3 variables that affect you’re workout while on a keto diet

I wrote a while back about the keto diet , it is growing in popularity in the various gyms I frequent.

While some are keto in name. Meaning they cling to the idea of the diet to justify poor eating habits, and ignore the protocol you have to follow to be in ketosis. Many follow and live and die by the correct protocols you have to follow to be in ketosis.

However I get many questions about how going keto, and if it affects your ability to work out.

Hydration

Keto drinks and other gimmicky beverages have become popular in the recent months, primarily to address concerns of dehydration. Keep in mind when the term diet is thrown around it’s usually geared towards the inactive population.

Adequate water intake is key in any diet and even in the non active population. I tend to see the non active population suffer from dehydration on the keto diet, because they tend to do the bare minimum, when it comes to their health. My clients in general know the importance of hydration, because working out and doing any laboring task will tax your body immensely.

When it comes to being in ketosis, you need to hydrate even more to counteract dehydration.

The keto flu is another reason people have a hard time staying hydrated as well. None the none the less simply staying on top of your hydration is key.

Recovery takes for f’n ever

It should go without saying dependent on how you were introduced to the keto diet.

There are no performance gains or benefits while in ketosis. While you can expect to see positive body composition changes.

You will lack sufficient carbs and protein to recover as fast as you normally would.

Energy and intensity may be low at first

Last but not least, this has to be mentioned because people always complain about little to no energy whether it’s in or out of the gym.

Because your body is adapting to a new way of eating and living it will take a week or two to see your energy rev back up. For some people they tend to stick to low intensity workouts and activities. For my self and my clients we adapt more of a scientific approach to maintaining and keeping our strength up as we strive towards our goals.

For example dropping the weights down to 70% and incrementally working to your normal workload over a period of weeks is something not uncommon in the gym world or my clients programming.

If you have any questions on the keto diet be sure to comment below, or reach out to me.

Additional reads

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4 workout myths I’m tired hearing