Feeling Weak? Here Are Some Solutions – Part 1

We all have days where we need to work out, but we have low energy or feel weak. It’s the worst when it hits on a big training day. Suddenly, your fitness schedule just doesn’t seem doable anymore. What can you do when your body isn’t on board with your plans?

The team at Houston Gym has experienced slumps that take the wind out of our sails, so we understand what you’re going through. The good news is, we have a great selection of strategies of working through this all-too-common situation. Read on to find out which one may work for you!

Rest

• Either people rest so much they can’t move forward, or they work out so hard, they break themselves down. The key to staying rested is being familiar with the way you function, and that takes honesty. It means being able to recognize what works for you. Don’t get too wrapped up in schedules and other people’s habits. Your body doesn’t care about either of those things! Sometimes, you feel weak because your body is exhausted. In that case, working out is not going to help you at all; it will just dig you deeper into weakness. Other times, you feel tired, but your body needs to be invigorated by a workout.
• How do you know if you need to sleep or work out? Well, most people figure this out by experimenting. If you head to the gym and the minute you hit the floor to do some sit-ups, you start falling asleep, it may be a sign from your body that it is desperate for rest. You can push yourself to work out anyway, and if your energy level doesn’t rise, you’re probably dealing with a body that just needs a breather. Your body can only give so much. Give it rest. Remember, a well-rested body can do incredible things!

Scale Back

• This isn’t a popular strategy with inexperienced athletes who haven’t learned that success lies in being mentally flexible. It’s easy to fixate on goals and schedules, but that’s the quickest way into injury and exhaustion. Don’t let your determination to meet your goals ruin your chances of ever getting there!
• If you are tired but the thought of skipping a day doesn’t work for you, go ahead and accommodate your need to work out by amending your routine. By this, we mean cutting intensity or volume in half. You will still get a workout in, but you’ll empower yourself to come back tomorrow and next week instead of breaking down or getting injured. You’ll enjoy the benefits of recovery as your body takes the time to consolidate your gains. If you want a schedule that’s more structured, talk to one of our personal trainers about a deloading week.

At the end of the day, you have to do what works for you. At Houston Gym, we are dedicated to empowering everyone to progress through life’s ups and downs. Don’t tackle your workout slump alone; let us help. Learn more about our world-class facility and fitness classes in Texas today!