In the pursuit of fast weight loss we are often driven to be unreasonable. Maybe it is because we are in competition with ourselves or others, or maybe we just want to look good for the beach in a few days. Whatever the reason we need to be careful to avoid burn out.
People often hear burn out referred to but do not realize that it is actually characterized by medical symptoms, some of which can be sever. This is a real condition and it can be catastrophic to fitness, your mental health, and many other areas of your life.
How Burn Out Happens
What happens is that you simply overdo it. You go to long, you overextend when your body is already in a state of severe stress. This can be because of excessive dieting or over strenuous exercise the out come is the same. Your body basically reaches a point where it says, NO MORE, and it shuts down. It enters a mode in which it is trying to protect itself and compensate for the things that you are trying to do.
Burn out is characterized by low energy to non-existent energy levels, depression, increased appetite, including cravings for starchy food, and an overall apathetic state. If you find yourself in a state of burn out it is best to let the body take you through the compensation mechanisms but realize what is happening and be aware that you are in a weakened state. Get plenty of rest and focus on proper nutrition. Do not attempt to exercise during this time period, it will do more harm than good and prolong your recovery. Your body has also moved away from building itself and is in a state of retention, which can lead to weight gain.
Avoiding Burn Out
Realize that this is a real condition and that if you are exercising excessively or dieting drastically you are susceptible. It is imperative that you work breaks and re-feeds into any fitness program and listen to what your body is telling you. If you are tired because it is that time of the day, get over it. If you can feel it in your joints and muscles and your body just feels drained and apathetic get an extra hour of sleep. Getting into tip top shape or achieving fast weight loss can very well involve walking the edge of burn out but recognizing when you need a break.
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