Recognizing the Signs of Exercise Burnout
Exercise burnout can be described as the gradual depletion of energy as a result of overtraining or failing to change a workout routine. Many of us start an exercise program excited about becoming healthier and getting into better shape. Sometimes we will train too much in the beginning without adequate rest, embracing our workouts vigorously only to fall victim to fatigue or injury. Does this sound familiar? Exercise burnout occurs slowly and can be eliminated if the signs are recognized and dealt with early. Take a look at the following signs of this common phenomenon and see if you need to re-evaluate your exercise routine.
1. Driven Phase
You sense you may become frustrated with your exercise routine, but your energy and commitment is high, so you determine to stay positive and work towards your fitness goals.
2. Disillusionment
You begin to feel impatient, tired, down on yourself and easily frustrated. You make excuses to miss a workout or cut a session short.
3. Hitting the Wall
Your commitment runs low as you allow work, family, and stress to interfere with your exercise routine. Poor eating and sleeping patterns might develop. Your workout frequency dramatically declines.
4. Burned Out
You feel a sense of failure and self-doubt. Recurring sickness or injuries are the red flags of this stage. Exercise is counterproductive at this point.
If you recognize any of these signs of burnout try changing up your fitness routine. Find a new type of physical activity that is less strenuous, or take a break from working out all together. Just like your vehicle needs an occasional tune up, your workout needs to be changed approximately every 8 weeks and your body always needs time to rest and recover.
For those die-hard individuals who live to exercise but feel that they may be hitting the wall, start listening to your body. Fatigue, poor eating and sleeping patterns are clear messages from your body that you are over–doing it. Remember that sometimes less can be more, even when it comes to exercise!