5 Common reasons why your workout has gone on holiday! Part 2/5
“I’m too tired”
Do you find it hard to exercise because you’re too tired? Would you rather relax on the couch or take a nap?
Please, don’t avoid exercise because you are tired! If you decide to skip exercising every evening because you are tired then you will end up feeling more tired and if you don’t exercise at all then you will be in poor physical shape. This is a terrible cycle and if you’re in this situation, I’m hoping that you will find the willpower to break it!
The truth is that most people have more energy after working out, not less. When you exercise, you flood your body with endorphins and the result is energy!
Tips to avoid feeling tired:
Eat low GI carbohydrates – Carbohydrates are an important fuel source, but it’s best to focus on low glycemic index carbohydrates that gradually release glucose into the blood stream. Low GI foods tend to be less processed and include foods such as beans, whole grains (oats, brown rice) and vegetables. High GI foods will give you low blood sugar and make you feel like you need a nap. High GI foods to avoid are usually white and include pasta dishes, bread and potatoes.
Get plenty of iron - Women often suffer from iron deficiency because of menstrual bleeding. Make sure you include plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet, such as red meat and green leafy vegetables. If you think that your iron levels are low, you could also talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for an iron supplement.
Get enough sleep – Many people simply do not get enough sleep. Lack of sleep is an obvious contributor to tiredness, but sleeping in may make the problem worse by making it harder for you to fall asleep at your normal time the following night. Try going to bed earlier if you need to catch up on sleep so that your normal sleep routine is not disrupted. It’s a fact that people who exercise regularly fall asleep faster and have a better quality of sleep!
Drink enough water - The human body loses around 6-8 glasses of water a day, so try to replace that amount to prevent dehydration. A well hydrated body functions more efficiently and is better at transporting nutrients and energy throughout your body.
Things you can do if you’re feeling tired:
Exercise anyway – Just doing some form of activity can help to get you out of that vicious cycle where you feel too tired to exercise. Being tired can also be an indicator that you need to exercise more in order to get more energy.
Start out small - If you are finding it particularly difficult to get motivated, start off with the intention of only exercising for five or ten minutes. After ten minutes have passed, chances are you’ll feel so good that you’ll want to continue.
Find the best time to exercise – Get to know the time of day when your body has the most energy and plan your daily exercise routine accordingly. Some people may find an early morning workout helps to energize and motivate them for the rest of the day, while others may prefer to get extra sleep in the morning, and plan their exercise later in the day. If you feel drained and less motivated to exercise in the evening, try setting your alarm thirty minutes early and get your exercise session done before the day gets started. By working out in the morning, you can look forward to an evening of rest knowing you’ve already accomplished your goal for the day. This can be a straightforward solution to the dilemma of being too tired to exercise.
Offer yourself incentives - One good way to boost motivation is to promise yourself a small reward after your workout is finished. Just make sure it’s not a food or alcohol based reward that undoes all of your hard work!
Quick tip: If you’re like me, you’ll want some good music to listen to. Music always makes me feel like moving!
What is your reason for not exercising?
