lack of concentration while exercising

Melclear

Melclear

Cathlete
Does a lack of concentration and focus during my workouts indicate that it's time for a few days off? I've been pushing myself really hard since April -- increased the frequency of my workouts from 4 to 6 days a week, increased the intensity by doing exclusively Cathe, and increased the duration (no workouts under 60 minutes, most closer to 90). This has been working well for me (both mentally and physically) for a few months. But the last week or so, I notice that I'm thinking about other things while lifting weights and counting down intervals or watching the clock during cardio.

Is this just a sign that I need a few rest days in a row until I feel more focused? Or does everyone just go through periods like this?

Thanks!

Mel
 
Hi, Mel :) I think you are spot on in your assessment. Pushing yourself hard is a great plateau buster but I don't think it is something to do continuously. Seems like you mind/body is checking out a bit. Also, pushing too hard may lead to injuries down the road. I think it would be a good idea to cut back & also change what you are currently doing (the switch alone will work wonders) for a month or so and then revisit the super intensity once again. HTH!


"You have to stay in shape. My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is." -- Ellen DeGeneres


Debbie
 
Hi Mel-

Sounds like you are listening to your body! That's great and TOUGH lesson for many of us women to learn.

Agree totally with everything Debbie said.

Maybe you just need a change of pace. I'd been dragging for ages and am doing a Turbo Jam routine and love it and am totally energized!

Rest can do a body good. I found when I added rest days I got better results.

Let us know what you decide
 
Thanks everyone. Debbie's comment about injury makes a lot of sense, especially since I noticed that I had a really stiff neck yesterday (probably due to Muscle Max ab work yesterday, which for some reason I find really challenging). So I'm going to take today off and then just see how I feel tomorrow. I'll also bail on the last few days of the current rotation and do whatever I feel like doing (dance workouts or light circuit or pilates would all be a change of pace).

I have a few forced rest days coming up this weekend while moving across the country, but I will definitely not push myself to get in a few hard workouts before I go.

Thanks again everyone! I just love the support on this forum -- you all rock!

Mel
 
If you've been going hot and heavy since April, you could probably stand a full week off. Speaking from experience, you could get really run down if you don't listen to your bod.
 
I agree with Honeybunch 100 percent. I have actually been doing less strength training and having better results (though the sessions I do, I lift heavy)

Sparrow

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
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