Have you ever experienced the feeling of decreased self-control, or willpower due to simply being tired? I know I have. Finishing a long run, depleted, I'm susceptible to cravings and impulses I simply do not normally have. Sweets, carbs, bread, beer, etc. Following the "positive" comes a negative.
What do you think this is telling your body?
The same can be seen in the effects of excessive high-intensity interval training. Crushing workouts followed by fatigue, lead to diminished discipline and heightened reward signals.
Know the purpose of your training:
Why are you exercising? Body composition change? Image enhancement? Mental and physical performance? Hobby?
Your purpose should direct the type of exercise you employ, as well as your nutritional needs.
Avoid the extremes:
Injuries happen when you ignore the signals your body is giving you. Excessive fatigue before, during or after exercise is a "Red Flag" to be respected. Stop and reassess.
Only use a training weight that you can manage effectively. Ignore rep counts that you can't mentally stay engaged long enough to handle.
Where the mind goes the body follows. If 100% focus is not happening, then stop the exercise. More harm than benefit may be had on this day.
Leave a little in the tank:
Learn to leave something in the tank for the other events of your day, or tomorrows workout. Consistency and repetition are where your results will come from, not the temporary beat down of too much too soon and subsequent delayed recovery.
Exercise in a 1:1 environment or alone:
Distractions help pass the time, but it is not passing the time that we are after.
Mind/Body is not a byproduct. Manifest the desired outcome and picture it happening.
Less is More:
Simply put. Learning to engage a muscle, what it feels like to achieve a proper contraction and seeking that feeling each repetition will give you amazing results.
Eating less frees your body up to focus on aspects other than digestion and recovery.
Less time spent exercising means more time spent living with your fitness. Remember that your fitness and health are positive enhancers to your lifestyle. Engage in the learning process. Mastering a few key aspects of movement will do more for your health than any amount of variety can muster. Onward and Upward!
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