You state that your Central Nervous System is giving out on you before you're able to really tax your quads. And, you're forced to stop your workout because your cardio vascular (CV) system (heavy breathing and a very high heart rate), is not allowing you to continue.
I have three thoughts on how to proceed.
First, it sounds as though your CV system is not well conditioned. High rep squats, especially for multiple sets, are extremely demanding on the CV system. Take some time, a few weeks or months is realistic, to build a solid CV base using both steady state cardio as well as some high intensity intervals. The specific exercises you use, running, cycling, elliptical, rowing, is less important than enhancing your overall CV system and your ability to do high intensity work.
Second, several recent studies have shown that for anything other than an all out 10 second or less sprint, or lifting in the 5 rep or less range, it's the mind, not the body that is the limiting factor. Structured, positive, rehearsed self-talk has been shown to both ease perceived effort and significantly increase time to exhaustion in controlled studies. Take the time to practice some basic sports psychology and add it to your gym repertoire. It might help significantly, especially for something as demanding as squats, if you do not come from a sports/athletic background.
Finally, although most consider squats to the the "king" of exercises, some simply do not respond as well as others because of genetically based bio-mechanics. Have someone knowledgeable check your form and work to correct it, if it's not right. If that doesn't work, consider other exercises, specifically to better hit your quads, e.g. leg presses of various types and various foot placings, lunges, etc.
I have three thoughts on how to proceed.
First, it sounds as though your CV system is not well conditioned. High rep squats, especially for multiple sets, are extremely demanding on the CV system. Take some time, a few weeks or months is realistic, to build a solid CV base using both steady state cardio as well as some high intensity intervals. The specific exercises you use, running, cycling, elliptical, rowing, is less important than enhancing your overall CV system and your ability to do high intensity work.
Second, several recent studies have shown that for anything other than an all out 10 second or less sprint, or lifting in the 5 rep or less range, it's the mind, not the body that is the limiting factor. Structured, positive, rehearsed self-talk has been shown to both ease perceived effort and significantly increase time to exhaustion in controlled studies. Take the time to practice some basic sports psychology and add it to your gym repertoire. It might help significantly, especially for something as demanding as squats, if you do not come from a sports/athletic background.
Finally, although most consider squats to the the "king" of exercises, some simply do not respond as well as others because of genetically based bio-mechanics. Have someone knowledgeable check your form and work to correct it, if it's not right. If that doesn't work, consider other exercises, specifically to better hit your quads, e.g. leg presses of various types and various foot placings, lunges, etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment