Fitness burnout is a real thing — these foolproof tips will help you get out of your workout rut.
Trust me, it happens to all of us.
Regardless of how dedicated a person is to their fitness routine, there will be times when they just don’t feel as motivated as they usually do.
It’s easy to feel discouraged and to blame ourselves for losing focus, but the truth is that fitness fatigue is just one of the ways our bodies let us know what they need. Don’t think of a dip in your exercise enthusiasm as a negative reflection of your dedication to health and wellness, think of it as a sign that it’s time to change things up!
Here are a few ways you can rev up your fitness performance and stay on track with your goals:
Tips to fight fitness fatigue
- Modify your short-term goals
If your regular one-hour spin workout is feeling a little lackluster these days, modify it!
Forcing yourself to push through an entire class that you just don’t have the mojo for can leave you feeling like a failure.
The solution is simple: Pick a shorter class and kick its butt! Your modified workout can be just as effective as your regular one and you’ll finish it with a feeling of accomplishment. The important thing to understand is that modifying your short-term goals will not negatively impact your long term ones, but will just make reaching them more enjoyable.
- Change it up
We all have our favourites. Whether we’re runners, cyclists or bootcamp fanatics, we all have workouts that we love the most and engage in the most often. A fun way to rejuvenate your workouts is to try something different! Becoming a beginner at a new activity takes concentration and focus. You won’t be able to just go through the motions; you’ll need to focus your energy and attention on the new skills you’re learning.
By introducing your body to new challenges, you’re giving it the opportunity to improve its strength, flexibility and endurance. Studies show that altering your regular exercise routine can alleviate workout boredom and improve brain health.
- Make it a group effort
Are you a solo workout warrior? Do you prefer to focus on yourself and avoid chit chat? By breaking out of your comfort zone and taking part in a group activity or even finding one friend to be your workout buddy can be just the encouragement you need! This can be especially helpful when trying out a new activity.
- Switch up that inner dialogue
You’re not lazy, you’re just tired.
Rest is a very important component to having a healthy body. According to a recent Forbes article, “Rest is a fundamental part of success, health and happiness. It heals your body while reducing stress, boosting creativity and productivity. Rest also enhances decision making.”
Sometimes lackluster workouts are just your body’s way of letting you know that you need a break. Giving yourself mini breaks will allow you to tackle your next workout with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. Our bodies are incredible machines that work hard to keep us healthy every single day. Trying new and interesting ways to keep them active is a fabulous way to enjoy and appreciate them.
You might also enjoy Marci’s article on how to build back self-confidence.
Author: Marci Warhaft is a recognized expert on body image and self-esteem, and founder of The Fit vs Fiction body image workshops. She is the author of, The Body Image Survival Guide for Parents/ITL and the newly released memoir The Good Stripper: A Soccer Mom’s Memoir of Lies, Loss and Lap Dances/ITL
