Is it just me?

2012asv

I am able to workout pretty hard for a couple weeks or so and then crash! Meaning I need 2-3 days off to recovery physically.

The problem with that for ME is that during those days off I feel super crappy (about not having energy to workout and being tired) and then I become vulnerable to eating more and/or unhealthy. I am to blame, I'm not making excuses. But I just don't know if there is something I'm doing wrong or could do differently to not experience the main problem of getting burnt out like that. I've experimented increased calories and carbs- food doesn't seem to change the outcome in this situation.

Just wondering if others go through this cycle as well... and how to handle it because after taking time off for recovery it gets SO hard for me to build that momentum back up.

Thanks!

downsizinghoss

Have you considered taking more frequent, but shorter breaks? How many days a week are you working out? rest is important too.

therealangd

That's your body telling you it's tired or that you aren't fueled enough. You need to take recovery days. They are not a bad thing. If you schedule them into your routine, then you won't feel bad or guilty about them, and you will be able to eat around them too without bingeing.

Recovery days are a good thing. Use them.

Dhemeyer

I like your attitude and can appreciate the "hell out of the gate" momentum... I tend to be like that as well. But I do best when I work out hard core 6 days a week and then take a "rest" day one day. If you just can't mentally wrap your mind around resting... or you’re like me and you enjoy the feel good emotional benefits you get from being active you could consider an "active rest" day where you do some sort of activity that is low in intensity and opposite to what you usually do. For example, I'm doing Insanity right now, but if I choose to take an active rest day I'll do some very light swimming or just go for a leisurely walk. Your other alternative is to just simply rest and relax.
As the others said... rest if important for physical recovery and to reduce the risk of you burning out on your activity. Plan for it and enjoy it!

mishkat

I am going through something similar, lost my momentum due to injuries. Right now my calf still hurts a lot so all I've done is walking.

Like they suggest, take 1-2 break days during the week and if you must do something, go for a walk during those days.


Working out can be addictive lol, we just have to balance things out.

I was thinking something like weights every other day, alternating with some light-intense cardio depending on if rest day or not.