Healthy Living
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Workout burnout: 5 Ways to get over it
user
I've recently had a
really tough time motivating myself to get to the gym in the
morning. Let's face
it, this happens to the best of us. We hit a point when for
some reason, the LAST thing we feel like doing is moving our
butt...even though we know we should and that it is good for
us.
Truth is, these phases are normal. If anyone claims
otherwise, they would be lying. But just because your
inner-devil has won over your inner-angel does not mean that it has
won for good! Here are a few ways to overcome your burnout
period and move into a more motivated frame of mind:
- STOP Exercising. Yep, you heard me
right. Stop exercising. Take a week off and don't
feel guilty about it either. Burning out is a sign that you
may have been overdoing it. Allowing
yourself to not exercise will give your body a break and, even more
importantly, your mind a rest. The more we berate ourselves
into having to go to the gym, the more we feel that it is
a chore...something to loathe. Giving yourself a break will
help your mind reset its attitude to be more positive.
- Do a Little Research. Chances are that you
have been doing a similar workout or exercise routine for
awhile. This may be part of why you are burnt out.
Without actually doing the exercises, read up on recent
fitness trends, talk to friends about classes or exercise types
they really enjoy and scope out what may be new offerings in your
area or gym. Getting some fresh ideas will help you feel
excited again about exercising and finding activities you
enjoy.
- Set New Goals. Having goals helps us to
focus our attention on an outcome versus the process, giving us
something to look forward to. Maybe you want to train
for a marathon. Maybe you want to gain muscle and decrease your fat
(calculate your Body Fat here). Maybe you want to become
a black belt in a Martial Art. Find something that you can be
passionate about to help you get motivated again.
- Find a Partner in Crime. Having a friend who
wants to stay fit with you can help you through the rough patches
of exercise. Make sure, however, that your workout buddy is someone who
has real dedication to the task at hand and whom you can count on
to push you when you need the push!
- Get New Music. If you are struggling with cardio, in
particular, get a new workout playlist. Music can be a huge
motivator to get you moving. If your playlist gets stale, it
can have the opposite impact on you. Keeping music fresh will
help you stay interested and distracted when your workout
is feeling a little long.
How do you get over your workout burnout?
Tired of dieting? Learn how to shed excess pounds naturally
with the most simple way to eat healthy for life with
"GET
REAL" and STOP Dieting! ON SALE
NOW!
Related topics:
Related: workout, wellness, motivation, fitness, fall fitness, exercise, burnout
-
Posted by M22 Thu Oct 8, 2009 8:49am PDT
New music always works, I get giddy like a little kid when new music is on my ipod that I cant wait to hear running.
Report Abuse
-
Posted by HawkeyeGirl Thu Oct 8, 2009 10:48am PDT
I'm a seven-day-a-week gym junkie, but once in a blue moon I'll take a weekend off if I'm out of town. I know I should do it more often, because Brett is right-taking time off refreshes your mind. I feel too guilty about skipping most of the time, though.
I totally agree with the new music as well. If there are some new songs that I just love, I download them to my iPod and am excited to get to the gym so I can run and listen to them.
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Rebecca Sat Oct 10, 2009 6:26am PDT
I recently had the gym blues. I took a couple days off and then sure enough, I started to miss it. New music is definitely a good motivator too!
Report Abuse
-
Posted by d_mystified Sat Oct 10, 2009 11:12am PDT
Does anyone else find that going to the gym is easier than leaving the gym? I swim every other day and the worst part for me is trying to get dressed after showering. Its impossible to get dry. There's nothing worse than leaving the gym damp for the rest of the day
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Ryan M Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:54am PDT
My girlfriend and I train for a half marathon in May every year...and every year, come July, we're burnt out of running 4 and 5 days a week and going to the gym, and every year we completely stop and almost nothing can get us motivated again until the fall (when we have to start training again). Haven't been able to find a solution either...the only thing we haven't tried is throwing in new classes or activities, which we talk about, but we're almost too gone by the time we decide to do it.
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Brett Blumenthal - Sheer Balance Sun Oct 11, 2009 1:47pm PDT
Ryan. Do you only run or do you do something else? Maybe in your off season, you should find a different activity that is more 'play' than working out.
Report Abuse
-
Posted by CarlyL Tue Oct 13, 2009 9:05pm PDT
I'm currently paying for a thrice-weekly 6:00 am workout class and I haven't been in weeks. The temperature dropped big-time (forty degrees celcius in three days) and my apartment was just too toasty-warm in the morning. Now, it's started to dump snow and the streets aren't plowed in time for me to drive safely to the gym. Instead, I am taking drop-in classes in the evening. I could be going to them for free anyways, but knowing I've paid for that morning class motivates me to go in the evening.
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Waqas Sat Oct 31, 2009 3:15am PDT
hi im regularly doing a work out 6.30pm and im last 20 days back i was reduse my 3/half kg lose my weihgt and im have to gain my muscles sharpness and great skin result and i hafve to clear my6 chest.. arms.. tricep..and loss from extra ordinary thighs fat.....
thank you and its really great...
Report Abuse
