So, today I was supposed to do a set of 5 deadlifts @ 320 pounds, a PR for me. I got light headed after the first one. I did do 5, but ended up standing up and taking 4-5 deep breaths between each, then re-setting and doing the next rep. So, maybe it isn’t considered a real set of 5.
I am assuming I should count this as a success, and add 5 pounds next week. Is that correct? (I’m doing my heavy DL on Mondays, and lighter DL on Thursdays)
Afterwards, I did some back down sets, 2 x 5 @ 295, and 1 more set of 5 @ 275.
It is not typical for me to just bang out 5 in a row. I usually don’t stand up between reps, but often pause for a few breaths. I normally do not get light-headed, although it has happened in the past year a handful of times while doing DL.
Perhaps related: For a couple years, I have been on 25mg metoprolol succinate per day, because of slightly elevated blood pressure (varies from 130/80 to 120/75), and have cardiomegaly (enlarged heart for non Drs out there), valves leak a bit, and low eject fraction of about 50% (55-70 being normal).
I am 42 years old, 6 ft, 205 lbs, 37-38 waist at navel.
Thanks for the great resource here, as well as podcasts, GaizZz RX, etc.
Hard to say for sure whether this is related to poor conditioning/work capacity (in which case the answer would be to train with higher volumes, and maybe do some conditioning) or related to your metoprolol. I would recommend you listen to our podcast on hypertension, as metoprolol alone is not the preferred first line medication for most patients with hypertension - and you might consider speaking with your doctor about that.
Great Austin, I’ll explore other options when I have my next appointment. In the meantime, I’ll count the set as a “success”, and up it 5 pounds on Monday. My goal is to add 5 more pounds once per week for as long as I can, doing 4 day split with weekly progression.