How much is too much?

The 12 week challenge is filling up fast, and one of the most common questions I am hearing from clients old and new is 'how much is too much'.

With so much on offer and so much motivation it's important to work a program that is going to deliver what your body needs.  That's why you need a trainer.

Our bodies can, and will, do anything we ask, provided that they are conditioned to do it.  It's a hard lesson to learn, especially when the attainment of the goal is so desirable and patience is not the first given of human virtues.

To work out how much is too much, and more importantly how much is 'just right' for you, get a professional assessment before you start.  Important physical measures of your current state of health and fitness include cardiovascular/aerobic condition, also called VO2Max, strength, endurance, flexibility and core strength.  Then it's important to consider also lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, eating habits, medications and toxins.  All of these factors will play a role in determining your individual prescription for optimum health and fitness.

Finally, consider whether changes you are making to your lifestyle and your fitness regime are changes that you could maintain for the long term, i.e. the rest of your life.  If your program has you doing things that could not possibly be sustained for the rest of your life, then chances are very high that you are doing too much.

Goals drive motivation.  It's perfect to have a goal, such as a race, a big game, a reunion or a party, that motivates you to achieve your short term goal.  It's even better to know that you can keep going once you reach that goal and raise the bar each time.

Here are my golden rules for training.  (Thanks to the awesome Ian O'Dwyer from ODOM)

1.PAIN FREE MOVEMENT

2. IF YOU CAN'T MOVE IT, YOU CAN'T LOAD IT  (i.e. if your knees won't bend, don't pick up dumbells and try to lunge!!)

3. HAVE FUN

So, how much is too much?  Well, you know you have it right when you feel good, you look good, you're excited about your workouts and your energy is up.  The opposite of this ... that's too much!