Getting burned out, what should I do!!

Tamisha15
Tamisha15 Posts: 83 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Question: I've been getting burned out on my regular routine (Zumba class/Mon-Thurs) which means I haven't been giving my all in class and plus I haven't lost any weight (since December). I was thinking of taking some time off and just go walking/jogging and/or workout dvds on my time off but I'm afraid of gaining weight and scared of doing a workout routine on my own. But yesterday with my mind made up of taking time off, I surprisingly did great in class. I wasn't bored, got a great burn and I've lost two pounds this week. So help me out, should I take a month off (you sign up for classes by the month) and do my own workout routine at home or just reduce the amount of times I go each week?

Since I have such a long way to go, weight loss wise, I feel its too early to be taking a break but I hate not giving a full effort in class because I'm bored.

Thanks in advance pals for any feedback

Replies

  • gwenmf
    gwenmf Posts: 888 Member
    I don't know that I'd call is "taking a break" when really you're merely changing up your exercise routine by replacing it with something else for a while. I think it's good to mix things up a little bit. Take the month off, find other things you might enjoy and try them....and then go back.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Why not give it a try? It's only one month! Walking is excellent exercise, espeically when you push yourself to go farther/faster. Jogging is worth a try. And different exercise videos may open your mind to other fitness possibilities (strength training, etc).

    As far as the weight loss goes...can't see your diary so I'll just have to ask some questions. Are you eating your exercise calories back? It could be as your body has adapted to the same class every week that you're not burning as many calories as you think you are. If you're NOT eating exercise calories, it could be that your body is holding on to the fat as you're not giving it enough nutrition. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of protein.

    Have fun and good luck!
  • jonesin_am
    jonesin_am Posts: 404 Member
    I'm all for switching it up a bit! If you're bored now it will only get worse. I, for one, can't do things at home on my own but if you know you can do it then you should. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to keep you motivated. You should be enjoying your exercising and consistently challenging yourself or your body gets used to what you've been doing and you end up not getting as much of a calorie burn as you did when you first started. Switch it up! You have nothing to lose...except some more weight! Good luck :)
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Try taking the month off from classes and working out by yourself. Sometimes a scheduled workout can be exhausting, and if I was going 4 days a week, I'd be pooped. Better to try something different now than find yourself doing half-assed workouts because you're just sick of it. Plus, you can sign up again in a month if it doesn't work for you.
  • adopt321
    adopt321 Posts: 111
    I think switching up your routine and adding more variety will keep you interested and engaged longer thus the pounds will fall off thus you're more likely to stick with it. If you have access or the ability to join a gym, try it. I'm motivated by other people when I go to a gym. Not only do I get to feed off of their energy but I get to check out all of the new exercises they're doing that I'm not familiar with. You might also try a personal trainer.
  • aberc
    aberc Posts: 98
    Im on the same boat; I'm burned out on exercise in general, like I don't have the energy to go out and do anything. Even walking to class makes me cringe. But I still go work out every week and push myself through it.

    Any other advice on getting motivated to work out again would be appreciated! I used to love working out, now I loathe it, no matter how I change it up.
  • lorogers99
    lorogers99 Posts: 5
    Change up what you are doing. If you aren't having fun you are less likely to do it. You might try YouTube's Fitness Channel for different workouts. I like the Leslie Sansone walking videos and when I want to turn it up I like TurboAmber. There are all kinds of things on there. Try something you haven't done before, maybe yoga, pilates, kickboxing. You never know what you may enjoy doing. If you haven't lost weight for a while maybe you have plateaued. Changing your exercise routine may be just what you need to get off the plateau.
  • barebon
    barebon Posts: 80 Member
    Yeah maybe try a workout video that gives you like 30 days or 90 so you have a goal in mind. Or change classes! There are a ton of classes out there!
  • tryinghard71
    tryinghard71 Posts: 593
    I get burnt out very easy if I am doing the same thing day after day after day. Switching up my routine constantly keeps me going. I never want to do the same thing two days back to back. Try switching it up and see if that will help.
  • harshman
    harshman Posts: 6 Member
    Maybe just take a step back and only do your existing class once or twice a week instead of all of the time. Try lifting weights, running, cycling or another class. I am a huge fan of Muay Thai or MMA cardio, which is offered several places- really good circuit training, it is structured (which I know is easier for me), and you get the bonus of learning self defense.

    Not only do you get mentally bored doing the same thing over and over again, your muscles get bored too. Try throwing several different things into your weekly workouts and keep your mind engaged and your body guessing.

    You can do it! Good luck.
  • RosscoBoscko
    RosscoBoscko Posts: 632 Member
    Can't see your calorie intake as diary is private, but are you certain you are taking in enough calories to provide you with the energy to do all the exercise you are doing?

    I know in the past I was trying to eat very low and exercise a lot and I was constantly tired (am talking falling asleep at desk at 3pm), had headaches and never felt like was doing my best when training. Just a suggestion to look at.
  • edack72
    edack72 Posts: 173 Member
    I recently burned myself out with the gym I was going 6 days a week doing the same classes I took 3 weeks off, bad idea, I have since switched it up and had included snowshoeing and now will incorporate hiking when the weather finally gets better. If you are a member at a gym consider personal training but that can get expensive, also if you have any places that offer Les Mills classes try Shabam if you like zumba you will love Shabam!!
  • Lesa_Sass
    Lesa_Sass Posts: 2,213 Member
    NO! DO NOT TAKE A MONTH OFF!

    This is your life you are talking about here, not just your waist line. In that one month what will your mind set be? Will you eat only healthy foods and below your TDEE or will you say "screw it, I am going to take the month off and do what I want?" Because if you do the second, then you will gain more weight and be even more frustrated at the end of the month, it will not be worth it.

    If you are getting to the point where you are hating on Zumba, do something else. Keep your body moving. This helps you with all areas of your life, especially mood. I am sure I do not have to mention the cardiovascular benefit.

    What happens at this point in our journey is we do not push through the hate and then the next thing we know, we have to start all over again. Push through the hate, do not be a quitter on the way to a new you. YOU CAN DO THIS and I promise you, at the end of the month, you will be happy you did.
  • tryinghard71
    tryinghard71 Posts: 593
    NO! DO NOT TAKE A MONTH OFF!

    This is your life you are talking about here, not just your waist line. In that one month what will your mind set be? Will you eat only healthy foods and below your TDEE or will you say "screw it, I am going to take the month off and do what I want?" Because if you do the second, then you will gain more weight and be even more frustrated at the end of the month, it will not be worth it.

    If you are getting to the point where you are hating on Zumba, do something else. Keep your body moving. This helps you with all areas of your life, especially mood. I am sure I do not have to mention the cardiovascular benefit.

    What happens at this point in our journey is we do not push through the hate and then the next thing we know, we have to start all over again. Push through the hate, do not be a quitter on the way to a new you. YOU CAN DO THIS and I promise you, at the end of the month, you will be happy you did.

    ^^^^
    Agree. Taking a month off could create a new habit that will make it hard to get back into.
  • Tamisha15
    Tamisha15 Posts: 83 Member
    I think its for the best that I do change it up. All you guys are spot on. I'm hesitant to go off on my own because I'm afraid of failing or gaining weight. But I guess if nothing is really changing now I need to do this in order to see what works.

    Thanks everyone, its a great feeling to be able to talk to people openly and honestly w/o the feeling of being judged. Knowing that you all have experienced that same problems with weight loss I'm having gives me so much comfort and confidence.

    :happy:

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