Is Ketogenic Lifting Okay?

[PB Girl]

I know that the muscles need glucose/glycogen for energy. I am not disciplined enough to do the carb-cycling (plus I have a lot of body fat to burn). So I was wondering if it is okay to lift while in ketosis. What I mean is, I know that it CAN be done, but is it too damaging for the muscles/ body?

I used to lift a lot heavier when I was not on such a low carb programme and I have noticed that I am unable to lift as heavy while in ketosis. My muscles are also a lot more sore afterwards (I do get adequate protein). That's why I am wondering about lack of carbs when you need them for the workout and also for recovery.

Any advice out there? Thanks!

[Dodger]

I exercise for longer tines on low carb than I was able to on high carbs. There is an adjustment period.

[galatia]

Hi. I'm not very knowledgable on this stuff. I turn to my good friends who do study up on it for suggestions. I'm sure you will get some wonderful, well studied advice. I do eat more carbs about an hour before weight training. It does make a big difference in energy and strength. And I take Creatine very soon afterwards. Sometimes I do cardio before breakfast and/or after weight training. 20 mins. is all I do whenever I do it. And I don't get too carried away with it. Mostly because I don't really like cardio. I have Sweet Tarts in my work-out area and on days I just can't get going I eat some of those for quick energy. They can become addicting, in as much as I find myself like a little circus animal, doing my trick and getting my treat! :D But actually I rarely do eat them since I've started eating more carbs before training. I life as heavy as I can safely and generally train M-F. I'm sorry I'm not much help, but give this a few days and you'll have tons of excellent advice. :)

[kbfunTH]

I won't claim to be a professional on this topic either, but to my understanding, carbohydrates offer very little in the way of recovery and only play a small role in nourishing the body. Proteins provide the building blocks for lean body mass and if you are getting plenty of it, then you should have no problem.

For energy, you can try and up your carb count just enough, but not so much that you come out of ketosis. Alternatively, ingested and stored fats will provide some energy as well. Fat adaptation may take up to several weeks before you notice the efficiency of burning fat for fuel.

I've been consuming less than 25% carbohydrates and know longer use any kind of fat supplements (flax, borage, fish oil etc) and have absolutely zero issues with energy or strength. I am pushing/pulling higher numbers than I ever have.