We all have those days when we don't want to exercise but burnout is a different matter...the feeling that anything (watching grass grow, counting ceiling tiles) sounds better than the usual routine. Here are some other ways to know you're burned out:
- On the way to the gym for your usual workout, you suddenly remember your sock drawer needs to be organized immediately. You hurry home before sock chaos ensues.
- When your walking partner calls for the third time, wondering where you've been, you consider changing your phone number and, possibly, moving
- You're doing your favorite workout video and find yourself talking back, as in, "I know there are 8 more to go...Do you have to keep saying that?"
- The sight of your gym bag brings on a severe allergic reaction.
- When sedentary co-workers razz you for working out all the time, you find yourself saying through a yawn, "You know, you're right. Exercise is overrated. Gotta donut?"
- You rebel against all things active--you avoid stairs, park in the closest space and roll your chair into the kitchen for a drink instead of actually walking. You delight in your excessive laziness.
- During your usual morning run, you stop and check your shoes to see if someone secretly strapped 10-lb weights to your feet.
- Getting out of bed feels like an anaerobic workout
- When the receptionist at the gym says, "Have a great workout!", you reply, "Have a great workout? Have a great workout? You should be fired for that kind of talk!" Security escorts you off the property.
- You spend hours trying to figure out how to walk the dog without actually moving.
Seriously...burnout happens to most of us from time to time and the solutions are simple: take some time off or try something new. You can visit my Workout Center for a huge variety of workouts or you can simply give yourself a few days of rest. Take a stroll, do some light stretching or get a massage. You'll come back feeling refreshed and energized!
