Is it Always Healthy to go to the Gym?
We all have those days when we just do not feel like being in the gym. Those hours when it feels like it would be more
fun writing a calculus exam than performing a lat pull-down. That’s OK, if you feel like this occasionally, it’s your body telling you something – so listen. It’s often your body telling you that you have been pushing it too hard lately, that you’ve been over training. If you work out too hard, your body isn’t able to recover properly. Your muscles may end up breaking down, which can cause you pain and make it tough to advance in your routine and continue seeing results.
Over training symptoms may look like:
- Feeling tired, drained, low energy
- Reduced motivation for working out
- Always feeling achy and sore
- Not being able to improve your performance in the gym
- Sticking with the same exercise intensity and frequency but no longer seeing results
- Getting sick a lot
During a workout, I always want my clients to feel pleasantly challenged, but like what they are doing is manageable. I want them to have the energy to continue on with their day, including the physical aspects of it, after a workout.
Solutions if you are over training:
- Give yourself a break. Stop training intensely for a day – take a nice long walk outside on your day off, or try some dynamic stretching instead. Give your mind a break too, through practicing meditation.
- Change things up. Try out a new, lower impact fitness class, test out some yoga moves, try working with a personal trainer or attempt a new sport. These are all great ways to feel energized both physically and mentally, again. Often when you switch things up, you work on different muscles.
- Stay moving. When you feel like you are in a rut, or if you are really stressed out, it is important to keep moving. Research studies have proven that exercise makes your body and mind feel better so stopping is not the solution. Just ramp down on your intensity a little during those low energy days and ramp it back up when you feel more motivated. Physical activity helps get your mind off your problems, allowing you to recharge your brain and thoughts.
In summary, a great workout will often make you feel challenged, but you should have the energy to continue on with your day afterwards. Please connect with me, if you have any questions about your fitness intensity. And remember, always listen to your body!