Why Exercise Gives You More Energy (Even Though It Tires You Out)

It might seem strange, but after nearly two full weeks of doing two workouts a day as part of Hard 75, I’ve found myself more energized than ever. At first, I fully expected to be exhausted all the time, but the opposite has happened—I’ve got more energy to power through my day. How does that make sense? The reality is, when you exercise regularly, your body adapts. Your stamina increases, your cardiovascular system becomes more efficient, and your overall endurance improves. These changes don’t just affect your workouts; they spill over into your everyday life, making you feel more alert, focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

One surprising thing I’ve noticed is how much sharper my mind feels. My mental acuity is up, and I’ve been more productive than I expected. I’m writing more than planned, hitting goals that initially seemed difficult, and getting through tasks with a sense of ease. It’s amazing what consistent physical activity can do for both your body and mind. So yes, while exercise might tire you out in the moment, over time it actually leaves you feeling more energized and mentally clear.

The Role of Nutrition in Sustaining Energy

As much as exercise boosts energy, it’s only half of the equation. The other crucial piece is nutrition. During Hard 75, one of the biggest changes I made was ensuring I ate at least three meals a day. Before, I had a habit of skipping meals, which left me drained and lacking the energy I needed to get through workouts—or even regular daily activities. Now, with a more structured approach to my diet, I’m fueling my body properly, and the difference is night and day.

I’ve also been incorporating a lot of the insights I’m gaining from reading Clean(ish). It’s really opened my eyes to how much cleaner my diet and lifestyle could be. Not only am I focusing on whole foods for better nutrients, but I’ve also started making cleaner choices in other areas of life. I recently ordered non-toxic household cleaners, dish soap, dishwasher tablets, and laundry detergent. These might seem like small changes, but when you’re aiming to live a healthier life, every step matters.

This ties into something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately—how we, as a society, are often overfed but undernourished. We consume plenty of calories, but much of what we eat is ultra-processed and lacking in essential nutrients. These empty calories don’t fuel your body in a meaningful way. To perform well and stay energized—whether in workouts or in everyday life—it’s important to focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The cleaner you eat, the better your body functions, and the more energy you have to put toward your goals. That’s been a huge realization for me during Hard 75.

Training for the Battle Buddy Brawl

This shift in energy and focus has naturally tied into my preparation for the Battle Buddy Brawl. Training for a CrossFit competition like this is no small feat, and it requires more than just showing up to the gym. You need a solid plan that balances strength, conditioning, and skill work to set yourself up for success. The increased energy I’ve gained from Hard 75 has kept me on track and allowed me to approach my training with the consistency and focus it demands.

When you’re training for something like the Battle Buddy Brawl, you can’t just wing it. You need to focus on building a foundation of strength, improving your endurance, and honing the skills needed for competition. Incorporating weightlifting for strength, metabolic conditioning (MetCon) for stamina, and mobility work to prevent injuries is crucial. Don’t forget recovery—because it’s just as important as the work you put in at the gym.

It’s not just about physical preparation either; nutrition is key. Eating the right foods fuels your body to train harder and recover faster. By eating whole, nutrient-dense meals, you’ll ensure your body is ready to handle the intensity of CrossFit training. Consistency, both in the gym and in the kitchen, is what will help you succeed on competition day.

Visualizing the Future

One of the most impactful additions to Hard 75 this time around has been the practice of visualizing my future. As I focus on where I want to be, I’ve realized that my long-term goal is to live a healthy, active life well past retirement age. Who wants to work their entire life only to retire and struggle to enjoy it because they’re out of shape or dealing with health issues? I want to truly live—not just now, but into my later years. This lifestyle, with its focus on fitness and clean living, is helping me lay the groundwork for that.

This realization hit me hard during a recent hike up to Buzzard Rock Overlook with three of my kids—one of whom was strapped to me the whole way. We hiked up to enjoy the beautiful views on a Saturday afternoon, and later that night, I went on a dinner date with my wonderful wife. I realized that these are the kinds of moments I want to keep having, even when I’m older. I don’t want to slow down; I want to keep exploring, adventuring, and enjoying life to the fullest.

But to do that, I need to be healthy now. At 42, I’ve come to understand that the decisions I make today will shape my ability to live an active lifestyle in the future. That’s what motivates me to push through Hard 75 and beyond. I want to be that guy who, long after retirement, is still hiking, running, and keeping up with his kids—and maybe even grandkids. And that means putting the right habits in place now.

So, as I work through these physical and mental challenges, I’m constantly visualizing what I want my future to look like. It’s not just about the here and now—it’s about setting the stage for a long, healthy, and active life. That’s what keeps me motivated, whether I’m training for the Battle Buddy Brawl or just working toward being the best version of myself for the long haul. The work I put in today is an investment in a future full of life and adventure.