Many people start the New Year with a brand-new fitness routine, vowing to become — and stay — fit. One of the greatest challenges, however, is keeping motivated. For answers, Newsmax Health asked legendary runner Uta Pippig, one of the world's most accomplished long-distance runners and the first woman to win the Boston Marathon three times in a row, how to fight fitness fatigue.
"First of all, make sure you understand your reasons," she said. Reasons for letting your fitness routine slide can be physical, especially if you're tired and are working out too much. But they can also be mental, says Pippig. "You may be bored," she says. "Maybe it's not what you want to do, or you do the same thing all of the time."
Once you figure out the reasons for your declining interest, there are steps you can take, especially if you're bored, Pippig says. "You need to enjoy your workout," says Pippig, president and founder of Take the Magic Step, a website that encourages people to take the first steps to fitness and health. "Maybe you can change your routine — like from biking to running — or ask a friend to work out with you." Just don't wait too long, says Pippig. If you do, you may lose all of your momentum and find it impossible to get back.
Since sports injuries can bring your workouts to a stop, Pippig advises seeing a sports physician before you start a fitness routine. "Talk to him about your goals and ideas and he will give you feedback that will keep you from getting hurt," she says.
"Change your routine from time to time," she says. "Also, work out on a very high level, and then relax and recover. It will help you stay free of injuries. If you are injured, though, get help. No workout is worth an injury."
Nutrition is also an important part of an overall fitness plan. "Eat seasonal foods, drink plenty of water, and make sure you get enough essential fatty acids," says Pippig. Drinking enough water after a workout is essential, she says, and she advises a smoothie made of whey protein, banana, and water for exercise enthusiasts.
Pippig's passion for working out provides her motivation. "I have so much joy when I work out," she says. "I like the challenges. If I have a difficult task, I break it into small goals, and I celebrate every time I have a success. It's a pure joy to work out."
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