Burnt out. (vent)
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Life is way too short to do things you don't enjoy. I say ditch the DVD's and find something you do like. And I don't think skipping a workout once in a while to spend time with family and friends is harmful - it's about balance. Good luck to you!0
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<DadHat>
Quitting is a habit and every time you do it it gets a little easier. Don't quit unless you're hurt or unable to continue for another reason. Trust me you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you're all done. Don't give up.
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Toss the DVDs in the garbage, join a real gym and don't look back! Find something you love to do... lifting heavy, running, HIIT, group-X... whatever... find it and do that. In 30 days change something small about your routine and try something new and 30 days after that change it up again, and again... trust me, you'll never get bored. Exercise is supposed to make you feel good, not disappointed and lethargic. If you're that worn out it really isn't serving a purpose anyway other than wasting your time. This is a no - brainer. There are a million ways you could get fit and have the BEST time doing it. I train in a Muay Thai curriculum for fun but aside from that I run and lift heavy every day, I also box, do wavemaster, dance, all in group-X, do yoga, HIIT, cross fit, there's nothing out there you shouldn't try and if you don't like it quit and move onto something else. I tried a couple of spin classes once, I hated them, never took another and never will. Same with the whole Les Mills thing.. body pump, body combat.. no thank you!0
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OP - I did Insanity a few years ago and felt exactly as you did. What made things all better was switching to every other day workouts (as opposed to 6 days a week) which gave my body time to recover. It took twice as long to complete...but I did complete it and did not give up.
Good luck!1 -
You're not quitting the program- the program catfished you! If you were dating someone and thought they were one person, then it turned out you weren't a good match at all and they're not the person you thought they were (for the worse), you would stop dating them and find someone else to date, right?1
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maybe if you feel like you want to finish it but hate this phase just revert back to the workouts from a phase you enjoyed? Then you aren't quitting you're just adapting the program to suit your likes and dislikes?2
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yellingkimber wrote: »You're not quitting the program- the program catfished you! If you were dating someone and thought they were one person, then it turned out you weren't a good match at all and they're not the person you thought they were (for the worse), you would stop dating them and find someone else to date, right?
Kick his butt to the curb, i would! Haha
I think I have decided to go ahead and move to the next level of my DVDs honestly. you are suppose to do them 4 times each in the 2 weeks. Well, ive done levels 9/10 3 times each. So heck, i will just move on to the last two levels of 11/12 early. And if I absolutely hate those too? Then DVD's get shoved into a very dark corner in the closet. Atleast this way I wont feel like a total failure and "i never even made it to the final levels".
You guys have definitely boosted my morale on the whole thing, and i definitely feel less of a "failure".2 -
Exercise shouldn't be some kind of punishment...you're not going to get any brownie points for suffering. The idea of jumping around my living room to a DVD has never particularly interested me and I think most of that stuff is just fitness marketing junk anyway.
Early on, I tried really hard to be a runner because I always saw everyone running and thought to myself, "that's what fit people do"...I was miserable and dreaded every single run...fortunately I re-discovered my bike and I haven't looked back. I also like the fact that I can ride for general fitness and health, but also, I have a pretty solid base of fitness that is specific to cycling, so if I want to go race or participate in an event, I can just jump into a 6-8 week training program and go...my wife is the same way with running.
Also, I wouldn't look at going for a run instead of doing your DVD as "missing a workout"...you're going for a run...you're not missing a workout...you're doing a different workout, and that can in large part make a lot of difference in regards to burning out. I primarily cycle...but sometimes instead of a ride, I go to the rock climbing gym or for a hike in the mountains, or a swim...I don't view it as missing a workout...I'm just doing something different, and that keeps things interesting.
I think you're also going to need to find some balance...missing events, etc because you feel that you can't miss a workout isn't good. Life happens and life is to be enjoyed...part of that is exercise and fitness, but you also have to balance that out with other goings on...exercise doesn't stop with weight loss, so you need to get your mind wrapped around the long haul and see the bigger picture. Things happen and your fitness regimen needs to be flexible. My wife's aunt and uncle are coming in this weekend from London...I will probably be able to get my long ride in Saturday as they won't arrive until the evening, but my lifting on Sunday isn't happening...I'm ok with that...I'll pick up where I left off later in the week.2 -
Since this is your first exercise routine, I would just consider it an experiment. Now that you have some experience, it's a great idea to reevaluate and adjust your goals and activities. You can stop doing a particular program without being a "quitter" on your overall goals and plan. Just substitute something else. Maybe a goal is to try 5 different programs/activities and learn which ones you like and want to continue. Or maybe you'll decide to switch things up every 6 weeks. It just depends on your personality and goals.
You often see advice to newbies to ease into new things one step at a time and pace yourself!0 -
So I'm going to go against the consensus here.
The issue is you are over training. You're burned out because you are overdoing it, and you feel enslaved to it. Take the weekend off. Take a few days off. Then come back to it. Any fitness expert will tell you that once you have built a solid base, taking a day or two off isn't going to sabotage your progress. And if you want to replace one of her workouts with a run or a fast bike ride, then do it. Anything that gets the heart rate up and the calories burning is exercise.
In 40 hours I run my 3rd marathon, and I'm at the point where I HATE, LOATHE, DESPISE running. I just want this stupid race over so I can get back to a normal life. But sometime next week--probably by Thursday--I'll be looking at my shoes, and I'll be itching to go for a run. It will be fun again because I'm not enslaved to a schedule. And then I'll see a race that interests me, and I'll be back at it again.
Of course, if you've NEVER enjoyed the program, no reason to stay with it. But if you were enjoying it at first, then a few days break is what your mind & body need.4 -
On your cardio days go for a run. That is what I do with this program. I haven't turned on one of her cardio DVD's yet.1
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I did the P90X program once and hated every.single.minute of it! I hated being inside, I hated that I had to do what they told me to do, and I especially hated that I knew I would never continue it when I finished the program. Now, I bike and I walk whenever, wherever and how ever long I want to. I also enjoy the elliptical.
The point is, when you find an activity you enjoy, you look forward to exercise. I hope you find your happy activity!0 -
You're not married to the DVDs. It's not quitting if you continue to exercise in a different way. Do what you enjoy.0
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I wouldn't see it as quitting in any way, shape or form. You aren't ditching it to become a slug. You outgrew it and want to raise the bar instead of spinning your wheels not getting the results you're after.
Maybe look at it as though continuing with JM is the "failure"? You're not stepping it up when you could be.1 -
JenAndSome wrote: »Will you feel disappointed that you set a goal and didn't finish? If it's not challenging you the way you want to be challenged, not helping you attain your goals and interfering with your life and your happiness, then I would stop beating yourself up about it and go join the gym.
Yes. I will be disappointed in myself that I couldn't complete the journey I started and gave up so close to the end. That is my only hang up on why I haven't just thrown the DVD's to the side, and moved on to something better.
Its like the disappoint versus the dread, and they are neck and neck. I feel like there is just no winning with either way I decide, thats why I reached out for advice here.
Not being able to complete something is different than knowledgeably choosing not to finish something. Sometimes, there is a power and confidence in recognizing that something isn't working for you that can make you feel better for stopping than continuing. The key is to have a plan as to what you will move onto. If you can set a new goal with exercises you like and stick to a new regimen that you decide on where you get the feelings you want, then you've got it made. Maintaining fitness is as much about following a plan as it is about changing it up for interest for some people.
Just wanted to mention, sometimes, the noodly feeling or the next day soreness will go away regardless, purely because your body has become accustom to doing something. But it doesn't mean that your body isn't working hard and getting results.
If after trying a new regimen, you decide the disappointment is too much, then just go back and finish those last 2.5 weeks. They will still be there.1 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »On the bright side, you've uncovered two major truths:
1) Workout DVDs are mostly marketing fluff
2) Weight loss is mostly diet
If you like the traditional strength exercises then find a program that focuses on them. Get strong without wanting to blow your brains out. It seems you're already working towards that with your Stronglifts plan and will soon be uncovering major truth #3.
You can't leave us hanging like that...
3) Being strong is f*cking awesome.
I thought 3 was lifting weights won't make women into She-Hulks. Or is that #4?2 -
I found it beneficial to drop to 5 days a week of exercise from 6. It's an extra rest day I look forward to, and overall I've found I gain more muscle because of it. I tend to do full body workouts, not split things up into legs/abs/upper/etc. so 6 days a week was just not giving me enough recovery time. My body was always in a state of being worn out. I don't know anything about the OP's program she's following but the same may be true, 6 days a week may be too much. Don't get me wrong, I feel like a fat bloated lazy *kitten* on that extra rest day but I get over it. The very next day I feel energized and ready to hit it hard. So it might be something the OP would want to consider.
I also calculate my calories using iifym.com and add in my exercise so that I eat the same every day of the week whether it's a rest day or not. So that means when if I figure in 90 minutes of exercise 5 days a week at a specific intensity level with IIFYM's calculators, then that's what I have to do. I also delete any calories that my apps or MFP adds back into my diary or change it to 1 calorie after it auto-adds. That way my macros stay the same all the time and so do my allotted calories. It makes rest days that much more enjoyable as well, because I don't have to eat less because I'm not exercising.0 -
Spliner1969 wrote: »I found it beneficial to drop to 5 days a week of exercise from 6. It's an extra rest day I look forward to, and overall I've found I gain more muscle because of it. I tend to do full body workouts, not split things up into legs/abs/upper/etc. so 6 days a week was just not giving me enough recovery time. My body was always in a state of being worn out. I don't know anything about the OP's program she's following but the same may be true, 6 days a week may be too much. Don't get me wrong, I feel like a fat bloated lazy *kitten* on that extra rest day but I get over it. The very next day I feel energized and ready to hit it hard. So it might be something the OP would want to consider.
I also calculate my calories using iifym.com and add in my exercise so that I eat the same every day of the week whether it's a rest day or not. So that means when if I figure in 90 minutes of exercise 5 days a week at a specific intensity level with IIFYM's calculators, then that's what I have to do. I also delete any calories that my apps or MFP adds back into my diary or change it to 1 calorie after it auto-adds. That way my macros stay the same all the time and so do my allotted calories. It makes rest days that much more enjoyable as well, because I don't have to eat less because I'm not exercising.
Ah yes that's a good idea too. 5 days instead of 6 might be a good compromise for this JM program.1 -
[/quote]She already knows she wants to do Stronglifts. No need to try to dissuade her.[/quote]
Except that she asked "What do you recommend?" and I was answering her question.0 -
I don't see this as a failure. I think you have outgrown the program. That's a positive thing and it sounds like it's a good time to move onto something more challenging.0
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She already knows she wants to do Stronglifts. No need to try to dissuade her.
Except that she asked "What do you recommend?" and I was answering her question.
My "What do you recommend?" question was not in regards to which style of workouts I should move to, at all. Which 99% of the rest of the replies seemed to catch, and respond to.
"What do you recommend?" was in regards to whether I should quit my program I am currently doing due to major lack of enthusiasm, or wait it out.
No interest whatsoever in Crossfit, but thanks.0 -
<Grandma Hat>
You have listed all the right reasons to switch fitness programs mid-stream. You have accomplished much. You are stronger and fitter than when you started. Time to sit down and design your own program, incorporating the parts you enjoy. I suggest two changes. Cardio every other day with a full rest day in between. Your muscles will transform from rubber. And set a new challenge like a Tough Mudder to regain that sense of accomplishment.
</Grandma Hat>1 -
I am on the minority side on this one... ride it out! I look at it as only 15 more days of 30 minutes exercise - 7.5 hours in total1
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I see the point of people who say to ride it out because you can push through. I think you can probably force yourself to push through, but there is no point if you are miserable. Part of this journey (as many people have said) includes finding something you enjoy doing- it is trial and error. I like running a lot but found I need variety- so I signed up at a small gym and I got to classes in the AM and the style shifts- from tabata to pilates to kickboxing to trx. I am not bored and the different styles keep me interested and my body guessing. And I look forward to going! I still run 1-2x a week but I know what I like now.
I hope you find the exercise type you like and enjoy to make it a part of your life. Don't worry about stopping- there is no point prolonging your misery. Good luck!2 -
I get the feeling of "I have to finish this!" I lugged my weights on road trips and worked out Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. just because I couldn't skip a day of a workout program I was doing. Lately I've been trying to be a little more balanced about my workouts. If I have to take an extra rest day, I do. If I want to spend more time with my family rather than working out, I do. I'm still pretty obsessive about it, but I am doing the best than I can, and that's what matters. Just try to be as kind to yourself as possible.
That being said, I've never finished a Jillian Michaels program... They're really just not for me, and maybe they're not for you either? Do whatever exercise program you like! Think of it as transitioning, not quitting. Good luck!1 -
Well for the first time in 2.5 months, I have had two rest days back to back. It is VERY refreshing. I almost feel like a whole new person, and my mood has completely turned around! I am giving myself off the weekend also. I am still at my lowest weight of the year and happy with that.
Monday I am going to give the last two levels of the program a shot. If I like it, I will finish it out. If I dont like it? Atleast I completed every single level atleast once. Still a success.
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JenAndSome wrote: »Will you feel disappointed that you set a goal and didn't finish? If it's not challenging you the way you want to be challenged, not helping you attain your goals and interfering with your life and your happiness, then I would stop beating yourself up about it and go join the gym.
Yes. I will be disappointed in myself that I couldn't complete the journey I started and gave up so close to the end. That is my only hang up on why I haven't just thrown the DVD's to the side, and moved on to something better.
Its like the disappoint versus the dread, and they are neck and neck. I feel like there is just no winning with either way I decide, thats why I reached out for advice here.
Don't think of it as quitting think of it as moving on to the next step (stronglifts) early. It's not a failure for you to move on from something you dread and doing something you enjoy.1 -
I am fully of the mindset you need to find something you love to do. I have found over the years I absolutely love kickboxing and boxing I can't afford the gym right now, so I do a lot of the moves (roundhouse kicks and shadow boxing) without the bag. If you don't like it and its tedious you are eventually not going to want to do it and give up. But I am also a proponent of listening to our bodies, I workout every day in one form of the other, even my rest days I like to do yoga, but there are times (shark week, rainy weather) whatever that I feel very lethargic, like my body just doesn't want to do it and I almost feel like I will be sick if I continue down the path because I'm so run down, so I don't do it and I don't feel bad about it. Listening to my body and getting back at the grind when I feel a little better makes me feel better as a whole because it again doesn't feel like a chore its something I want to do.0
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Tweaking_Time wrote: »OP - I did Insanity a few years ago and felt exactly as you did. What made things all better was switching to every other day workouts (as opposed to 6 days a week) which gave my body time to recover. It took twice as long to complete...but I did complete it and did not give up.
Good luck!
My cousin loved Insanity and I loved P90x. I hate cardio so much that Insanity looked literally like torture to me.
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Well, the ultimate goal is to create a lifestyle you can sustain, that will keep you in the body and health you want. If you are dreading this that much, there is 0 chance you are going to "sustain" it. We all need temporary "tools" to help in weight loss, but they can be looked at as temporary. THis was a great tool to get you into some discipline and routine and in that regard was totally successful. Quitting this particular program right now is only a failure if you lose those lessons.
So be sure you translate them to something closer to what you can maintain, or to something that interests you right now. You are happy that you are exercising every day? Good - pick a different exercise that you enjoy and continue to do it every day. When you dread that, change again. If you are upset that it makes you turn down other activities, figure out a way to incorporate them, or pick a different time to do them. Exercise first thing in the morning so the rest of your day is free (and no temptation to skip - its over before you wake up, and the rest of the day you know you already did it). Dont like being glued to the TV - go for that run instead? WHy is that not as good? Still want the muscle intensity of the workout but running does not give it to you? Pick a different routine that is much simpler that you can "memorize" then watch whatever you want on tv (i.e. drama, sitcom, etc) while doing it or put headphones on and listen to music instead.
The purpose of this routine was never to get you muscles then stop and let those muscles atrophy. So think through how you WANT to maintain the muscle you have and the discipline you have in a way that fits into your life. Pick up a new hobby that requires exercise - i.e. handball with a friend, geocaching (hiking with purpose and friends), pullups in your bathroom doorway every morning and night (takes five minutes), etc.
You just need a new perspective- look at the purpose of this - to gain muscle, discipline and routine - which you succeeded at, even if you stop now. What prize are you going to get when you finish this arbitrary program you hate in 2 weeks? Who else but you will care or be disappointed in you? Will you care? If you really do care and cannot bear the thought of the disappointment in yourself, nothing anyone says here is going to make any difference to you. In that case, grit your teeth, finish it, then never put yourself in that situation again where your self worth rides on something so arbitrary.
I just had to say, finally someone with my name. Also, I agree with what you said.0
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