We all love the idea of a fitness routine that transforms us overnight. But some fitness fads sound way cooler (or healthier) than they actually feel once you’re in the middle of them. A lot of these trends end up leaving people totally worn out, frustrated, or even injured before they see any real progress. Here’s a look at some popular fitness fads that burn you out way faster than you’d expect.
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Extreme boot camp classes
These beast-mode workouts promise to get you shredded in no time with hardcore drills and zero rest. Let’s be honest here, most people just end up hurt, tired, and asking themselves why they thought this sounded like a good idea in the first place.
Hot yoga
Doing your yoga routine in a room that’s so hot you could probably cook an egg on the floor, may seem like a fun challenge at first. But beware if you’re not fit or hydrating enough. After a few minutes, the sauna-like conditions may have you dizzy, dehydrated, and begging for a recliner.
Juice cleanses paired with workouts
Drinking juice all day and then going to a class that actually makes you sweat is a terrible idea. Not to mention, it probably wouldn’t even work, but that’s beside the point. When you try to combine the two, you end up light-headed, cranky, and on the verge of a mental breakdown, questioning how spinach water was supposed to fuel your spin class.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
We are actually huge fans of HIIT, it just needs to be done in moderation. When you’re doing intense intervals every single day, it can leave you feeling exhausted and defeated as opposed to energized and proud.
Two-a-day workouts
Doing two separate full-body workouts in one day seems like the ultimate sign of commitment, but it is far from it. Most people’s bodies and busy schedules just can’t handle that amount of exercise without completely burning out.
Extreme running challenges
Running for 10+ days straight or a certain number of miles each day seems pretty appealing when you start. But, like anything, that luster wears off fast, and all that’s left is exhaustion, achy knees, and pure dread at the thought of running another step.
CrossFit obsession
CrossFit has a loyal crew, but the all-out, competitive vibe can push newbies to overdo it. It’s easy to get caught up, go too hard, and end up sore for days.
Fasted cardio
Cardio on an empty stomach first thing in the morning has its place, but for the majority of people and workouts, it just doesn’t sound as a good idea. After about halfway through a workout, your blood sugar is typically dropping, and all you want to do is eat and go back to bed.
“30-day shred” programs
Those intense 30-day programs that have you working out 6-7 days a week with no mercy always look super promising. But those same programs are almost impossible to stick to, and by the second week, most people feel frustrated and burned out.
Fitness influencer challenges
Let’s be real here, most of those workouts and fitness challenges from our favorite influencers aren’t realistic for most people. When you try to follow along, it often leaves you sore, exhausted, and wondering how they make it look so easy.
Overdoing fitness trackers
At first, all of those trackers seem motivating and great, but it’s easy to become a little obsessive with them. Before you know it, you’ll be walking in circles at 2 am just to get your steps, stressing you out more than motivating you.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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