How can you maintain your energy levels when dealing with Functional Training deadlines?

1 Plan ahead

One of the best ways to manage your energy levels is to plan ahead and set realistic goals for your functional training projects. Break down your tasks into smaller and manageable steps, and assign a time frame and priority for each one. This will help you avoid procrastination, stress, and overwhelm, and allow you to focus on the most important and urgent aspects of your work. Planning ahead will also help you balance your workload with your personal and professional commitments, and avoid overcommitting yourself to unrealistic deadlines.

2 Eat well

Another key factor for maintaining your energy levels is to eat well and stay hydrated. Functional training requires a lot of physical and mental effort, so you need to fuel your body and brain with nutritious and balanced meals and snacks. Avoid skipping meals, binge eating, or relying on caffeine, sugar, or alcohol to boost your energy. These can cause spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels, and affect your mood, concentration, and performance. Instead, opt for foods that are rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These will provide you with sustained energy, support your immune system, and help you recover from your workouts. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, and reduced cognitive function.

3 Move often

While functional training is a great way to move your body and improve your fitness, it is not enough to keep your energy levels high. You also need to move often during your workday, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or in front of a screen. Sitting for long periods can cause stiffness, soreness, and poor circulation, and affect your posture, breathing, and metabolism. Moving often can help you loosen up your muscles and joints, improve your blood flow and oxygen delivery, and stimulate your brain and nervous system. Try to get up and stretch every 30 minutes, walk around your office or outside, or do some simple exercises like squats, lunges, or push-ups. You can also use a standing desk, an exercise ball, or a resistance band to add some variety and challenge to your movements.

4 Rest well

Finally, one of the most important and often overlooked ways to maintain your energy levels is to rest well. Functional training can be physically and mentally exhausting, so you need to give your body and mind enough time to recover and recharge. Resting well means getting enough sleep, taking breaks, and relaxing. Sleep is essential for repairing your muscles, tissues, and organs, consolidating your memory and learning, and regulating your hormones and emotions. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night, and follow a consistent sleep schedule, routine, and environment. Taking breaks is also crucial for preventing burnout, reducing stress, and boosting your creativity and productivity. Schedule some downtime during your workday, and do something that makes you happy, calm, or inspired. Relaxing is another way to restore your energy levels, and cope with the challenges and pressures of functional training. Find some activities that help you unwind, such as meditation, yoga, reading, music, or hobbies, and practice them regularly.

Functional training can be rewarding and fun, but it can also be demanding and stressful, especially when you have deadlines to meet. By following these tips, you can manage your energy levels better, and enjoy the benefits of functional training without compromising your health and well-being.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?