Physical work, High temps, and Heavy training...

[Hikemike]

For anyone with a physical/outdoor job (I do irrigation/landscaping), do you notice any differences in training after working all day in the heat and humidity?

We generally start at 5:30/6:00 am, to get the heaviest work done before it gets super hot, so morning workouts are pretty much out.

My training has changed quite a bit since I've switched to strongman training, much more pressing (bench, log, millitary) and back and leg work (deads, stones, squats, yoke), but I still do a bodybuilding routine every third or fourth week.

Anyhooo......

This last week it has been extremely hot where we've been working (high 90's, 85% + humidity) and I've noticed that I'm having trouble getting my reps and weights as two weeks before (low 70's).

My diet has not changed, other than instead of two gallons of water, I'm adding 1 gallon of Gatorade mid day, so it's three gals of liquid total through the day. I've bumped up my carbs + 100/200 grams per day (depending on what my next days workout is, 200 on heavy days like deads and stones), bumped up protein by 50 grams, and fats 20 grams. I have to FORCE myself to eat 90% of the time, even breakfast.


I don't think it is overtraining because I had a week off four week ago.

Should I add more fats? Lose the Gatorade? Has anyone else out there dealt with this and figured out a solution?

[waynesbod]

i live in north geogia,its been 85 and above for the past couple of weeks, when I get done working at 5:30 I hit the gym and man its tough to get through the routines, ive been taking nitric oxide to try and give me a boost, some days it works, some days it doesnt. I really would like an answer to. Let me know if you come up with anything.

Originally Posted by Hikemike

For anyone with a physical/outdoor job (I do irrigation/landscaping), do you notice any differences in training after working all day in the heat and humidity?

We generally start at 5:30/6:00 am, to get the heaviest work done before it gets super hot, so morning workouts are pretty much out.

My training has changed quite a bit since I've switched to strongman training, much more pressing (bench, log, millitary) and back and leg work (deads, stones, squats, yoke), but I still do a bodybuilding routine every third or fourth week.

Anyhooo......

This last week it has been extremely hot where we've been working (high 90's, 85% + humidity) and I've noticed that I'm having trouble getting my reps and weights as two weeks before (low 70's).

My diet has not changed, other than instead of two gallons of water, I'm adding 1 gallon of Gatorade mid day, so it's three gals of liquid total through the day. I've bumped up my carbs + 100/200 grams per day (depending on what my next days workout is, 200 on heavy days like deads and stones), bumped up protein by 50 grams, and fats 20 grams. I have to FORCE myself to eat 90% of the time, even breakfast.


I don't think it is overtraining because I had a week off four week ago.

Should I add more fats? Lose the Gatorade? Has anyone else out there dealt with this and figured out a solution?

[XX400EX]

Staying hydrated is very important when its hot and humid. I find training in the am is much better on them days. After a day out in the heat it takes its toll on energy. If possible hit the gym before work. If you cant then just make the best of the eveing workouts. Id stay with the gator aide and drink alot of water too.

[Nodeal]

I work outside too,and the hot,humid weather sucks.I always end up with a bad headache no matter how much water I drink.It does take a toll on my workouts.I just try to grind everything out the best I can.Just one of those things you have to deal with.

[Old_Swole]

Originally Posted by Nodeal

I work outside too,and the hot,humid weather sucks.I always end up with a bad headache no matter how much water I drink.It does take a toll on my workouts.I just try to grind everything out the best I can.Just one of those things you have to deal with.

Try loading up on the water before you get thirsty usualy if your body says "hey give me somthing to drink" you are already starting to dehydrate.

Damn Michigan weather. Its either humid as sheet or raining.

[Rick1824]

I'm not sure that there really is an answer as to why or what you can do about it. When the heat and humidy become excessive and you're out in it daily, it just physically wears you out and wears you down to a certain extent. No matter how well you take care of yourself in the heat and stay hydrated and keep eating to keep your nutrition going good, the heat/humidity is going to take its toll.

While the excessive heat/humidity here has effected my workouts too, I also beleive that because of my workouts, being in shape, my diet and nutrition habits that I'm more capable of handling the heat/humidity when I'm at work.

[carbkilla]

I've had some experiance with over training. If the problem gets worse over the next few weeks then take a MONTH off. Gatoraide is not thin enough, it replaces electrolites but it uses water to process through. 25% gatoraid and 75% water is the right mix. Be carefull about drinking close to 4 gallons of water. There's a calculation depending on your weight for max water intake. Try drinking smaller amounts more often, might help absorption.

CK

[muttytwist]

The heat and humidity here is killing my lifts. I work outside ( tree nursury) and lift outside. The best I've come up with is to sit inside with a/c for a while before working out. The weather is finally starting to shift here, hopefully michigan will feel it later thid week.
Where in mi are you? I grew up in the u.p. and I don't remember it being that warm.

[jlczl]

I live in South Texas and right now we're experiencing 100 degree temps + high humidity (not out of the ordinary). I work outside as well so I know what you're talking about. Even in spring and fall it is easily in the 90's (heck even sometimes in the winter). Because of that, I have no choice but to work out in the early a.m. I've tried afternoons and evenings on occasion but it is nearly impossible for me. Up at 5 and at the gym by 5:30 for me all year-round.

[kh971]

I just got done with hanging sheet metal( now that is HOT) in 100+ temps here in middle GA. I know what you are talking about.
Be careful how much water you are drinking that it does not upset our electrolytes, or lower your sodium levels too much.
Also protein shakes do not tend to help me too much when it is really hot. I switch to sandwiches in the cooler and it seems to help me.

Also buy a round hat, that has some mesh on top, this helps me alot. It keeps the sun off my ears and a majority of the neck, helps also with skin cancer.
I work outside all year long, so cold or hot I have to deal with it.
Feeling for you.

[Old-Time-Lifter]

Originally Posted by aneas

Damn Michigan weather. Its either humid as sheet or raining.

Just wait til it gets cold................