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Question: I tend to overtrain to the point that I get exhausted, sick, or injured. But I
can’t seem to stop. I love to exercise and feel like something’s missing when I don’t work out. What can I do?
Answer: I contend with this in my own life. You have to give yourself the opportunity to
experience how less exercise feels. Don’t assume that your level of training is necessary to be competitive or feel good. Cut back in gradual doses. If you run 50 miles a week, cut back by 10
percent—to 45 miles a week—and see how your body feels.
People think they have to dramatically cut back. Often, however, you don’t need to reduce by much. The bad news is you have to cut back. The good news is, your performance level may increase, your addictive needs are met, and you’re less likely to get fatigued and injured. If you don’t feel better after seven to 10 days cut back by another 10 percent. Or, after you’ve cut back the first time, alternate normal weeks with weeks that involve a reduced workload of 15 to 20 percent. Emotionally and psychologically, these breaks will motivate you to do more work. You’ll look forward to the pause. Usually you don’t need to stop working out completely, which can be mentally very destructive.
Question: I used to work out all the time. These days I rarely exercise, although I know
how good it feels. I just got out of the groove somehow. How can I recapture that feeling?
Answer: You’re not alone. It’s been said that most people who take on a fitness program stop and start an average of 13 times in their lifetime. When someone stops exercising, even though they know how good working out feels, I wonder if their sport or activity is not right for them. Examine the activity first. Match your sport with who you are, so your personality suits the activity. If you were running, maybe try swimming. If you were weightlifting, maybe try Tae-Bo.
You probably quit because it wasn’t enjoyable—we don’t stop doing something if it’s fun.
Another alternative is to find ways to create more fun with your activity. Find a training buddy
at the gym or join the Sunday-morning group run. If you work out at a gym that’s a 30-minute drive away, it becomes a hassle. Get some weights in your home. The important thing is to get out of the rut. Change where, how, or when you work out. Look for opportunities to create something fun, convenient, and pleasurable.
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