Gym advice

[joannie10]

I go to the gym regularly mainly running and also using some machines and free weights. Years ago I tried a Body Pump class but having felt so faint in the class (had to walk out) I was so put off going to any classes that I just never have other than periods of going to yoga etc. Anyway as I say I go regularly but felt that I should take on some classes to push me a bit harder. Went to a few Abs classes but then missed a couple due to festive period and booked myself in for wednesday only to get there and realise they changed the time and I was booked into a circuits class full of men! anyway decided to give it a go and it was quite good as was not too busy so there were spaces between you and the next person so in a sense could take it at your own pace a bit (the instructor was of course trying to push us). Again though I started to feel light headed and think then a bit of worry takes over that actually makes me feel worse than I a actually am. Anyway my point for posting this - should I stick with it, is it just because I need to get fitter that I feel this way? I go to the gym well hydrated. I will point out that I did have some hospital checks due to high blood pressure last year, everything found to be ok although just still get occasionally high readings. Other than this though I could not tell you when I last felt faint or in anyway light headed.

[climber_chick]

Are you eating enough? Cereals and fruit are recommended about 2 hours before a session. Also, try a drink such as lucozade when working out to replace salts and give you sugar. Keep it up it will get better, I had problems working out and have now cracked it as it was due to what I was eating. Oh and focus on your breathing, I find when I exercise I sometimes forget to breathe (sounds silly but I hold my breath!) and I really have to focus on it to ensure I'm getting enough oxygen otherwise I go light headed. Good luck :)

[joannie10]

thanks for your response that is helpful - feel I do eat enough normally have some fruit mid morning but will monitor and think about some cereals and No I don't use energy drinks at all so will try that. I have been back at the circuits and really done everything that was asked of me except burpees (did star jumps instead) and really did fine so quite happy but would like to over come it so will go with your suggestions. I know what you mean about not breathing - used to go running with my sister and friend and I just rabbled all the way round and they could not understand how I could talk but I found that made me breath better - funnily enough! thanks again for your response x

[jd_1984]

Hydration is key, plenty of water.
Have you considered supplements and vitimans, speak to a chemist perhaps who can point you in the direction of the best supplement to support your lifestyle?
I take multi-vits, cod liver oil and zinc as part of my diet to support busy lifestyle and training.
Breathing is a good point when training which has already been established.
Dont be afraid to load up on a few carbs pre-workout. Carbs are the body's fuel and we need them to have sufficient energy levels and focus. Post-workout, when your body is in recovery it is protein that you need and perhaps a recovery drink or glucose drink.

Good luck

[joannie10]

thanks