Legs training makin' me pass out

thinbrin · 18-09-2006, 04:47 PM

Ok, I understand there's a lot of blood getting pumped to the legs when doing squats, but this annoying me...

I have skinny long legs, and have been putting in loads of effort every leg day (Sunday) in desperation to grow some leg muscle. But, every time I do it, I practically pass out (start seeing dots and get a high pitched whine in my ears). The annoying thing is that I don't feel like I'm pushing my leg muscles to their limit, but because of lack of oxygen to my brain, I simply have to stop.

I stopped smoking 10 weeks ago when I started training, but had been smoking 20-30 a day for 16 years prior to that. I'm wondering if it's the effects of long-term smoking that's caused the problem. I've been doing 20 mins cardio 3 times a week since starting training to improve circulation etc, but haven't noticed any benefits in all this time.

What I want to know is if anyone else gets the near-passout problem, or is it mainly confined to the smoker (or ex-smoker like me)?

razg · 18-09-2006, 05:19 PM

Ginkgo biloba may help with circulation. It's possible that it's taking your cardiovascular system a while to adjust - I strongly recommend some HIIT (high intensity interval training) to get you used to the kind of high intensity fitness that resistance training requires.

Nick500 · 18-09-2006, 06:00 PM

I think its probably quite an obvious thing here - you aren't breathing properly or getting enough oxygen in. Breathe hugely in whilst coming down on the squats and as you come up, breathe out about 50% of the way through the motion.

Upping your cardio fitness like raz said might also be a good idea

Nick

Squatty · 18-09-2006, 06:07 PM

I agree with the suggestions of both raz and Nick but I also think you were right when you said that stopping smoking may be playing a part too. When I gave up, it affcted every workout for a while, not just legs. It was sodding scary doing bench presses! Your lungs are getting used to cleaner air and they are probably struggling to cope. I'm sure the problem will pass but also, follow what the others have advised

**LeeB** · 19-09-2006, 12:24 PM

how long do you rest between sets?

thinbrin · 19-09-2006, 03:03 PM

Hi Lee,

I do 5x15/18 reps, with a minute between each.

Nick500 · 19-09-2006, 03:56 PM

Blimey, need much more rest between sets IMO. I have about 3 - 5 minutes...

**LeeB** · 19-09-2006, 03:58 PM

thatll be why your passing out then!! lol...

jesus, id be dead if i tried that!! literally ALL the blood in your body is no doubt in your legs by your last set!

as nick said.. much longer rest needed for legs!

thinbrin · 22-09-2006, 09:06 AM

Cheers for that lads!

It's my own fault for being in a hurry. lol.

18-09-2006, 04:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
thinbrin Under Construction Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London Posts: 12 Rep Power:	Legs training makin' me pass out Ok, I understand there's a lot of blood getting pumped to the legs when doing squats, but this annoying me... I have skinny long legs, and have been putting in loads of effort every leg day (Sunday) in desperation to grow some leg muscle. But, every time I do it, I practically pass out (start seeing dots and get a high pitched whine in my ears). The annoying thing is that I don't feel like I'm pushing my leg muscles to their limit, but because of lack of oxygen to my brain, I simply have to stop. I stopped smoking 10 weeks ago when I started training, but had been smoking 20-30 a day for 16 years prior to that. I'm wondering if it's the effects of long-term smoking that's caused the problem. I've been doing 20 mins cardio 3 times a week since starting training to improve circulation etc, but haven't noticed any benefits in all this time. What I want to know is if anyone else gets the near-passout problem, or is it mainly confined to the smoker (or ex-smoker like me)?

18-09-2006, 06:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Nick500 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bristol Posts: 3,230 Rep Power:	I think its probably quite an obvious thing here - you aren't breathing properly or getting enough oxygen in. Breathe hugely in whilst coming down on the squats and as you come up, breathe out about 50% of the way through the motion. Upping your cardio fitness like raz said might also be a good idea Nick ______________________ - Obsession is what lazy people call dedication -

19-09-2006, 12:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
LeeB Moderator Musclechat Icon Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,940 Rep Power:	how long do you rest between sets? ______________________ If your not a part of the greatest... you got to be the greatest yourself! For the best supplements: www.extremenutrition.co.uk

19-09-2006, 03:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
Nick500 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bristol Posts: 3,230 Rep Power:	Blimey, need much more rest between sets IMO. I have about 3 - 5 minutes... ______________________ - Obsession is what lazy people call dedication -

19-09-2006, 03:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
LeeB Moderator Musclechat Icon Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,940 Rep Power:	thatll be why your passing out then!! lol... jesus, id be dead if i tried that!! literally ALL the blood in your body is no doubt in your legs by your last set! as nick said.. much longer rest needed for legs! ______________________ If your not a part of the greatest... you got to be the greatest yourself! For the best supplements: www.extremenutrition.co.uk

18-09-2006, 05:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
razg Legend Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Birmingham/Bristol Posts: 886 Rep Power:	Ginkgo biloba may help with circulation. It's possible that it's taking your cardiovascular system a while to adjust - I strongly recommend some HIIT (high intensity interval training) to get you used to the kind of high intensity fitness that resistance training requires.

18-09-2006, 06:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
Squatty Legend Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: www.counselling-for-men.co.uk Posts: 651 Rep Power:	I agree with the suggestions of both raz and Nick but I also think you were right when you said that stopping smoking may be playing a part too. When I gave up, it affcted every workout for a while, not just legs. It was sodding scary doing bench presses! Your lungs are getting used to cleaner air and they are probably struggling to cope. I'm sure the problem will pass but also, follow what the others have advised

19-09-2006, 03:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
thinbrin Under Construction Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London Posts: 12 Rep Power:	Hi Lee, I do 5x15/18 reps, with a minute between each.

22-09-2006, 09:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
thinbrin Under Construction Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London Posts: 12 Rep Power:	Cheers for that lads! It's my own fault for being in a hurry. lol.

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