I’ve been in a training funk for a little while now… likely due to too many hours at work and too much school, but we all know those are just excuses. Hence the “funk”.
Normally I find myself re-motivated to get back to training with a new (exciting) training program or a forced deload week or something, but I’ve changed up my training so much I’m hardly finishing a mesocycle before wanting to change. When I’m at the gym - I’m all in, but I need to get myself to go there.
What tips and tricks do you guys use to end a training funk? What’s worked for you?
Personally I’ll completely pivot to something very different than what I was doing. Lots of heavy barbell? Switch to calisthenics and kettlebells. Bodybuilding splits? Only full body.
You’ll see quick improvements when learning new methods which make it more motivating. I did Simple and Sinister (a Pavel KB program) for 6 weeks. It was great to do something so different from my norm. Came back to strength work more motivated than ever.
I think you know me well enough to know the last part of that comment gives me hives to think about. I think you’re right… I need to find somewhere to train where the competition is actually competitive.
Some days I wake up and feel like I was meant to go be great and out-train everyone at the gym. Other days I wake up and wonder what the point of it all is. I blame ADHD… I’m a different person each time I wake up.
It’s a good question man. I wish I knew the answer, because it happens to me too. I usually eat a pizza and screw around for awhile. Maybe play some basketball and try to get into fights with kids half my age.
Sign up for something. Doesn’t necessarily have to be a lifting comp. Could be a 10K or half marathon, Spartan race, highland games, ruck march. That’ll. light a fire as the days start counting down.
Personally I’d do whatever it takes to feel grateful for what you have and the results of all your hard work.
You can spend your entire life pushing for something but how long do we spend enjoying and being grateful for what we have before we are after the next shiny new thing.
Enjoy your results and have an amazing Christmas, forget about the gym and exercise for a few days and just live.
I agree with this, but have a slightly different riff on it – be grateful because the things you can do in the gym are things somebody else out there only dreams of being able to do one day or wishes they could still do. When I look at my training that way it reminds me what a gift it is to be able to do what we do.
Welp, for anyone who wants to get their shit back in order - I’d recommend taking a look at this video. I’m off to go mark some territory down at the gym before the new years resolutioners show up. Gotta let em know we wear pink on Wednesdays.
This. Been on vacation with family and unable to do much of anything. Ate waaaaay too much. Got home today, looked it the mirror and thought “you fat fucking loser.” I’m extremely motivated now and can’t wait to get back to it.
My goal set for June 1, look really good naked. Obviously there are way more details, program, diet, but that’s the synopsis.
