Comments on: Dear Mark: Decline in Mental Energy

By: Phillip

Phillip — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:59:54 +0000

Thanks Mark for addressing the question. I agree.

The biggest adjustment I have faced has been volume of exercise. As a runner, I bought into the more is better theory. When I switched to kettlebells and intervals, I tried to do too much. Inevitable burnout ensued.

I was quick to blame the type of exercise for decreased mental and energy levels. However, once the volume was reduced, I was feeling better than I had when running. I certainly appreciate your thoughtful insight into chronic cardio and primal fitness.

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:43:12 +0000

Thanks Mark
I new there had to be a better way than tearing your joints up through excessive cardio.

By: simon fellows

simon fellows — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:23:15 +0000

I’d wager my left nad you won’t go wrong(i.e getting the aerobic benefits and being devoid of excessive thinking, feeling energized and basically just feeling grand to be alive) with oodles of walking and some brief intense weight work outs..whether chucking tyres around, doing some Turkish get-ups, just a bit o variety, randomnly performed, not being rampantly obsessed with having very low body fat (i actually think rightly or wrongly that the obsessiveness that some lads(and lasses) have about low body fat is likely a symptom OF low body fat and a kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder whereby the body is stressed to the nines and the lower fat ‘tells’ the body it’s using too much of its reserves, thus elevates its stress profile which manifests in this obsesiveness about fat amount on the body as when stressed it doesnt make an informed choice about upping fat.From reading articles and blogs etc that most folks who have low b-f are assuredly not like Senor Mark who eats a high fat diet.I’ve noticed with myself and others that if i take in enough fats i could sit in a vat of choccy and not be tempted but reduce my fat cals and of course ones brain/system wants cals and its manifests that need via cals that are quick….carbs or sugar.Also a pal who on and off has drink binges seems to have found that if he eats more fat he reduces it’s cravings.
If the observation has any merit it might be as cos plenty of fatty is coming in the body ‘feels’ it’s okay to dip into its reserves and also isn’t stressed as in a evol sense it’knows’ it’ll survive as its getting oodles of cals too.

All that might be poorly worded but hope you get the drift / thrust..as the actress said to the bishop !

By: Mike OD - IF Life

Mike OD - IF Life — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:08:27 +0000

They say the best workouts leave you feeling great afterwards, and I find that to be true. Unless one is severely overtraining, mental energy should remain high. That lots of good quality fats in the diet also help!

By: Ron

Ron — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:56:18 +0000

Since I switched to a high intensity exercise modality 2 years ago my standing heart rate dropped from low 70’s to mid to upper 50’s and I don’t do any low intensity cardio work. I also probably lowered my stress levels by not worrying about scheduling in the hour or so (3-4 days/wk) I used to need for my workout.