How to beat exercise fatigue

Press, 6 February 1986, Page 13

How to beat exercise fatigue

By

Judi Sheppard

Missett

How many fitness buffs have your heard discuss getting over that “exercise hurdle?” They talk about how they started a programme and suffered through it for two to four weeks. Then suddenly, without any warning, a workout actually felt good! They ran, swaw, biked or danced their way through an exercise class without slowing down or stopping once. And, they felt better than they did

during their first few workouts when they rested every five minutes. Fatigue — all exercisers experience it when they are starting out Their success at dealing with it, however, often determines their success at sticking to a regular

fitness programme. How did these exercise buffs get over their hurdle? Perseverance and common sense helped them work through the fatigue they experienced while their bodies were adapting to their chosen exercise. Perseverance eventually led them to an

enjoyable workout. For those of us who have made it over the “exercise hurdle,” fatigue still is a common acquaintance, but with a new twist. It no longer affects our ability to finish a workout, but it can affect our level of exertion and how we feel while we are exercising. You may be familiar with the feeling. Your limbs are heavy. Your movements are slow and not quite smooth. Your heart rate takes off instantaneously. You feel like your energy walked out when you walked into your workout. Either way, fatigue is a sensation that we must deal with in a positive way to help prevent physical injury and mental burnout. There are several ways to handle it Don’t exercise in high gear when your body is stuck in low gear. You

cannot be operating at 100 per cent every time you work out. But, that is no reason to get discouraged or to push yourself over your limit. According to several of my students, some of their most enjoyable aerobics classes took place when they relaxed their pace and did not push themselves as hard as usual. They were able to concentrate more on the dance moves, sing along with the music and interact with those around them. Realise that fatigue is a part of exercise. Too many would-be exercisers quit because they cannot accept the tiring effect of a set of leg lifts or 20 minutes of aerobic exercise. Exercisers who stick it out and learn to pace themselves know that fatigue can carry with it feelings of accomplish-

ment and satisfaction. Recognise your limit and do not exceed it. Fatigue can turn into exhaustion if you are not careful. Learn those warning signs: shortness of breath, “the burn,” clumsy movement and careless execution; and slow down or stop if you have to. No exercise plan is worth risking injury due to its intensity. Besides, you are more apt to stick to your programme if it does not wear you out completely. Listen to your body. Recognising the signs of fatigue and adjusting your workout or your pace accordingly will help you enjoy exercise and stick with it for a lifetime. So, take a deep breath, find a comfortable pace and try this gluteal toner to “Yes or No” by The Go-Gos. Copyright 1985 Jazzercise Inc.