Atkins and muscle weakness - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

desertdweller · 11-18-2003, 01:54 PM

My boyfriend is in the two week induction phase of Atkins and really doing well. He has complained about feeling weak and tired though. He has fairly heavy physical training three times a week due to his job. He said his running and physical scores has been declining, and he feels weak. Anyone know what is happening?

Endorphin Junky · 11-18-2003, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertdweller

My boyfriend is in the two week induction phase of Atkins and really doing well. He has complained about feeling weak and tired though. He has fairly heavy physical training three times a week due to his job. He said his running and physical scores has been declining, and he feels weak. Anyone know what is happening?

His glycogen (stored carb) levels are down. If hes doing anaerobic training (eg weights), Atkins will seriously effect his performance. It will also effect high intensity aerobic work adversely. Atkins isnt really designed for atheletes. Look up Cyclic Ketogenic Diets (CKDs) or Targeted Ketogenic Diets (TKDs) for information on a ketogenic alternatives for people looking to maintain high performance levels during their training sessions.

Naxis · 11-18-2003, 05:54 PM

Yeah. That's totally normal. He can either wait a couple weeks (the body gets used to using ketones for energy after 2 or 3 weeks) and strength will come back, or he should consider some other options. Any particular reason he's doing Atkins specifically?

desertdweller · 11-18-2003, 07:53 PM

Thanks for the responses. He is in the Marines, and barely came in under his maximum weight allowed last month. I suggested Atkins since he love meat so much ( and unfortunately fastfood). He has been on it a week and has lost about 4 lbs., but he had to run 5 miles yesterday and thought he wasn't going to make it. He couldn't do as many pull-ups and sit-ups either. He came home yesterday and said he felt like a weakling.