All right, didnt know where else to post this, so i suppose Building a Better Body is as good as any…
What is the deal with my hands shaking uncontrollably after a workout? We’re not talking violent shakes, but they are noticeable tremors. I used to think it was just total body fatigue, but then I read one of Chris Shugarts articles (I think it was titled Resurrecting the Oak) where he refers to hands shaking as Central Nervous System failure. (By the way, exactly what is CNS failure? I know the CNS is an important part of lifting especially maximal strength, but has anyone written any articles on it? If you dod a search for it on the site you just get a million forum posts.) But I just got back from a 9 day rest from the gym and my hands are right back to shaking. I dunno, I mean i had a DECENT workout todya, but nothign crazy. Worked up to a new 3RM PR on Good Mornings, 4x10 of Single leg squats with 1 min rest, 1x20, 1x14, 1x8 of Dimel deadlifts and then I started hangign leg raises but I was too lgihtheaded/sick to finish. 45 minutes and I was done. I KNOW I’m not the only one getting these, whats the deal?
Is it a sort of cramping shaking/spasm or just a loss of control over fine motor. do you use straps, I mean it could be as simple as your forarms being extremely fatigued, you probly already thought of that though. I would get something similar when I let myself get Dehydrated. I started taking a little potassium to combat cramping and made sure I drank alot more water during the day and especially prior to and during workouts and it has pretty much gone away.
KBC, I also used to get the shakes after training, but only when I trained to failure with higher reps (10 to 20 or more). In recent months I’ve cut back on my rep range, usually 3 to 5 reps per set, and I avoid failure like the plague. Now I don’t get those tremors in my hands, and I enjoy my training a lot more. I can’t think of any articles on the subject, but I’m sure some of the other contributors to the forums will be able to help. Take care of yourself. Kev
If it is shaking in your hands, then it is probably the CNS (neural fatigue, not failure unless your dead. The hands and feet are the most sensitive areas to neural fatigue. That is why you have to be careful especially if you are holding objects in your hands or going grip work.