Training Through Fatigue is Not Always Advisable

by Christian Duque

The body is an intricate set of systems that serve many different purposes, from the gastro intestinal, to the nervous, to the muscular. Each system plays a role and it’s important that we “listen to our body.” With the advent of HIT (high intensity training) & HVT (high volume training), listening to our bodies has become largely passe; it’s considered to be weak. How insane is that? Just like sweat has more to do with cooling the body down that say “burning fat,” fatigue is a sign that the body may be in a dangerous caloric deficit, perhaps the body is shutting down, or there might something else going (e.g. exhaustion, dehydration, etc). The idea of being “hardcore” is great, provided you are battling emotional limitations or simple laziness, but if you’re body is giving you clear cut signs, you should take heed, not load up on pre-workout powder.

What we advocate in this neck of the woods, is build that temple, not compromise it. Remember, to keep things in perspective. Chances are, you’re not getting ready for the Super Bowl, the Tour de France, or the FIFA World Cup. i’ve seen some crazy things in the gym over the years. I speak from nearly twelve years of experience. I’ve seen guys with fatigue literally fall off treadmills, I’ve seen people drop dumbbells on their feet, and I’ve seen SPOTTERS WITH FATIGUE literally hesitate a second or two as the lifter they’re supposed to be monitoring has a bar 315 lbs sitting on the their chest & the lifter is literally freaking out.

I don’t want to perpetuate a culture of mediocrity, but I do want people to train sensibly & responsibly. If you need energy & you’re dieting, stimulants may not be what you need, you may actually need real calories. If you’re tired, throwing water on your face may not do the trick. Don’t be lunkhead, my friend!!