The Fitness Fog: Why You’re Tired All the Time (and It’s Not Just Work)
You know that feeling when you walk into the gym, start your warm-up, and by set two you’re already done? The weights feel heavier than usual, your brain’s a beat behind, and all you can think about is how good a nap would feel?
That’s the fitness fog.
And no, it’s not because you’re lazy, or “just not feeling it today.” It’s because you’re running on fumes & your body is calling you out on it.
I see this all the time with clients who are usually strong, capable, and consistent. They’ll start to struggle through sessions they normally breeze through. They’ll look at me mid-set with that half-apologetic, half-defeated face and I’ll ask the same question every time:
“You haven’t eaten, have you?”
And I’m always right.
Here’s how it is. Your body can’t perform if it’s not fuelled or rested. You can’t expect to build strength, lose fat or feel like your best self if you’re running on caffeine and willpower.
It’s always the same culprits:
Under-fuelling- skipping breakfast, eating “light” before training, or simply not eating enough throughout the day.
Poor sleep- scrolling instead of switching off, pushing through long days, and wondering why motivation is at an all-time low.
Together, those two are a perfect recipe for exhaustion disguised as low motivation.
If you’re in this spot right now, don’t reach for another pre-workout or punish yourself for not pushing harder. Start with the basics:
Eat a real meal before you train - carbs and protein.
Prioritise sleep like it’s part of your training plan (because it is).
Notice how much better you perform when you’re actually fuelled.
Your body doesn’t need more discipline but it does need energy.
