losing intensity through out week

Hello, I used to run quite a bit when I was younger. Never really paid attention to all the stuff I am now though as it came pretty natural back then. Anyways I am now a 50-60 pounds heavier than I was back then and am changing my lifestyle to get back to being fit.

Problem I am running into is the more days I exercise in a row I am just flat running out of steam and seem to be doing a little bit less everyday until I take a day or two off to recover. My workouts consist of either 30-40 minutes on elliptical (4-4.5 miles) followed by 50-60 pushups or I run/walk outside for the same time but only get in 2 or so miles and then follow with the pushups. I am usually doing this routine for 4-5 days in a row then taking a day or two off. I have been doing this for 6 weeks now and I can't seem to get to the next level. I do feel lots better in general and have lost 20 pounds, I just wish I could get the workouts to a higher level. I used to be able to run 4-5 miles with much less effort. While I do not expect that right out of the gate after 10+ years of letting myself go, I did think that by now I would be seeing some improvement.

Am I just being impatient or am I doing something wrong?

Replies

  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    Take more rest days or do a cardio strength split so neither are done two days in a row. Listen to your body.
  • Maybe you are just bored with your routine? I know when I do the same workout routine over and over I lose interest (and therefore intensity). Try mixing it up a bit :) Also, as a side note, working out 5-6 days a week and taking a day or two off is not a bad thing. You should take a day off every once in a while.
  • JLArispe
    JLArispe Posts: 62
    Try doing cardio every other day and inbetween cardio days do some weight training. Your body does need time to recover. Just try switching things up.
  • I do P90X2 and Insanity: The Asylum (two highly intense workout routines) so by the end of the week I am spent. We do Yoga on Thursdays, which helps to keep from hitting that wall by Th, Fri.
  • 65svtfastback
    65svtfastback Posts: 45 Member
    Thanks for all of the advice!!! Sounds like it is time to dust off the ol dumbbells!! Unfortunately joining a gym is not really an option right now due to logistics and time. I work a desk job 10-12 hours a day + commute + home business, them it's family time (two young kids) so my workouts really need to be at home and I really only get 30-40 minutes to do them. That is why the elliptical and running was so convenient. Days I run outside I only get to see my kids for about a 1/2 hour before they go to bed so I usually only do that two days a week.
  • I do all at-home workouts for similar reasons. I get up before my 5-year old and workout.