this post was submitted on 13 Jun 2026
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A couple of months ago I switched to the big lifts: squats, deadlifts and bench presses (and OHPs, rows, and lat pull downs).

I am exhausted after the big three lifts. Breathing is the most difficult part when squatting. I am tired afterwards. How do you still find enough energy to do accessories?

I am also still learning the lifts. It's incredible how long it takes to master them.

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[–] CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Powerlifting takes a lot out of you. I often struggle to find the mental energy to complete accessories or cardio/metcon after an intense squat day. I’m able to work out at home so I just do it later (LOL, often I don’t). Diet timing can help, if you’re in a deficit. Some people do caffeine; I don’t.

Bracing and breathing through lifts is difficult and you simply get better with practice. Incorporate the McGill Big 3 and similar static core exercises to help build a strong core, as that helps a lot.

You wouldn’t be doing them on the same day, right? I might do upper body push and pull together but certainly not with legs.

[–] selfmate@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Thanks for your advice!

I do them on the same day, I can only workout 2 times a week. I can't have it any other way

[–] CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

That’s a challenge. Don’t do two legs on the same day, it may help.

[–] selfmate@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 month ago

i kind of have to because i can only workout twice a week

[–] vapordays@leminal.space 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Have you considered doing something like: OHP/deadlift on day 1, and squat/bench on day2

[–] selfmate@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Yes, but i kind of have to do both in the same session because i can only workout twice a week

[–] vapordays@leminal.space 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Do you really have to do all those lifts 2x a week each?

[–] selfmate@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

I could programm it differently and only do each lift only once per week. Squat in one session and leg machine in the other session.