Addicted to the gym
MissJazzie14
Posts: 60 Member
I need help MFP family. I am addicted to the gym. I know you should give your body days to relax but i feel like if I don't go to the gym i feel like "blah". The gym is my escape goat. When I am dealing with family issues or frustrated at school I just go to the gym and it's like nothing matters at all. I was force out the gym on Christmas because they were closed =( but today I went crazy. My question is "Will i do any body damaging by working out everyday?" I rotate my days such as Monday, Wednesday & Fridays are upper body and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays are lower body and Sunday is just cardio.
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Replies
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You don't need to go every day to get good results....you'd probably get better results not going every day!
Use the time to do something else for you, take the time out to pamper yourself, or do something you wouldn't otherwise have time to do. Read a book, take a bath, do your nails...0 -
I work out just about every day, but I avoid doing the same type of exercise two days in a row. I haven't had any issues with that. I would not call myself "addicted," but it is a daily habit obviously. I am the type of person who if I did not exercise every day, would make excuses to put it off "until tomorrow." Doing it daily keeps me doing it.0
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Alison,
Thanks. I think it is just a daily habit I have. I love the gym and I thought i was doing body damage by going everyday. I switch up my exercises too. It so i don't get bored0 -
It's fine if your body recovers. You can exercise one body part one day, other another day. Or you can even exercise every body part every day if you don't do it too much. It's tricky cos you have to know your body well and know how good are you recovering so safe line is to work out every body part every other day with a min a day of rest between. Other than that it is completely fine.0
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Thanks Ainar
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No problem with working out everyday if that's what you like. I work out at least 6 days are week - 7 days when I know there's a big holiday coming up and want a few extra calories to work with. Along with losing weight I found - like you - that working out is a stress reliever.
I do see people somewhat like you who come in the gym to work out and have to be run out also. Again, there's nothing wrong with working out, but when you get to the point that you must do it or else - I don't think that's good. Not trying to be mean or negagive - could you be using hte gym as an escape? Yes, I use it to relieve stress - but if there's an issue in my life I have to deal with it - it won't go away because I go to the gym. Working out clears my head and lets me know that the problem is not as bad as I think it is. If you are doing a lifestyle change then you know that you cannot work out everyday - life will get in the way. Plus sometimes it's good to exercise something else besides the body.
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Ned,
To answer your question you stated, "could you be using the gym as an escape?" Yes and no. I go to the gym because its helps me clear my mind due to all the b.s that has been happening personal and business life. When i am in the gym, with my headphones listening to my favorite songs, its like nothing else matters. I do cardio everyday. I will walk on the treadmill and/or bike. On days when I need to give my muscles a break, I will just walk around in the pool and relax. I honestly enjoy working out. The gym has always been a scary place to me because i always pictured it as a place with a lot of fit people lifting weights. I found out that there are people like me that go and it gives me the courage to continue to go because i am not alone. Going to the gym is a must for me. When the gym was closed on Christmas and I was not able to work out, my body felt like "blah." I am just fearful that if i limit myself to NOT going to the gym on certain days, then I will start making excuses and not go. I don't know if going everyday is helping me with my weight loss because i weigh myself on the last day of the month so I will see on the
31st. Some people said they can see the difference but to me i still look the same.0 -
MissJ, how long have you been doing this routine? I don't think I am a gym junkie but at some time of my life I was desparate and depressed to lose weight, I went all bonkers, following P90X and running on top of it (call it double). But it only took me 2 months before I realized how badly I was burned out and how much worse my depression was...now I take it easy. Exercise is still part of my daily lift but I don't over do it again (35-40 min daily, some weights, alernating with HIIT cardio, and some relaxing walkings). I feel much better and my body fat has been dropping in a very obvious way. Good luck to you~0
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having said that, however, going to gym everyday is not necessarily something really bad...people have done that and will still do it. The question is how your body and mind respond to this intensity. Are you happy? or are you more frustrated (due to lack of result or something else)...do you feel weaker like getting sick more easily? does your sleep pattern change? do you feel pain and aren't able to recover from it quickly?0
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I'm in the gym 7 days a week first thing each morning (gets me going and leaves me ready to face work on weekdays) but rotate things so I don't hit the same area all the time. Mon and Thursday are upper body, Wednesday is leg day, Saturday I do a low weight circuit routine over all my body parts, and Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday are cardio days.
Haven't gotten burned out yet.0 -
Albay,
When i go to the gym, I am usually there about 2 hours. I start off doing cardio and some strength training. If I do upper body i will usually hit about 5-6 machines that works out the upper body and vice versa for the lower body. I am not frustrated because i am not doing it just to see results. I am not going to the gym everyday to see fast results. I am going because i enjoy working out and it helps relieve my stress and anxiety. I have been going to the gym off and on since October but this month I have been going everyday and probably missed 2 days out this month. I always change my routine for example Jan. I am going to change my cardio and instead of walking on the treadmill for cardio I am going to do zumba.0 -
I go to the gym 6x per week when life doesn't interfere. On the 7th day my dh and I go for a long walk which is wonderful. We just talk and enjoy the fresh air even if it's really cold out.
I do some kind of cardio everyday and lift light weights 3x a week. I can't lift heavy due to medical reasons.
I don't think it does any harm unless you really wear yourself out and you're right, it's a great stress and depression reliever.
For me it has also helped lower my LDL to normal along with the weight loss and now helps me maintain.
The best thing I used my time in the gym for was as a replacement for smoking.
It's been 10 years smoke free!
So go to the gym and enjoy all the many benefits and when it's closed-take a lovely walk.0 -
You can.Just don't work the same muscles everyday when it comes to weights....Sometimes if I get bored I also make a fun day basketball,swim,jump rope to change it up...(I know that is off topic some ,but just saying):happy:0
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Albay,
When i go to the gym, I am usually there about 2 hours. I start off doing cardio and some strength training. If I do upper body i will usually hit about 5-6 machines that works out the upper body and vice versa for the lower body. I am not frustrated because i am not doing it just to see results. I am not going to the gym everyday to see fast results. I am going because i enjoy working out and it helps relieve my stress and anxiety. I have been going to the gym off and on since October but this month I have been going everyday and probably missed 2 days out this month. I always change my routine for example Jan. I am going to change my cardio and instead of walking on the treadmill for cardio I am going to do zumba.
Do you do 5-6 different machines and never do them twice?What my trainer had me do was 2 muscle groups in 2 different ways on each muscle...,but still same muscles....Like squats with weights,and leg press...then back again type thing so you end up doing the machine twice until I work up to 3 times each then up the weight...I hate lunges with weights,but it works too forward and then reverse Lunges....I'm kinda random and get off topic just wanted to share that though0 -
Up until I was sick last week and didn't run for three days I had run everyday for about three months with no problems. I've been running for years while I used to give myself one day off a week for the last year I haven't been doing that. Honestly I love to eat so if I don't run everyday then no dessert for me (kind of defeats the purpose though
. As long as you feel good and aren't hurting then I don't see a problem with it. 0 -
I am not trying to discourage the OP but 2 monthes or 3 is really too soon to judge...:) but again every body is different and has different threshold.0
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Your body, I believe, only has a certain 'recovery' capacity and often the recovery is more important than the lifting.
However, if you're using machines, you're probably taxing your body less than doing compound moves that work a lot of muscles at once, so it may need less recovery time.
I'd love to workout every other day, but I'm already stalling on the squat and have been cutting down what I'm doing and increasing calories in.
What sort of machines, how many reps and do you aim to be at failure on your last rep of that machine?0 -
Don't know where you live Msjazzie, but if you lived here I would be right there with you!!! :bigsmile: I have worked out everyday since October of this year. I joined challenges on MFP and some required some type of movement everyday. Now, it has become habit for me.i have a treadmill at home, so that if I can't get to the gym....it's a treadmill day!! LOVE ZUMBA!! Three days a week I do that at the gym. I also see it as a stress reliever. As a matter of fact, some of by best workouts have been when I was angry with my hubby!! :laugh:
As long as you are listening to your body and making adjustments when needed, I think you are doing GREAT!! :drinker:0 -
Albay,
When i go to the gym, I am usually there about 2 hours. I start off doing cardio and some strength training. If I do upper body i will usually hit about 5-6 machines that works out the upper body and vice versa for the lower body. I am not frustrated because i am not doing it just to see results. I am not going to the gym everyday to see fast results. I am going because i enjoy working out and it helps relieve my stress and anxiety. I have been going to the gym off and on since October but this month I have been going everyday and probably missed 2 days out this month. I always change my routine for example Jan. I am going to change my cardio and instead of walking on the treadmill for cardio I am going to do zumba.
Do you do 5-6 different machines and never do them twice?What my trainer had me do was 2 muscle groups in 2 different ways on each muscle...,but still same muscles....Like squats with weights,and leg press...then back again type thing so you end up doing the machine twice until I work up to 3 times each then up the weight...I hate lunges with weights,but it works too forward and then reverse Lunges....I'm kinda random and get off topic just wanted to share that though
No i don't do it twice but thanks for the idea I look up different exercises to do so i can stay going to the gym. I also play basketball and swim but its usually on my cardio days which is Sundays. I start my lunges and squats Jan. 1. I am nervous about them because i heard its hard and they hurt but I am up for the challenge. 30 days of squats and lunges coming soon woohooo!!! 0 -
Up until I was sick last week and didn't run for three days I had run everyday for about three months with no problems. I've been running for years while I used to give myself one day off a week for the last year I haven't been doing that. Honestly I love to eat so if I don't run everyday then no dessert for me (kind of defeats the purpose though. As long as you feel good and aren't hurting then I don't see a problem with it.
Thanks. 0 -
Your body, I believe, only has a certain 'recovery' capacity and often the recovery is more important than the lifting.
However, if you're using machines, you're probably taxing your body less than doing compound moves that work a lot of muscles at once, so it may need less recovery time.
I'd love to workout every other day, but I'm already stalling on the squat and have been cutting down what I'm doing and increasing calories in.
What sort of machines, how many reps and do you aim to be at failure on your last rep of that machine?
When i do my upper body I will do: dumb bells 10-15 lbs. (I will usually stand and curl or box the air), triceps extension, shoulder butterfly, back butterfly, shoulder press and chest press. My lower body consist of seated leg curl, hip adduction and abduction, seated row, calf extension and leg extension. I do 10 sets of 10 and on my last set I will try to get more than 10 so I aim for 150 -
Don't know where you live Msjazzie, but if you lived here I would be right there with you!!! :bigsmile: I have worked out everyday since October of this year. I joined challenges on MFP and some required some type of movement everyday. Now, it has become habit for me.i have a treadmill at home, so that if I can't get to the gym....it's a treadmill day!! LOVE ZUMBA!! Three days a week I do that at the gym. I also see it as a stress reliever. As a matter of fact, some of by best workouts have been when I was angry with my hubby!! :laugh:
As long as you are listening to your body and making adjustments when needed, I think you are doing GREAT!! :drinker:
Thanks. I have a treadmill at home and she is collecting dust. I am not motivated to workout at homes. I recently got the Zumba dvd and it is not the same as doing it in the gym. I go to the gym when i am upset, happy, stress, PMS'ing lol i just love the gym. I think I need to listen to my body more. I was feeling a little nausea this morning before I went. I know i am not dehydrated because i drink a gallon a water everyday but most of my water intake is usually after i work out so i can replace what I sweat out. I think its the food. I don't think i am eating enough. =( Breakfast is the devil. lol I am not a morning eater but I will drink a protein shake or eat some oatmeal but i think i probably overdid it yesterday at the gym and now my body is paying for it. No more saunas or steam rooms for me =(0 -
Keep going, you love it. When ya can't get your gym fix, you're cranky :laugh: I used to be that way with aerobics. :laugh: :bigsmile: Now, I like to bike. So go ahead and get in there....you're rotating your workouts, you'll be fine.0
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Keep going, you love it. When ya can't get your gym fix, you're cranky :laugh: I used to be that way with aerobics. :laugh: :bigsmile: Now, I like to bike. So go ahead and get in there....you're rotating your workouts, you'll be fine.
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I think you could have worse addictions than the gym! :laugh: You're getting endorphins, which are nature's happy pills.....nothing wrong with that!:drinker:0
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Thanks Stdogz
I think so too. I just hope i don't get bored anytime soon 0 -
Thanks Stdogz
I think so too. I just hope i don't get bored anytime soon
If/When the boredom comes you will find a new workout routine. Just like your are trying Zumba now, it will be something else knew then!! :drinker:0 -
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What 'results' are you looking to achieve?
Doing 10x10 I would expect is closer to a muscular endurance than strength gain or size gain.
The only '10x10' program I've heard of is 'german strength training' and I believe generally people only do one exercise per body part because it's considered so intense - the rest days are considered quite important and you won't hit the same body part for at least 6 days. So I would suspect you're not pushing as hard as that program would require for the results that it tries to deliver.
Also to be remembered, it's not just your muscles that need to recover, but your 'central nervous system' - I haven't looked in to the working behind this, but this is repeated in most places talking about weight lifting etc.
In the end, if it's not causing you any harm, you enjoy it and don't mind taking up that amount of time, seems fine.
However, there likely are better ways to reach whatever goals you have.
Does your gym do classes?
I'd have a look at 'body pump' if it does? It doesn't sound too far off what you're doing, though may feel a bit more 'intense'. Bet it burns more calories overall. It's doing light weights in time to music which is going to promote muscular endurance - I like the class aspect because it forces you to keep going. Also funny that I when I first went to one, there was a woman in her fifties who was a regular who was using more weight than me - despite my strength certainly being better/0 -
What 'results' are you looking to achieve?
Doing 10x10 I would expect is closer to a muscular endurance than strength gain or size gain.
The only '10x10' program I've heard of is 'german strength training' and I believe generally people only do one exercise per body part because it's considered so intense - the rest days are considered quite important and you won't hit the same body part for at least 6 days. So I would suspect you're not pushing as hard as that program would require for the results that it tries to deliver.
Also to be remembered, it's not just your muscles that need to recover, but your 'central nervous system' - I haven't looked in to the working behind this, but this is repeated in most places talking about weight lifting etc.
In the end, if it's not causing you any harm, you enjoy it and don't mind taking up that amount of time, seems fine.
However, there likely are better ways to reach whatever goals you have.
Does your gym do classes?
I'd have a look at 'body pump' if it does? It doesn't sound too far off what you're doing, though may feel a bit more 'intense'. Bet it burns more calories overall. It's doing light weights in time to music which is going to promote muscular endurance - I like the class aspect because it forces you to keep going. Also funny that I when I first went to one, there was a woman in her fifties who was a regular who was using more weight than me - despite my strength certainly being better/
I am not looking for certain results to be all honest. I am just looking to live better. Now since I am overweight and I mean alot, I was told to do strength training after cardio to help toning. Although I do lift weights and alternate upper and lower body I do not lift heavy at all. For example, on Monday's when I do my upper body, I will lift roughly about 40 lbs doing 10 sets of 10. The next time I do upper body will be Wednesday and then I will lift 10 lbs. I don't want to get bulky (God forbid) but one of the trainers at the gym told me I have to trick my muscles and he told me what I was doing is fine. I have only been in the gym like this for about 2 almost 3 weeks. I started off with a simple goal and I have stuck to it. Next month I will be picking up cardio a lot more. For example, Mondays will be triceps, biceps, and shoulders. Tuesdays will be cardio only such as zumba, stair climber, treadmill for 2 hour. Wednesday will be back, and mid-section, Thursday will be cardio only again. Friday will be lower body, Saturday will be cardio only and Sunday will be rest day. I don't know if this is a good plan but its a goal I set for myself.
I appreciate all feedback and if you know something that will help me please let me know. I am open-minded in trying new things 0
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