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3. Your workout leaves you more tired and sore than before. Exercise should give you more energy, not leave you feeling rundown. If you're feeling overly tired or perpetually sore, you could be overtraining. Your body needs time for rest and recovery. It is during this down time that you build strength and endurance by allowing your muscles to rebuild and repair. If you don't give your body ample recovery time, you'll become weaker instead of stronger. If you have been overtraining, your first priority should be rest. You might need up to a week off to recharge mentally and physically. Once you are feeling better, start back slowly. Reevaluate your workout program and find ways to make changes that will prevent this from happening again. 4. Your workout is no longer challenging. Running a 10-minute mile, for example, becomes easier as time goes on. If your workouts aren't challenging you anymore, it can be helpful to wear a heart rate monitor. Your heart rate will change over time as you become more fit. By using a heart rate monitor, you'll know to change up or intensify your routine, and ensure that you're working in your target heart rate zone. Challenging your body improves your fitness level and can also provide a sense of accomplishment as you become stronger and work toward your goals. Changing your workout routine whenever these signs arise will help keep your motivation high as you work to improve your fitness level. The key is to pay close attention to how you're feeling both physically and mentally. Exercise shouldn't be a chore that you dread, but something that makes you feel good about yourself! |
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Fitness Articles › Pitfalls and Plateaus4 Signs It's Time to Change Your Workout RoutineWhat to Do When Your Workout Isn't Working for You-- By Jen Mueller, Certified Personal TrainerSparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more
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About The Author
Jen Mueller
Jen received her master's degree in health promotion and education from the University of Cincinnati. A mom and avid marathon runner, she is a certified personal trainer, certified health coach and advanced health & fitness specialist. See all of Jen's articles. |
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If people only ate when they felt true hunger, few of us would struggle with our weight. So why (and where) are we eating so much, and what can we do about it? Start here.
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Balancing Seated Torso Twists with Medicine Ball
Tighten your core with this twisting move!
Tighten your core with this twisting move!
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Member Comments
I need LOTS of variety, and to be held accountable. So I rarely repeat the same exercise every day - I'm taking a chi running clinic, a tai chi class, training for a half marathon, biking, and dancing whenever possible. Variety is why I loved triathlon so much - I felt great doing sprint distances (not confident enough in the swim to do Olympic or Ironman distances) and rarely had an injury because of the crosstraining! Just TRI it! - 9/26/2010 12:07:53 PM
To motivate and help stop the boredom I play cds of very fast music - I adore santana so usually play those cds. anything fast and racey with a decent beat would do it. - 4/19/2009 9:40:36 AM
For now...I will find some ways to shake it up and change it within my home. - 3/27/2009 11:06:44 AM