Burnout is sneaky, it doesn’t happen overnight, but the stages have classic signs. Clueing in to them can help you sidestep a workout slump.
Stage 1: The honeymoon – Classic sign: You’re determined to slip into a size 6 by Valentine’s Day, so you never miss a workout. Burnout buster: Take a less-is-more approach. Burnout happens when you expect too much too soon.
Stage 2: Disenchantment – Classic sign: Your excitement fades when you don’t see results right away. You stop looking forward to gym time and start skipping workouts. Burnout buster: Set mini goals.
Stage 3: Stalling – Classic sign: Boredom and apathy override your commitment and motivation. You’ll use almost anything — work, family, stress, the weather — as an excuse to skip exercise. Burnout buster: Make a change. Use a different piece of cardio equipment or work out in a different part of the gym.
Stage 4: Frustration and surrender – Classic sign: Exercise slides from your list of top priorities. You want to throw in the towel (there’s always next year). Burnout buster: Make a schedule and stick to it for at least five weeks. A study in Health Psychology reports that it takes new exercisers that long to make their sessions a habit. Or make a date — with a trainer, your guy, or your best friend.