WTF just happened??

[XSanguinus]

I look forward to my Tuesday night workout all week.  The wife goes out, the kids are asleep, and I get quality time with my weight bench.  But tonight I felt like my heart just wasn't in it.  I cranked out the first two sets and just couldn't make myself go on.  I felt like my passion for the workout had simply fizzled.  This has never happened to me before.  I wasn't tired or sore or anything like that.  Hopefully this is just a one-time occurrence, but still... what gives?  Have any of you ever experienced this? Did it go away on its own?  Did you power through? How did you cope?

[jfreaksho]

That is one symptom of overtraining, but stress and lack of sleep and other things can cause it.  Sometimes you just don't feel it.

 

I find that the best thing to do is power through as much as you can with good form, or else make a solid plan to retry in a couple of days.

[XSanguinus]

Thanks. Good to know its normal.

[Anivair]

This.  If you just felt like not doing it, then maybe you just weren't into it today.  Push ahead, because motivation isn't forever, but results last longer. 

 

If you actually felt weak or tired or worn out, then you might be overtraining (and the above poster is right.  Low emotional energy is the first sign of overtraining).  

 

My advice:  get good rest and eat smart and see if you feel better next time.  Feel free to post back here and let us know how it goes. 

[XSanguinus]

Well, I woke up this morning with a headache and sore throat.  Guess that explains that.

[Duality]

Your system knows there's a flu bug or cold coming along before you do!

[sweetleaf5]

Every once in a while you just need a break - no worries until you are "breaking" more than working!

[PJRILSTU]

Take a rest, and get well. The important thing is not to feel guilty. Sometimes you're just tired and powering through it won't hurt you. But sometimes you are fighting injury or illness and your body is telling you to back off or your in trouble. You should be able to take a week or two off and not lose any gains (assuming you aren't going to overcompensate by overeating). Rest for a couple of days until the symptoms subside. Drink lots of fluids. Ease back into it when you are ready. Practice good hygeine and listen to your body.

[Timmy M]

what other workouts do you do? and does that tuesday workout only consist of benching?

[Anivair]

Well, I woke up this morning with a headache and sore throat.  Guess that explains that.

 To be honest, that's sort of good news.  take a few days off and feel better.  At least you know you're not losing your desire to train. 

[Ancalagon The Black]

This happens to me now and then. Sometimes, I just give up. Other times I push on through the unwillingness and the pain.

[XSanguinus]

Timmy - I do a circuit of 4 varying bodyweight exercises, with my Bench Presses as my big heavy one. 

[AllonsY!]

I hit that wall a lot too. Most of the time I just have to force myself to keep going but since I workout in my garage it can be really tempting to just go back into the house. Sometimes I'll just switch up and do something I really enjoy. Sometimes If I've not had enough to eat all day my workout dedication can suffer, even a shot of caffeine can help put me in a better mood.

 

Hope you're feeling better soon!

[Timmy M]

that your only workout? i meant the other days, should of been clearer

[XSanguinus]

Monday, Wednesday and Friday I jog 2 miles in the morning. Tuesday and Saturday I do circuits of bodyweight and weight lifting strength exercises. Thursdays I do a HIIT routine.  Also, I work in a warehouse that requires a lot of walking and heavy lifting throughout the day.

[Timmy M]

so your only heavy lifting is benching? not as important as i thought, the way i read it was that all you did was bench and do some circuits, was thinking maybe things had got a bit monotonous 

[XSanguinus]

No, I also do Deadlifts on Thursdays.

[Timmy M]

ignore me then

[XSanguinus]

As you wish.  

[XSanguinus]

Update: I took a few days off an came back to ROCK my Friday night Deadlifts and Push Presses.  Even did a half dozen push-up sets with my 6-year-old on my back.  Feel great.

[Guest asdf]

Glad to hear it.   Don't forget that if you ever end up cutting a work out short you can always resolve to make up the difference in your next work out. I started a core work out earlier this week, got through one set and for some reason just stopped. So the next day in addition to my push pull workout I completed the last two sets of the previous day's work out so that I wouldn't lose out on the benefit of a core work out for the week. 

[XSanguinus]

Thanks Clement.  I guess the best thing I got out of this thread is that sometimes your mind and body simply can't keep up with your ambition.  Both have served me well this last year.  I guess it's only fair I give them a break from time to time.