burnt out

ninakir88
ninakir88 Posts: 292 Member
in Motivation and Support
Does anyone have stories where they took some time off the gym and exercise in general?

The past year I have went to the gym 4 times a week and did very high intensity classes 2 days out of that week. After doing amazing and having abs that i've never had i n my life I was rushed to the hospital unexpected and found out I had a bad gallbladder and many gallstones. After about 2 weeks in the hospital and 4 procedures and one surgery I lost 15 pounds and was very skinny and weak. (which I eventually gained back) That was all the way back in April. I eventually started going to the gym again but it was never the same. I never did get my abs and muscles back, even with lots of weight lifting it was never the same.

It seems like now after the holidays I've lost so much motivation and keep trying to remind myself why I'm doing this and why it's important to me. I've hardly been going to the gym and I keep telling myself I will go. I can't believe how motivated I was before my traumatic experience happened to me in the hospital.

It's easier to be unmotivated when you lost the weight you needed and you feel like you look fine, but at the same time I don't feel fine because I know if I keep this up, the weight probably will come back on, and I have already gained a few pounds in the past several months.

I'm not really sure what i'm looking for.. but maybe some words of encouragement?

Replies

  • LauraJo08
    LauraJo08 Posts: 219 Member
    I've definitely gone through periods like this, especially when members of my family had severe health problems and I had to take time off to help. I suppose that I have a few suggestions:

    1. If you have a normal exercise routine (ie running or a certain type of class), switch it up. It seems simple, but my gym has kickboxing, boxing, and bootcamp classes, and although I usually stick to bootcamp, there are weeks when I'm doing a lot more boxing or kickboxing to get out of the monotony. Also, try classes of different trainers - you may find one that you really like and therefore really look forward to going to their class.

    2. Did you play a sport when you were younger? If so, is there anyway you can look for intramural leagues in your area? I did this with soccer and have found that I really look forward to sundays because I get my workout in while having a great time, and it's a good break from the gym.

    3. Have you tried a weightlifting regimen? I feel like a broken record a bit, but I am now on month 2 of the New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women, and I have never felt better or stronger. I used to be someone who didn't really like lifting at all, but now I find myself each week pushing to try to beat my last lifts. This change of pace might be something that works for you.

    4. My last possible advice would be for you to maybe take some time off from the gym and try to incorporate a home program of sorts- be it P90X, Turbofire, Insanity, 30 DS, pilates, yoga, etc. I have definitely gone through months where I needed something different, and these have all worked great!

    Finally, if you are really burnt out on exercise in general, take a rest WEEK. This is more for your mind, not your body. During that time try to keep yourself from being sedentary (ie take the stairs as much as possible or walk to stores if you can) but that should give you a mental break and give you some time to plan out what your next move is.

    Good luck and feel free to friend me!
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    I have seen a lot of people take time off from working out and just relax. The New Rules of Lifting for Women actually have you rest an entire week before starting stages.

    My cousins who are ultra-marathon runners take an entire month off from training once they get done with a race. They will run a max of like 9 miles a week for like a month.

    You just have to decide though if taking a break will help or hurt you. I agree with Laura and to mix it up. Maybe you are more of a "Get in and get it done" person, something like the above book would be good for. You just have to find that sweet spot that keeps you motivated but is still challenging.
  • xidia
    xidia Posts: 606 Member
    It takes around three weeks to build a habit. So maybe set yourself a goal that for the next *4* weeks, you will go to the gym twice a week. No ifs, no buts, you'll go and spend at least half an hour doing something constructive (cardio, weights, classes - doesn't matter. Just get your *kitten* down there).

    Then when it's habit again, figure out what you want to focus on while you're there, and see where it takes you.

    ETA - I trained up for a 9 day hike last October, up to and including running 8 miles a time, then sat on my backside for around a month once I finished. Going back to exercise was hard, but worth it. My motivation there was weight loss, but simply getting back to doing something active 3x a week again was hard. But it can be done!
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    I definitely have spells where my motivation isn't what I'd like it to be... I always fall back on doing things I enjoy (running, cycling, playing basketball, etc) rather than "working out". Takes about a week or so, but that's usually enough to get me recharged.
  • Momiofour
    Momiofour Posts: 155 Member
    I can sympathize, but on a smaller scale. I basically started this diet and exercise regimen recently 1) to feel better about myself and gain more energy and confidence in my body and 2) to motivate my husband who at almost 8 years of marraige has gained 40 pounds. Basically, if I didnt take charge, he would not either and we would both remain "lazy" and bored.

    I am new to this and have only really started since early November 2012. Can you believe I am already burned out? I was on a high....going to the gym, videos at home, watching what I eat very meticulously and now...I am not as enthusiastic. I am worried because I am scared that if I start backing off (I have a lot less weight to lose than my husband as I will reach my goal weight in 5 pounds where he has 20 still to go) he will back off as well and all this hard work will go to waste.

    I find that I need inspiration. I need a particular goal I am working for and for a particular reason. For example, a family reunion, an event...a party, etc. Would this do the trick for you? Do you have something coming up that you can use as motivation - maybe even just springtime? I agree with switching it up with your classes. But also, is it really important to have 6 pack abs? Even if you are able to get those...are you willing to work every day to keep them? How about just a nice firm tummy and a nice firm body?
  • MG_Fit
    MG_Fit Posts: 1,143 Member
    Nina -

    Granted I've never had a medical experience where I was unable to go to the gym. My issue was just mental, fighting the desire to workout vs anything else I could do at that moment. Granted it's still a struggle for me now, but for some reason I find it easy to go, so I'm just riding the wave.

    I regret the times when I stopped going to the gym, and often wondered what it would be like had I not. I would say, try to set small goal (ie, to build muscle, etc.). It sounds like you don't need to lose weight, just maintain at this point and get a little leaner. Just remember, you don't want to go back to where you were.

    If you want me to keep you accountable, feel free to add me. I hope all is well with you!
  • ninakir88
    ninakir88 Posts: 292 Member
    Momiofour:

    To answer your question, having abs was great but it was a lot of work and I just don't think I could work so hard all the time to keep them. I am happy with a firm tummy and firm body, without the abs. I think I am more so worried about losing the "firm" as well as the abs. :)

    Thanks for the advice everyone!
  • Lillyloooo
    Lillyloooo Posts: 174 Member
    Bump
  • lmhbuss
    lmhbuss Posts: 282 Member
    It sounds like the medical experience you had was very emotionally traumatic for you?? Do you think that is effecting your mental state now with regards to your workouts?
  • rachellaurain
    rachellaurain Posts: 10
    I think everyone has times when they just get burnt out. It's totally normal. You just have to keep on keeping on, with constant reminders of why you want to do this. Every time I feel weak or feel like eating a huge piece of cake, I ask myself why I shouldn't. I have more reasons to get healthy than not to. I think if you are extremely burnt out, you should grab paper and a pen to make a list of Reasons to Get Back Into Shape Vs. Reasons Not to. Keep the list somewhere you can see it :)
    This is what helps me when I feel like giving up.
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    You just have to take your knocks and keep going. None of us has a perfectly smooth ride through life.

    I'm currently down after a torn bicep forced me into surgery. It sucks, and I'm much weaker, but I'm working out around it and reintroducing myself to workouts of years past.
  • Blacklance36
    Blacklance36 Posts: 755 Member
    My marial arts instructor says it takes 3 X the amount of time to get back to where you were when you take time off. You just have to work hard at it.
  • Islandgirl52
    Islandgirl52 Posts: 73 Member
    I read a book called " younger next year' that has kept me motivated to excercise regularly. Now it has become part of my routine, and I feel sluggish on the days I don't do some form of excercise, which usually is a a variety of things from running, biking, or strength training- new rules of lifting for women. It also helps keep me sane during the grey winter days!
  • gertrudegreen
    gertrudegreen Posts: 4
    Sounds to me like you are already in good shape - now you should use it to have some fun!

    I started whitewater kayaking a while back, and it motivated me like nothing else to strengthen my core and shoulders so I could get off the river alive. Now I've added rock climbing into the mix because there is an indoor rock gym close by. Mountain biking will kick your @ss too. I go to the gym during the week to strengthen and condition so I can let loose on the weekends.

    Going to the gym for no reason is boring. Trying a new sport, or class -- then go so you can improve in your new fun activity.

    Or like everyone else said too - take a break. Rest. Do some gentle yoga. Just don't sit in front of the tv all night.
  • crazyvermont
    crazyvermont Posts: 171 Member
    Burn out is not unusual; especially if doing high intensity, then taking some time off. I'd suggest starting back slow with something as simple as some walking, bicycle etc. The good feeling usually brings the motivation back fairly quickly

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