Am I experiencing CNS fatigue on EDT?

jijin · 02-20-2007, 07:08 AM

Just finished my 8th EDT workout yesterday. I have been finding it hard to wake up in the mornings, and starting to feel sleepy throughout the day. This is a pain as I have been planning to do some light cardio work or some body weight circuits the following morning, but I am too sleepy to do it. Just before I started the EDT workouts, I sleep for about 7 hours a day without any problems. Now I find that I need at least 8 hours

Is this a sign of CNS fatigue?

Jean-Paul · 02-20-2007, 08:06 AM

You might be. I think it was around 8-10 workouts before I took a break from EDT for a couple of weeks. Staley warns that this kind of training is not sustainable unless you cycle it. I think he recommends that you take a break from it every three weeks or so.

LT Hebert · 02-20-2007, 08:14 AM

Wow, sounds pretty intense. I might have to give it a try when I'm done with my current program.

Jason B · 02-20-2007, 09:02 AM

Very much possible. You're doing a lot of reps with a moderate amount of weight, more reps than you'd normally do with that weight in a 'standard' program of straight sets. And more weight than you'd use for that amount of reps in a standard program. More reps with more weight = more fatigue, even though the weight is not maximal. Like JP said, cycle EDT training, and make sure you get plenty of sleep (nap if you need to) and food while using it.

vuduchyld · 02-20-2007, 09:03 AM

I've been doing some EDT as part of my workout plan for the last four weeks. I've been lifting four days per week. Two of the four days are EDT days and I've been doing two PR zones each of those days...so a grand total of only 4 PR zones per week.

Fortunately, I've only got ONE more of those workouts left because I REALLY need a break from it! I've been pretty pleased with the results, especially given my long layoff and less-than-perfect nutrition, but it's HARD WORK!

Normally, I tend to associate CNS fatigue with intensity (% of 1RM) and I'm not lifting particularly heavy weights in this workout. But WOW....as fun as EDT workouts can be, they really kick my ass. I may have jumped back in too soon.

jijin · 02-20-2007, 09:29 AM

strangely enough, I'm still making new PRs/increasing weights. I'm considering toughing it out for a 4 more workouts (3 PR zones each) before I go to a lower volume program. does anyone think that this is a bad idea?

vuduchyld · 02-20-2007, 10:24 AM

I'd say if you're still making new PRs and you're not feeling shelled, you could probably do 4 more.

Lost Dog · 02-20-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jijin

strangely enough, I'm still making new PRs/increasing weights. I'm considering toughing it out for a 4 more workouts (3 PR zones each) before I go to a lower volume program. does anyone think that this is a bad idea?

No. I think it depends on the volume and frequency that you are used to. Some people can take more.

I think when someone is used to 3 workouts a week, or 4 with a upper/lower split, they might get whacked by EDT. EDT is more metabolically challenging than a lot of other workout systems. But, if you're already doing a lot a metabolic work, it might not be as taxing.

EDT can handle lower volume, too. Change the EDT parameters. 5 reps at your 10RM is just the suggested starting point. You can do 3 and 6 at 10 minute PR Zones, too. Or less. Still EDT, just different. Start closer to your RM, too. Force yourself to rest a bit longer. The list goes on.