Managing Burnout

[Est1969]

43 yrs. 6'4, 215#

Been running 5/3/1 for 8 complete months (logged here) and the progress has exceeded my expectations. I run it 4x per week for 3 wks per month and one week off before upping the weights 10#/5# and repeating.

After 8 months the weights are starting to intimidate me and I just can't seem to bring the mental fire into the gym that I had 6 months ago. I am stressing about Deadlift day 48 hours before I head into the gym. I am still progressing in everything except OHP, and have not failed a minimum set yet.

I'm looking for suggestions on how to get my head back into the workout. Esp from anyone 40+ that has been through this.

Some ideas that I've come up with, but have not tested:

1. Deload everything by 20% and work back up to where I am now.
2. Take a month off.
3. Switch to 2 workouts a week with no deload week (This is a Wender suggestion for old f&^ks like me)
4. Do a couple months of 5x5 just to switch things up.

Sounds like a real whiner thread, but hopefully I can get some constructive feedback.

Thanks.

 

[Rodja]

It sounds like boredom to me. Have you tried switching up the assistance template to add some variety into the routine?

 

[toddgranit]

It might be something as simple as mental fatigue, sometimes taking a week off can do wonders for your drive, motivation, and focus.

Peace

 

[Est1969]

It sounds like boredom to me. Have you tried switching up the assistance template to add some variety into the routine?

Thanks Rodja. I am definitely a creature of habit and stick to the same assistance work week in and out. I will try to break that and see if it helps. Still freaking fearful of Deadlift day. I want to get my head into attacking and conquering the weight, and not just surviving it like a wuss.