyone is different.
[quote]BobParr wrote:
I’m a late afternoon/evening lifter. The few times I’ve tried to train in the morning, even on a full stomach, my strength and energy levels sucked. I could probably pull off some cardio if I pushed myself, but my strength just isn’t there. But I do realize it’s largely a matter of persisting until you get used to it.
But, for you early-morning folks: what about your spinal disks? I’ve often read where the disks fill up with fluid while you sleep, actually making you a little taller when you first wake up. It then takes a good hour or two before the fluid levels in them return to normal. I’ve read where heavily loading the spine is not a good idea early in the morning. That’s not to say you can’t lift at all after waking up - but you might want to be doing lots of heavy compound movements. Thoughts?
[/quote]
x2 on the spinal disk concern. Maybe I’m overly cautious but I want to make sure when I’m doing 400+ squats or 500+ DLs in the morning vs night won’t be a problem :\ My biggest fear in the gym is a lower back problem or tweak lol
As a sidenote, has anyone tried using Alpha GPC in the morning to decrease the “weak feeling” during the workout? I’ve tried to lift in the morning and God knows how damn frustrating it is to put in as much effort and focus as you can just lift a weight that you normally can nail. Sorry if it’s hard to understand but you feel like your mind is there but your body isn’t.