When it comes to working out, fatigue is your friend. You want to work your muscles hard so they tire out. You are burning calories, getting stronger, and increasing your endurance.
In other words, the harder you work, the more you can work hard. The more calories you burn. The more fit you become.
I often see people sitting on the exercise bike reading a magazine while pedaling. They look very comfy. There’s no sweat, no elevated breathing, no flushed cheeks. Hmm, that seems more like checking out than working out.
Then I have a few clients who I wonder, “Why do they pay for a personal trainer?” They do not want to do the exercises I ask them to do. They take lots of long breaks. They moan and complain about how difficult everything is. They sit down every chance they get. (Fortunately, most of my clients kick butt!)
Working out is called “working out” for a reason. You are supposed to work. It is not supposed to feel comfortable, pleasant, or easy. It should feel like you’re really working, putting in a lot of effort, and creating a demand on your body. You should “feel the burn,” feel tired, feel pushed.
Exercise is not a walk in the park. It is not a half-hearted effort. It is work!
How are your workouts? Are you working hard? Do you embrace fatigue as your friend? Are you pushing yourself to do more and reach higher?
If you don’t both look forward to and dread your workout, you may not be working hard enough.
*Consult your health care professional before beginning any exercise program.
