Frustration about going to the gym

fireflyangel22

I've been doing really well lately getting up in the morning to go to the gym I work 2nd shift so I typically sleep until about 10-11 then head to the gym for a while then eat lunch and go to work. Before I started going to the gym I would sleep in a bit later 11 or 12 then eat lunch and go to work. The past couple of days I've been frustrated knowing that I now get up early enough to eat breakfast (around 200 calories), so I don't pass out on the elliptical, but when I'm at the gym I don't burn many more calories than what I ate for breakfast (usually around 300 calories). Shouldn't I stop wasting my time getting up early and busting my butt at the gym for no calorie gain?!!?
I know that it is still healthier to get myself moving than to worry about the calories, but it just doesn't seem right in my mind.
Anyone else feel like this?

jessicamckay13

What is your gym routine? Maybe you need to shake it up a bit and get a better burn. Have you tried a spinning class? Those burn a lot of calories. Maybe ask a trainer to give you a few ideas. By the looks of your signature it looks like you are doing great! Stick with it!

fireflyangel22

The only morning classes they have at my gym are for the elderly. They sit in chairs and stomp their feet, wave their arms, etc. All the high energy classes are at night when I'm at work. My usual routine is running on the elliptical until my feet fall asleep (usually 20-30 minutes, then sometimes the exercise bike for 10-20 or a circuit of weight training.

jessicamckay13

Add in some intervals!

Do 5 minute warmup on whatever cardio you prefer (elliptical, bike, treadmill) then start in on intervals. I like to do 30 sec "sprint" followed by 90 sec recovery. Then 1 min hard, 1 min recovery, then 2 min hard, 2 min recovery. Then start back at the initial 30/90. Basically anything to get you going hard, then recover. I have to mix up the times so I don't get bored. I have a short attention span

I'd suggest 30 minutes of your cardio then however long you have left do weights/circuit training. I worked out with my husband yesterday doing his "manly" workout and was driving him crazy because between sets I was doing abs. He's strictly "lift heavy, recover, lift heavy, recover" and I prefer to keep moving.

Hope this helps! It's easy to get burnt out at anything when you do the same thing every time. Good luck!