Burned Out

So I have really been working hard lately with little results. I know I have to be patient, and I intend to, but the past few days, I have not been able to motivate myself AT ALL. Usually I'm really good about my workouts on the weekend and yesterday, I tried, but for some reason the treadmill and the weights just made me ANGRY! I did not want to and could not make myself complete my work out. I think I ended up just walking on the treadmill for like 15 minutes and then doing one set of my lower body workout (usually I do 3 sets). So I worked out for maybe 20 minutes, but really low intensity. And I know that's better than nothing, but then I just could not bring myself to do anything today. Plus, I haven't been doing too well with my calories. I haven't been going too overboard, but I have been eating around maintenance for a few days. I just don't feel like doing it anymore. I mean, I don't feel like giving up to the point that I will gain weight back. I like to exercise and eat right, but I just can't bring myself to exercise or cut calories right now. And bottom line, it's kind of depressing me. Anyway, blah blah blah rant rant rant...anyone else BEEN THERE? What did you do to break out and remotivate yourself?

Im in the same spot as you right now.  Ive been on a 4 month plateau and i just burnt out.   Sometimes its good to just let everything go for a week or so and then start up the next week.   It wont help weight loss, but it'll help mentally.

I think the only way to really stay on it is to enjoy it. I've worked out enough to where I hardly feel good if I dont do it, and it releases so many endorphins that its a pleasure to do. If you arent getting that feeling, you might not be getting the right workout for your body.

Consult a trainer perhaps to find something that works better for you so you can get and enjoy the high that will make working out easy! It doesnt have to be a grind I dont think (this is from the male perspective, not sure if its the same).

Best of luck!

I feel you about the burn out. I think it's just frustration that's mounting and the little demons in your head that are whispering: 'I put all this effort in, I don't see anything, so what's the point?'

I think this is more of a mental battle than anything else. And I seriously wouldn't recommend you taking any sort of break from your trying. You might not get back on the bandwagon again after seeing a few pounds sneak on. That's what happened to me. It was just easier being in 'break mode' and 'what's the point' mode than drudging through my work outs and not seeing results.

The key is to seriously put your mind to breaking the plateau. Don't focus on not seeing the results. Just focus on discovering things you haven't done before. Have you been doing the same workout over and over? Have you been eating the same amount of calories every. single. day?  Even small changes might tip the scales.

For example, if you run on the treadmill, maybe take your work-out outside. You have to work harder and you'll likely force you to work longer because once you've reached the lap point, you'll still have to make it back home. Or maybe try splitting your work-outs in two. Say you usually run an hour everyday. Instead, break it up: do half an hour in the morning at high intensity and another half hour  in the evening at high intensity. Voila! Shock to system, you're working more efficiently.

Or try something new. Swimming and basketball are two things that are GREAT at plateau shattering. Full body work out in one go, AND you're using a few  muscles that you usually can't work out with machines or weights anyway.

As angry and frustrated as you are, you've got to keep at it. Take comfort in knowing you're not the only one who has hit  this wall, and that you've come so far, you might as well take it home.

Remember, this will eventually pass. It's guaranteed to pass. You just got to clock in your hours and your patience.

We're rooting for you.

While I'll eventually give some other suggestions here, honestly when I feel that way, I do take a break. I focus on not gaining any back and maintaining my fitness level, but with pretty minimal effort. Sometimes it takes 4 months and 10lbs to get me back, somedays it takes an evening of the best chocolate cake money can by.

I've been avoiding this lately with a few different things:
My only real goal is to be as healthy possible. It sounds cliched, but it really does work for me, because it's something I do everyday and something I can accomplish every day, so I get that instant gratification. I put more time in trying to get all my vitamins and nutrients per day than I do with any calorie counting.

I work out with the goal of getting better at it, not to lose weight, and with weekly rewards. Everytime the weight I can do on a machine goes up, I pat myself on the back.

I got rid of my full length mirror, and my scale has cobwebs. Honestly, they offend me more than anything else, and I just didn't need that.

The thing is, losing weight is great, its fun and this accomplishment and all. But then what? Even if I lose it all, after a year of maintaining it, will I still care? It was these hang ups that made me do a 180 and start ignoring it all together. Its not for everyone, but it works for me. I'm as healthy as I can be and my body will eventually reflect that.

Do you do the same thing everyday? With weight training it is best to mix it up every 4 weeks. Change your routine. Mixup the cardio also. When is the last time you took time off? If it has been a while take a week off. Rest and recover and try again.

yeah, I kind of agree with all of you. First of all, I've gotten to the point where I enjoy working out as well. I do love that endorphin high I get and the feeling of accomplishment. That just hasn't been a big enough motivator lately.

I'm going to a festival this weekend which will be a break from the weights and the treadmill, but I will still be exercising a lot. LOTS of walking and LOTS of dancing. Fun. Then when I come back, yeah, I think I'll change up my routine. If I can get my boyfriend to get off his ass and fix my bike like he promised, then that's something. And I should be able to go run at the lake and maybe even swim at the lake (if it ever warms up. I'm in Chicago and it's been gross rainy cold for June). Problem is the weight training. I have adjustable hand weights at home, but that's about it. I have been doing the same exercises for what seems like forever. Anyone have any good links to new moves?

So yeah, I definitely want to be healthy and I definitely do NOT want to fall off the wagon. I do like exercising. Just....need to change it up I guess.

If you have been doing the same lifting routine for a long time you will not see good results. You need to change it up every 4 weeks. Get some free weights. You can get them anywhere. I use 10 and 15 LB weights. There is all kinds of information on the net about different moves. I also do a lot of pushups, pullups, chinups, crunches, lunges, squats, planks, jumping jacks. Those kind of strength training exercises do more than any machine will do. Free weights are excellent for you.

Try this page for some ideas. http://www.strength-training-woman.com/streng th-training-exercises.html

I know exactly what you are going thru.I went spent the majority of my 26 years being on a diet.I was 200 pds at 12 yrs old then i went on strict dieting and aerobics and stayed at 120 pds until around 2004,i was so burnt out,i decided to take a break from dieting and aerobics.It was the worst mistake of my life.I gained 70 pounds.If i could go back in time and stop myself i would have but i agree with the person who said to change your routine,try something like swimming or dancing,something you will enjoy.I  think it would be healthy to take a break for a day,but just dont let that day turn into years like i did......its not worth it.I hope you feel better as the day goes on.

I am also very limited when it comes to weight training.  I just learned a new tricep exersice that is kicking my butt.  Get into push up postition except bring your hands closer together so they are under your chest but still a good distance apart.  Then do the push up, it should work your triceps. If that is to hard then go on your knees.

I have to switch my workouts up or I get bored, I'd say variety is the key.  You do sound like you need a day off, just let your bod recuperate.  But get right back in!  Whenever I am losing slowly it gets depressing so I try to think of the next year and imagine that I will be done losing by then.