Is this a mitochondrial issue?

After years of sedentary life + abrupt intense training, I’ve developed chronic maladaptive fatigue (forearms, quads, triceps). It’s not DOMS—it’s a deep, systemic crash that lingers for days. I’ve tried everything, but I’m missing pieces.

History: Years of underuse → atrophy → jumped into intense training → body now rebels with extreme fatigue - not typical soreness/doms (it's maladaptive)

When: During/after intense training. For me, even basic calisthenics such as pushups, pullups, squats will trigger a reaction.

Symptoms: “Empty” muscles, delayed recovery. Ex. for quads it feels like you are "weak in the knees" or have jelly legs.

Diagnosis: Is it my mitochondria? Is it atrophy? What am I dealing with here? This has been happening for years in the affected areas. Other areas are completely normal and can handle more intense "gym" type training.

Alternative Therapies I’m Eyeing

Cold Exposure: Ice baths vs. localized cryotherapy

Psychedelics (psilocybin, mdma)

 

What's worked so far:

Never gassing out and staying away from "the burn"

Long-duration cardio, stuff you could do for hours at a "lighter" intensity (ex. walking, biking, hiking, etc.).

Waiting days for a "reset" and starting over again, usually weaker.

 

Questions

What am I dealing with? What actually works? Been dealing with digestive issues for a number of years as well that I'm trying to fix also.

Psychedelics: Anyone use mushrooms/MDMA/LSD for fatigue? Risks vs. rewards?

Hidden Causes: Could this be autoimmune/metabolic? Tests I should demand?

 

TL;DR: Sedentary → intense training → chronic fatigue. Tried supplements, fasting, cold therapy. Curious about psychedelics, alternative recoveries, and mitochondrial hacks. What am I missing?