I’m just tired today. And I really wanted to eat ice cream all day. It was all I could do to keep from stopping at Baskin Robbins on the way home.
I think I’m tired from working out every day for the last week (except for Sunday), being really busy at work for the last 3 days (for 10-hour days) plus being up late last night at my community meeting. As my mother reminded me tonight, “You’re no spring chicken.” Gee, thanks, Mom.
The good news is, in spite of my craving for ice cream, I did stick to my eating program. The bad news is I just couldn’t get motivated to work out today. In my mind, I rationalized that I needed a day off from working out because I was tired. The question is…did I really need a day off? Or am I just being a wimp? What’s the normal workout schedule for a 55-year-old woman? I watch Biggest Loser and they work out for hours every day. I think I should be able to work out at least one hour a day every day.
Does anyone have any words of wisdom on this?
I just read on Livestrong.com that we need to remember to listen to our bodies. If we're too tired to workout, then that's a sign we could be overstraining our muscles. In my personal opinion, every 7th day should be a rest.
ReplyDeleteYou also have to remember that on the Biggest Loser they have no other responsibilities - no work, no family obligations, nothing. If you need a day of rest after a tough week, I say, take it.
ReplyDeleteI did yesterday and am ready to kick ass today!
You may be no spring chicken as your mother pointed out to you, but one thing is for certain you will feel 100% better by doing what you're doing. Take care of your health and eating well is the kindest thing you can do for you body.
ReplyDeleteAs for whether or not you're a wimp. I don't think so, but that is just me. Your body will tell you when it's had enough. Look at it like this. If you had worked out and didn't really work it, how much of a negative impact would that have had on you mentally? I think a lot more than taking a day off.
Keep in mind TBL contestants are in a controlled environment as far as food, exercise and guidance from trainers. They can work out 6 hours daily because the eat, sleep and breath a healthier lifestyle. They are not working, driving to work, juggling spouse commitments and children. They are in the optimum environment for success.
Take care!
rest days are very important. your body needs recovery time. listen to your body.
ReplyDeleteThe conventional wisdom is on one day, off one day. If you feel tired, rest with no guilt. As we age in particular, it seems to be just as important to rest and de-stress as it is to move.
ReplyDeleteI say rest is important. I think that in the long haul statistics show that people who lose weight and keep it off long term workout something like a minimum of 45 minutes at least 5 days a week. But botom line is everyday is a lot, and the times I've done that I've gotten burned out and gone the other direction. Also, BL contestents workout 6-8 hours a day, which is insane. None of us should EVER look to that show in my opinion, for a realistic idea of what our workout schedule should be like.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great job on the workouts and adhering to your food stuff. Great job, hope you enoyed your well deserve exercise break!
My only words of wisdom is listen to your body. If it's tired, let it rest.
ReplyDeleteAs to what's normal for a 55 year old woman... I think it's very different for each of us. I'm 53 and I usually work out six days a week. But if I feel like I'm hitting a wall, I'll take another day off to recoup. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen.
I think you're doing great though and it's okay to be tired. It even happens to people younger than us. :)
I agree with what they all said above... I also know that when things are falling apart at home (bills, kitchen dirty disasters, cat boxes, etc...) that I need to stop everything and DO IT. In the long run not letting my home life fall apart is really important to me. I am not talking about perfection but clean clothes and clean dishes are almost a necessity.
ReplyDeleteI know that when I start skipping I find that if I compromise with myself... like "I know I skipped yesterday and so I am going to go today but if I am still worn out I will skip tomorrow." I guess I focus on getting it done today and allowing myself to skip tomorrow- but, like I said if something has to get done to take care of my basic needs that trumps the gym (sleep).