When you are working out, you should always make sure you are getting an adequate amount of rest and food. However, there are some times when you may want to deliberately ignore these requirements. This is called “stretching” your limits.
As a general rule, you should avoid stretching too far and too fast. Instead, you should let your body adjust naturally to the demands you are placing on it. However, there are times when ignoring the body’s warning signs can actually make you stronger.
Here are three situations where deliberately pushing yourself too hard can actually be a good thing.
#1 Working Out Too Long After Eating
Most people who work out eat right before they hit the gym. This gives them an immediate energy boost and makes them more likely to push through any initial fatigue. However, there is a time delay between eating and feeling the full effect of the food in your stomach. If you wait too long, that delayed “letdown” can cause you to feel lethargic instead of energized.
By forcing yourself to work out after eating, you can shorten this time delay and give yourself a much needed “pick-me-up”.
#2 Working Out When You Are Tired
When you are tired, your body is in survival mode. This makes it harder for you to focus and harder for your brain to organize and execute effective moves. By forcing yourself to workout when you are tired, you are able to tap into a hidden strength your body has when you are sleep deprived. By doing so, you will actually increase your performance when you are not at peak levels!
#3 Working Out After A Long Period Of Inactivity
Inactivity causes your body to slowly break down. This means it needs a little extra fuel to get back up to speed. By working out after a period of inactivity, you can prevent this breakdown and help your body recover as fast as possible.
In all these cases, stretching your limits can actually make you stronger. However, there is a limit to how far you should go in this regard. You should never stretch yourself so far that you become injured or sick. The best way to avoid this is to listen to your body. If it starts to tell you “no”, stop and take some time off.
