How to prevent exercise burnout

Shannon Hoehnen

So now that spring is almost here, it's usually the time that we re-evaluate our fitness goals and talk about motivation. Many sites and magazines talk about getting excited to exercise and how we can stay at it and go, go, GO! But you rarely hear about burnout - you know, that overwhelming feeling that can put any exercise program to a halt. Burnout is a sneaky little monster! It can creep up seemingly fast, but the truth is, it doesn't happen overnight. There are some tell-tale signs to watch out for to make sure it doesn't happen to you.

Like most things, burnout happens in stages, so it's important to recognize the signs along the way.

STAGE ONE: CLOUD NINE

Classic sign: you want to look good in that swimsuit you just bought, so you never miss a workout.

Banish burnout: Less can actually be more. See, burnout happens when you expect too much too soon. Balance your excitement with the big picture! Even with the smartest, most effective workout program, you still can't force your body to become stronger or slimmer any faster than it physiologically can. So start small. It's better to do too little in the beginning than too much - the last thing you want to do is mess with your limits and push your ability to recover mentally or physically.


STAGE TWO: IMPATIENCE (aka REALITY CHECK)

Classic sign: Do you get easily discouraged when you don't see results right away? Do you stop looking forward to gym time and start skipping workouts? DON'T.

Banish burnout: Set mini goals. The main reason people stop an exercise program is that they feel so far from their high-set goals! Try setting short-term goals that focus on the process (like time spent exercising) are more likely to boost your confidence and keep you on track than long-term outcome goals (say, total number of pounds lost).


STAGE THREE: EXCUSES

Classic sign: With boredom and apathy setting in, you'll use almost anything - work, family, stress, the weather - as an excuse to skip exercise.

Banish Burnout: Change it up! Use a different piece of cardio equipment or work out in a different part of the gym. Sick of the gym? Take it outside! Icky weather? Fitness DVDs! Always give your body something new so that it never has a chance to adapt.


STAGE FOUR: SURRENDER

Classic sign: You are already saying "there's always next year"

Banish Burnout: Put away that white flag! do NOT surrender! Remind yourself of the reasons you started this routine in the first place. Re-commit and make a schedule. Stick to it for at least five weeks (the KEY time-frame to get habits to stick!). Try making a date - with a trainer, your guy, or your best friend. You're more likely to stay on track when someone is holding you accountable.

Now that you know the stages, they'll be easier to avoid - hang in there, you can do it!

Shannon is the founder and creator of The Daily Balance, a Web site updated daily with advice, tips and personal stories to help others find balance in their lives. From food to fashion, fitness, inspiration and recipes, The Daily Balance is the perfect tool for those who "want it all."