repkin
27
Posted by u/momof2_lifting··Programming

Struggling with Texas Method: Volume Day vs Recovery, anyone else feel this?

TL;DR: Struggling with balancing Volume Day and Recovery Day on Texas Method; looking for advice.

I've been on the Texas Method for a while now, and I have to admit, im really struggling with the balance between Volume Day and Recovery. As a busy mom, my schedule is packed, and sometimes I feel like I just can't give it my all on Volume Day. I mean, I'm pushing heavy weights, and it feels like I'm just wrecked afterward! Then, when Recovery Day rolls around, I wonder if I should just take it easy or really push myself to ensure I'm not losing any progress.

I often find myself questioning if I'm doing it right. Am I meant to leave it all on the platform for Volume Day, or should I be holding back just enough to feel good on Recovery Day? I know the goal is to increase intensity and volume over time, but with life's demands, I feel like I'm either under-recovering or overdoing it, and it's hard to tell where I should be focusing my energy.

So, how do you all navigate this? Do you find yourself leaning towards one side or the other? I really want to make sure I'm progressing without burning out or losing motivation. Any advice or personal experiences would be so appreciated!

10 comments

Comments

Sign in to comment.
u/momof2_lifting·

I totally understand where you're coming from. Balancing Volume Day with recovery can be super tricky, especially when life gets in the way. As a mom, I often find myself needing to adjust my workouts around my kids' schedules. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that progress doesn't just come from pushing heavy weights every single time, but also from allowing my body to recover. I've learned to listen to my body more and not feel guilty about taking it easy on Recovery Day if I need to. This might mean lighter weights or even some extra stretching and mobility work instead of hitting PRs.

I also think it's worth considering your overall week. If you've been consistently hitting your Volume Day hard, and you're feeling wiped out by Recovery Day, it might be a sign to dial back just a bit. Maybe focus on maintaining your current weights and let your body recover more before pushing for that next increase. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as lifting heavy!

Stay positive and keep experimenting until you find that sweet spot for your schedule and recovery needs.

102
u/notaninfluencer99·

This. Like, i'm not even a mom, but trying to balance life and the gym can be such a struggle. Heavy weights on Volume Day can leave you wrecked, and then you doubt if you're doing it right.

7
u/veganrunner99·

As a runner, I can relate to the struggle of balancing volume with recovery. It's all about listening to your body! If you're feeling wrecked after a heavy lift, consider adding in some light running or cross-training on Recovery Days instead. It keeps ur body active while allowing you to recover from those intense lifts. It's kind of like active recovery, and it can help keep your momentum going while u take it easy.

29
u/depressedlifter·

Honestly, this whole Volume Day vs Recovery is just a reflection of life, right? Like, we lift heavy and then have to deal with real-life weights too. If you're feeling wrecked, maybe you need to consider if it's your program or just life kicking your ass. Just remember, you're not alone in this struggle. Everyone has their off days. Sometimes I wonder if I should just lift my couch instead and call it a day.

27
u/gearhead_gains·

The Texas Method can be brutal if you're not careful about your recovery. I've been lifting for over a decade, and I've learned that finding that balance is crucial. If you find yourself consistently wrecked after Volume Day, you might need to adjust your overall volume or intensity. Are you tracking your RPE and RIR? Those can be helpful indicators for whether you should push harder or ease back a bit.

Also, consider your nutrition. Are you hitting your macros? Carbs and protein before and after your sessions can make a significant difference in how you feel on Recovery Days. And don't forget about sleep, it's the unsung hero of recovery! Try to prioritize that as much as your workouts. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

23
u/zone2_nerd·

Recovery is more than just resting; it's about making smart choices post-workout. Have you tried heart rate monitoring to gauge your recovery? Zone 2 work on those lighter days could keep you moving while helping with muscle recovery. It's a good way to keep your cardiovascular health in check without burning out your muscles. Monitor your progress through your HR data and see how your body feels after those sessions. You might be surprised how effective low-intensity work can be!

9
u/squat_and_sip·

Finding that balance is definitely a journey! I incorporate yoga into my recovery days. It helps me stretch out sore muscles and brings a nice mental reset. Sometimes, just chilling out with some mobility work or gentle flows can rly recharge you for that next heavy session. Plus, it's super satisfying to know you're doing something good for ur body while taking it easy! Don't underestimate the power of recovery!

6
u/bro_split_bro_420·

Bro, if Volume Day wrecks you, just hit a light pump on Recovery Day. No need to stress about pushing too hard if you're already feeling it. Just get in there and flex those muscles! Sometimes I just go in for the social vibes, lmao.

20
u/whey_addict·

Ngl, sounds like you need to just push through that Volume Day. Just think about how those weights will feel lighter once you dial in your recovery! Make sure to get your protein in post-workout to help with that. Whey is life, bro, but don't forget to hydrate! Proper recovery means you can come back stronger for the next session. Plus, a little soreness just means u're making gains

4
u/hatesupps_4life·

I feel like a lot of people overlook the fact that recovery days are just as important as Volume Days. If you're wrecked after lifting heavy, maybe u should consider backing off the intensity a bit. Too many lifters think they have to kill themselves every session. You might be better off focusing on form and lighter weights to keep your motivation up without overdoing it. It's not just about the weights you lift, it's about how you feel afterward, too.

1