When I crashed due to adrenal fatigue last February, I knew I had to finally give in and do exactly what I was supposed to do heal my adrenal crisis.  It did not make me happy. I was in the best shape of my life, and cutting back on my workouts and taking a break from trying to heal my gut and SIBO was kind of devastating…but there was no question it was I had to do.  I had insomnia, it took me forever to fall asleep at night, I awoke all night long, and was just so tired. So very tired!!!! I cut back to less intense workouts, skipping the cardio, if I worked out at all.  I had to increase my carb intake, so I went back to just gluten free instead of grain free. Eventually I learned that grains were giving me brain fog, and went back to Paleo with some FODMAP restrictions, but slowly I got better. I started sleeping the night most nights, and falling asleep normally. The downside of it all, has been my physical shape. I lost tone and strength, and I gained a ton of weight.

Six weeks ago I decided I was feeling better enough to try a full program again, and opted for Body Beast, a body building program that was mainly weight training. This type of workout is highly recommended for those with adrenal fatigue, because it doesn’t generally raise the heart rate like cardio and other regimens can, but still helps you get into shape.  It’s been great! It’s definitely been a challenge, because I do prefer workouts that are a little more intense and that move a little faster, but the reality is, it’s exactly what I needed!! I’m not losing weight yet (nor have I tried) but I’m moving up to heavier weights, and can really see the difference in my arms, and I’m only halfway through it! It feels amazing to push my body again, to feel it be strong, to feel accomplished.

Adrenal Fatigue doesn’t have to mean an end to fitness, it just means we have to modify what we do. I wish I had started this program sooner! I kept trying the less intense workout days of other ones, or doing primarily yoga, and I found it so boring that I would just end up not working out at all most days — hence my weight gain and loss of everything I worked so hard for. Don’t give up, and don’t give in — find something that works for you, that appeals to you. You’ll heal better with a healthy, strong body than a weak one!