Basilico
Florida
- Messages
- 948
I recently attempted to return to the gym. I took BCAA beforehand and my strategy was to do a variety of things like squats, pull-ups, sit-ups, curls, etc... but with about 50% of the weight that I was capable of using. This resulted in a lot of the expected soreness but no PEM or other negative effects after the first try. I waited 7-10 days between gym visits to make sure I had recovered completely. Unfortunately, after the 3rd gym experience, I got bad PEM (which for me includes some nasty mental effects). I had to stop the strength-training at the gym.
At this point, I am still capable of walking for 20-40 minutes depending on the day, and sometimes I am able to ride a bicycle for the same amount of time. So my strategy now is to do the activities that don't trigger a bad response at all and stay away from the ones with risk.
I am also occasionally doing mild body-weight exercises instead of using weights. For example, I used to do multiple sets of lunges with a 10lb weight in each hand. Now, I occasionally do 1 set of lunges with no weight. Or alternating standing on one foot to improve balance.
At this point, I am still capable of walking for 20-40 minutes depending on the day, and sometimes I am able to ride a bicycle for the same amount of time. So my strategy now is to do the activities that don't trigger a bad response at all and stay away from the ones with risk.
I am also occasionally doing mild body-weight exercises instead of using weights. For example, I used to do multiple sets of lunges with a 10lb weight in each hand. Now, I occasionally do 1 set of lunges with no weight. Or alternating standing on one foot to improve balance.
