Beating the afternoon slump

Diceicle

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice as to getting energized for the gym.

I need something to basically have my energy levels brimming over, the problem I'm having at the moment is that I have a desk job so my days arent exactly active and between the dark cold nights and a 3 O'Clock slump (on random days) I find it hard to get myself pumped about hitting the gym (the equipment is well used and its a basic kind of place, not plush or well lit, no monitors on the threadmill here, so its not exactly inviting), so is there something I can either be eating around 3 to get the energy levels up or would I be better off taking a supplement like Animal or Caffeine tablets or something? Appreciate the info.

Remmy

If Im feeling low on energy before I go into the gym I just have an energy drink and that usually sorts me.Is your nutrition leading up to the gym ok?If Im busy and dont eat correctly during the day I will have no energy regardless of what stimulants I use.

lastlaugh

I took Pharmaton capsules a few years ago and thought they were really good. They are a multi vitamin but contain Ginseng which is good for physical/mental alertness. I'd definitely take them again is I was feeling too lethargic.

corkcomp

lastlaugh wrote: »

I took Pharmaton capsules a few years ago and thought they were really good. They are a multi vitamin but contain Ginseng which is good for physical/mental alertness. I'd definitely take them again is I was feeling too lethargic.

id second that - siberian ginseng and guarana FTW! I find it easier to hit the gym in the mornings, always too easy to skip in the evenings after a tough day

Sangre

Without trying to be presumptious, sounds like its your dull gym/routine that is putting you off not your energy levels. If you're eating at lunch time (and its not highly processed sugars) you shouldn't really be slumping so badly at three.

Try mix up your gym routine maybe?

If it is energy levels, can't go wrong with a banana and some milk.

cmyk

Diceicle wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice as to getting energized for the gym.

I need something to basically have my energy levels brimming over, the problem I'm having at the moment is that I have a desk job so my days arent exactly active and between the dark cold nights and a 3 O'Clock slump (on random days) I find it hard to get myself pumped about hitting the gym (the equipment is well used and its a basic kind of place, not plush or well lit, no monitors on the threadmill here, so its not exactly inviting), so is there something I can either be eating around 3 to get the energy levels up or would I be better off taking a supplement like Animal or Caffeine tablets or something? Appreciate the info.

I'm not sure whether you're saying it's a lack of motivation or an energy slump? If it's the latter what are you eating for lunch?

Diceicle

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I think I'll give Pharmaton a go and see if any of the slump is reduced.

Regarding the suggestion of gym routine being responsible, it could be partly that on occasion but in most cases its like a physical tiredness, it could also be down to the job which is a little boring at the moment, anyone else get that kind of lethargy from boredom?

In relation to my diet, my standard workday diet would be:
Smoothie @ 8am - milk/berries/organic peanut butter/protein/banana
11am - white coffee
1pm - wholewheat wrap with turkey,beef,lettuce and low fat mayo & handful of nuts and berries with 500ml water
3pm - If I have anything around this time it will be more nuts and berries.
Then dinner, which would be healthy enough. No processed stuff, lots of veg, brown rice etc.

Going back to the routine issue, while I'm happy with the way I'm performing in the gym (more or less) I think its the fact that I have not really noticed any physical benefits as of yet. I have a way to go to reach my goals and I realise that I need to knuckle down and nail my diet, but I find that fairly difficult. Its all about planning my food intake in my case I guess.

About the gym itself putting me off, that is a small factor alright. I used to be a member of One Escape in Smithfield (back when everyone had money :P) and that place was nice, it "felt" warm and nice. The place I'm in now is old, the necessary equipment is there, its cheap, it has a cold look about is and thats hardly inviting when the wind is blowing, its dark and you feel like sitting near a fire. Maybe thats just me.

Again, thanks for the info.

d'Oracle

I usually only get a slump after a carb heavy lunch.

So I am of no use to this thread at all.