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.
13 Jun 2026 17:30
Add cardio especially some endurance and hiit. In my experience, it is a game changer. It increases your exercise capacity and recovery between sets quite a lot.
13 Jun 2026 17:47
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.
13 Jun 2026 17:54
Lemmy
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