Motivation

[Drugsgear]

Have you ever made a break in your training? Why? Was it the loss of motivation, burnout, health, other circumstances? How did you get back to training and what difficulties did you have to overcome?

 

[solidassears]

Have you ever made a break in your training? Why? Was it the loss of motivation, burnout, health, other circumstances? How did you get back to training and what difficulties did you have to overcome?

I've taken a week or two off to recover and recharge, never had any problem with motivation or getting back at it. I've also had more extended breaks due to injury and surgery. I was off for about 4 months when I tore my left tricots off the bone in my elbow and had it surgically re-attached. The worse was 9 months completely off because of spinal fusion of L4 & L5, that last one was rough because I had lost so much strength, it was almost like starting over, but the gains to get back came really fast so not really like starting over. I've had to change how I lift and lessen the stress on my spine, that means no bar squats, dead lifts etc. I do a lot of leg presses, quad extensions and other leg lifts that don't put all the stress on my spine. The reality is that it's been 16 months since the spine surgery and I'm stronger now that I was before I started having back pain so I feel good about everything. I'd say the most difficult thing is to have patience and just keep doing the reps. I've done a lot of super negatives, which seem to work the best for me to make gains.

 

[zillagraybeard]

If your burnt out, maybe just take a week or 2 breather. Look at different ways or different places to train. But set a date and get back in the gym somewhere. Change things up and before long you will be looking forward to going again.

 

[Drugsgear]

I've taken a week or two off to recover and recharge, never had any problem with motivation or getting back at it. I've also had more extended breaks due to injury and surgery. I was off for about 4 months when I tore my left tricots off the bone in my elbow and had it surgically re-attached. The worse was 9 months completely off because of spinal fusion of L4 & L5, that last one was rough because I had lost so much strength, it was almost like starting over, but the gains to get back came really fast so not really like starting over. I've had to change how I lift and lessen the stress on my spine, that means no bar squats, dead lifts etc. I do a lot of leg presses, quad extensions and other leg lifts that don't put all the stress on my spine. The reality is that it's been 16 months since the spine surgery and I'm stronger now that I was before I started having back pain so I feel good about everything. I'd say the most difficult thing is to have patience and just keep doing the reps. I've done a lot of super negatives, which seem to work the best for me to make gains.

It's cool that despite all the problems, you returned to training again. Hope you don't stop exercising again due to health problems.

 

[Drugsgear]

If your burnt out, maybe just take a week or 2 breather. Look at different ways or different places to train. But set a date and get back in the gym somewhere. Change things up and before long you will be looking forward to going again.

I have no problem with this at the moment. But there were times when I took a break and the longer it lasted, the more difficult it was to return.

 

[solidassears]

It's cool that despite all the problems, you returned to training again. Hope you don't stop exercising again due to health problems.

Thanks! The reality for me is that I love working out and lifting and I would really like to do more, but my body can't take it every day now. I used to lift or do cardio 6 days a week, but I noticed that by the 5th day I was really struggling to do much. I cut back to 3 days a week with a rest day or two between lifting days and I've done better and made some gains. I'll never stop unless my body won't allow or will not recover, it is more about listening to my body now to try and understand what is too much. I love it so much I often overdo, it is really difficult to stop or to even know when I've done enough and stop then. Life is a real trip a journey that is in constant change. My biggest challenge is understanding what I need to do to be my best. Years ago it was the motivation you talk about, it was difficult to get motivated to work out, but that challenge has been gone for almost 10 years.

 

[zillagraybeard]

I have no problem with this at the moment. But there were times when I took a break and the longer it lasted, the more difficult it was to return.

That's is why when I do take off, I have a set date to return. Keeps me accountable to myself.

 

[Drugsgear]

Thanks! The reality for me is that I love working out and lifting and I would really like to do more, but my body can't take it every day now. I used to lift or do cardio 6 days a week, but I noticed that by the 5th day I was really struggling to do much. I cut back to 3 days a week with a rest day or two between lifting days and I've done better and made some gains. I'll never stop unless my body won't allow or will not recover, it is more about listening to my body now to try and understand what is too much. I love it so much I often overdo, it is really difficult to stop or to even know when I've done enough and stop then. Life is a real trip a journey that is in constant change. My biggest challenge is understanding what I need to do to be my best. Years ago it was the motivation you talk about, it was difficult to get motivated to work out, but that challenge has been gone for almost 10 years.

I know exactly what you mean. Same story here. I train 5-6 times a week quite often, then I realize that I’ve overdone it, then get back to 2-3 times or even make long breaks once every 6 months.
It’s hard to live in a gym mode all the time, as I have family, duties and my job. Or just want to relax. And our body signals us about too much strain.

 

[Drugsgear]

That's is why when I do take off, I have a set date to return. Keeps me accountable to myself.

This is so wise, I need to model you!