Nearly Passing Out on Squat & DL

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

43M, 215lbs, 35” waist. Training consistently for 9yrs. Currently in week 6 of LISFv2

For the past 6-8 weeks I’ve been experiencing an issue where I’ll nearly pass out on squat and DL. I’m hitting RPE targets. It will begin during the warm ups, usually about my last warm up I’ll feel it start with body tingling and weakness in my legs with unsteadiness. On my first working set I’ll be able to finish the set, although sometimes just barely, and I can feel the body tingling/unsteadiness set in on the first or second rep of that set

Tonight on W6D2 I had to drop the barbell on the 5th rep of my 1st working DL set at the top of the movement because I was about to nap, then I bumbled around like a newborn deer until I could steady myself enough to drop on my bench.

Here’s the thing though - after that I’m fine. Rest of my working sets (same weight) I have no problems at all. Every rep feels fine. I don’t feel lightheaded or get the body tingling on any rep. I feel perfectly fine after the set. No changes in setup, breathing or bracing.

Is this anything medically related I need to consider? I dont understand why this suddenly came about and why it’s only an issue until my first hard set. It’s like once my body experiences it, it’s able to recalibrate or compensate in short order.

2

Hi there!

Sorry to hear you’re dealing with this. I imagine it’s both frustrating and concerning. Given the relatively new onset, I do have some thoughts regarding a workup for what we can call exertional presyncope. I’m a bit limited by what I can do here via the forum, though we are available for consultations if needed.

If it were me experiencing this, I’d wonder about the length of the valsalva during these reps and whether or not a shorter valsalva +/- a “hiss” during the concentric phase would work. I also wonder about any other symptoms that would motivate my physician to look at other things, e.g. an EKG, a thorough neuro exam, some blood work to look for anemia or electrolyte issues, to name a few.

You can see how this can be challenging to pin down and work through from this information. It’s probably best reserved for a private convo between you and a healthcare professional.

Just my 0.02.

-Jordan

3 Likes
3

Thanks Jordan. I will try playing with valsalva and if that doesn’t change anything then consider a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

1 Like