Squats and Fatigue

[industree]

I've had a pretty steady last two years with lifting, and I stopped progressing after fear of a knee problem (was resolved) and haven't done serious squats in over a month. Now I am just curious what the best ways to deal with feeling lightheaded is. I know it comes with the territory, but it being my first lift on leg/shoulders day, a few times I have had to call it for the day because I have felt so nauseous. I try my best to breathe plenty and properly and hydrate well before workout. Any other input/advice would be great. Thanks in advance.

[xlbrando]

what are you eating beforehand? Try on an empty stomach, or with something simple like a banana. I know what you mean, I've had to use trial-and-error a bunch. Time of day also is a huge factor, maybe you're more alert and ready at some other time?

don't do what i did once - Indian buffet for lunch and then overzealous squats only 1 hour later.

also, just a thought, try throwing in bodyweight squats first thing in the morning to see if that makes you feel nauseated. You'll adapt over time to get over it. Good luck!

[industree]

Well generally I'm having my protein shake about 2 hours before lifting. I can't lift at all unless it's been about 2 hours. Nausea isn't exactly what I'm worried about, although it can come with getting lightheaded. The biggest thing is trying to deal with that feeling (lightheadedness) and the disorientation that commonly comes with heavy squatting. Also, the fact that it almost completely drains me for the rest of my workout. Thanks for your input, maybe I do need to just start doing some bw reps often.

[KnjazVovk]

I have this problem too

[industree]

I don't think it's something that only affects a few squatters. It's a result of all the blood rushing to your legs. I'm just wondering if there are ways to accommodate.

[KnjazVovk]

You could always try the 20 rep squat routine. it will build your mental strength a lot and you would get much more used to squatting. And maybe when you're done your mind and body will be more acquainted with the lightheadedness. The routine helped me in that regard, but it's been a whlie since I've followed. Not sure if this was the answer you were llooking for, but it's a start.

[Leferikson]

I've always had the dizzy/lightheaded feeling after doing heavy squats. It also happens after really long sprints of running or swimming, heavy deads/power cleans, and anything that takes a lot of energy to accomplish. The only way I've learned to deal with it is making sure your body has plenty of energy in it, by eating breakfast, and other meals *up to about 2 hours before a workout*, getting good sleep, and resting enough between sets. On heavy days, I'll wait up to 5 minutes before doing another set. I think it is inevitable, but just know that pretty much everybody experiences it. Just sit down, have a sip of water, and concentrate on getting your vision straight ^_^.

[industree]

Thanks Kataxu, that could be something worth trying, but that workout does seem brutal.

Leferikson, thanks for your advice too, that does seem to be the best way to deal with it. And yea I get it from heavy deads sometimes as well.