Losing interest in my lifting

[Strongest123]

Hello everyone on here. Hope this message finds everyone doing well. I myself have severe depression, and OCD. I’ve noticed the last few days I’m struggling to find the motivation to train like I normally do. I’ve been a weightlifter-bodybuilder for many years. I guess lately with everything that’s going on my depression and anxiety has been pretty elevated. I saw my therapist yesterday, and I couldn’t stop yapping. I think one thing I’m missing is socializing. I haven’t been socializing for quite sometime and I think that’s taking a toll. Any ideas would be welcomed. SAMSON

[Hidden]

Welcome newbie..

Have u tryed changing the environment u train in??

Obviously if ya had alot to say in therapy u had alot on ur mind u needed to get out n possibly maybe even figure out!?, I think that's a good thing.

Ur socializing here !!😀

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your input

[Hidden]

I’ve been running and lifting weights for 8 years now. I’m 53, I’m no longer in a depressive state but I do have anxieties and even sleep problems. All of my exercise helps me 100 fold manage my mental health, maybe you could look at it as an add on in your life in stead of something separate you must accomplish, etc.

Other things... Could you be experiencing burn out? How do you lift, for example do you run bulk and cut cycles? I’ve changed my lifting where I have do total body workouts where from lifting 5 days a week to 3 and this helps me immensely (takes off added pressure I put on my self). Is this possible? Are you having issues with the environment where you are lifting such as gym vs home due to the pandemic?

So my only advice is change up your lifting, maybe interject some you enjoy on the days you don’t lift. As far as social interaction or need for human connection, the pandemic puts a damper on this and having to mange things takes extra discipline, there’s no question I have to do this. I’m not sure I’m any where close to understanding your situation, so none of this may be helpful for you. I do hope you get it worked out and back to doing what you enjoy. 🌺💜

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much. I surely appreciate your help. Did you workout while in a depressive state? I feel flat lately, no motivation at all to train. And then I have the fear that I’m going to start losing muscle size. Don’t wanna sound vain but I’ve trained all my life over 30 years, and I just don’t wanna lose muscle. I usually do whole body every other day, but I just don’t feel motivated to do that much when I need to train. I was contemplating doing 1 muscle group a day for now.

[Hidden in reply to Strongest123]

I started lifting coming out of depression. I lost a crap ton of weight depressed and I lost muscle along with the fat I lost. I was weak and pretty much a soft version of myself with no muscle. 😥

You aren’t vain in my opinion, but here’s what I know about losing muscle. You lose weight you lose muscle. The faster you lose weight the more muscle you lose. If you keep lifting while maintaining your weight you won’t lose muscle, you’ll even build some ole so slowly as long as you are in progressive over load this is known as recomposition. It’s something you can do I think and keep your lifting at a progress you can keep up with at your pace.

There are a lot of programs to run that could fit what you are wanting as far as schedule. I also will do supersets with minimal rest, move to next exercise fairly quickly and get through my work out faster and then it’s done. I’ve found lingering around resting in between exercises can make me lose motivation especially when I’m tired. You can look on musclesndstrength.com for ideas for example.

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Yes once you stop, you lose muscle before fat. I trained 4x last week but I feel this week like I have to really push myself. I’m going to try and train tonight. I’m going to do chest, delta, tris. And I’ve definitely been loading up on my protein. I think maybe my test levels are pretty low

[Hidden in reply to Strongest123]

I’ve stopped for example I had rotator cuff problems I was seeing an ortho for last year, I didn’t lift for 6 months. I didn’t lose muscle then while going through rehab, I did weaken and had to start back at a lower weight threshold but muscle memory was there. I was back in no time, I also chose strength programs to get me back to where I was before injury.

Try to find the enjoyment in your goal. It doesn’t have to be outlandish, just getting back into the lifting and finding the spark. I’ve been there, yesterday I did have my workout, I’m going to finish it today. I’m okay with that, pressure on ourselves to perform is a thing, I’ve given my self a break on this, I’ve had to. Otherwise I wouldn’t do it all. It has to be good enough if that makes sense.

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

It’s tough when you’re depressed, to try and get motivated, but when you get done you feel so much better

[Hidden in reply to Strongest123]

I'm prone to being most anxious in the mornings, especially if my sleep was less than adequate. I still have to push, I'm prone to procrastination, I still have find strength mentally, the reward after, the setting up the stage for controlling anxiety day and evening anxiety, having more energy levels, are the reasons I tell myself to get up and put my gear on. I do that I'll will follow through. I make a choice, it's all about choices in the end. Coffee and a workout is how o start the day, sometimes coffee during the workout. 😂😂

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

I hear ya. Mornings aren’t easy for me, but as the day progresses I start feeling better. I was feeling much better since before this crazy pandemic.

[Hidden in reply to Strongest123]

My sleep is terrible, I'm awake 3-4 am, on occasion with help from otc supplements I might make it to 5. I'm super tired by 4 pm.

This pandemic was ruling my life in the beginning, I still hate going out and that is a whole other set of anxieties I put on my self. I recently moved and put in a full gym in my basement, been my savior since I dont want to go to gym now.

You'll work this out, I'm not saying that every day you dont have to make hard choices like choosing to lift or exercise.. getting back to finding enjoyment, not putting pressure on yourself if you can may help. WhenI finally said my best on any given day is good enough that in turn is enough, it makes my working out better. I'm getting older, body acceptance and aging gracefully are my new goals. 😘😊

I wish you the best. 💜

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. Your message has helped me incredibly. I’m going to dedicate my workout tonight to you RoxieDawn. Stay Strong. SAMSON

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

Hello, how are you feeling today? I myself am having a bit of anxiety. I did manage to lift tonight. SAMSON

[Hidden in reply to Strongest123]

Did you get your workout in?

I’m doing well, my lifting was today, it was good. Did you really dedicate your workout to me? That’s so cool if you did. 🥰

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

Hello RoxieDawn yes I did. I said to myself this ones for you ROXIE. 💪🏻

[Hidden in reply to Strongest123]

Maybe why I felt a little stronger today. 💪

Thanks, this made my day. 💜🌺💜🌺

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

You’re welcome, I’m glad to hear that

[Hidden in reply to Strongest123]

I have been working out for over a year solid now but went into the gym yesterday and ended up leaving without working out. Have a really bad 24 hours right now.

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

Due to anxiety?

[Hidden in reply to Strongest123]

yes and depression

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

I’m sorry about that. I’ve been going through a rough patch lately myself

[Hidden in reply to Strongest123]

Sorry to hear that. How are you getting through the days.

[Strongest123 in reply to Hidden]

Well, good question. I have a strong faith, my daughters love, good support group, my therapist, and my weightlifting helps also