FLEXIBILITY
For the last four years I have been a very avid member of Burn Boot Camp. I love so many things about it. So much that I became a trainer so I could work there, and have the last two years. I would not miss a workout, and six days a week showed up, worked hard and saw amazing results. But when I would be out of town, have a sick kid, bad weather, etc., I'd get so stressed about not making it to the gym. I'd work around our family's schedules to do whatever I could to make it there. Which isn't always a bad thing, but I think there is a fine line between dedication and obsessiveness, and I definitely fall in the later many times. Having our gym close for awhile, and still not being back there myself since last March, I've been forced to work out at home and it has been so good for me. I can work out at the time that works best for me, take a rest day when I need it, change the focus of the day's workout if I want, and be confident in doing my own thing. And know that I am working out because I want to, not because I'm afraid of missing out on a day at the gym.
FREEDOM FROM NUMBERS
I got an Apple Watch two years ago and I love it. There are so many great things about it, but I also think that it can be really negative. I think it's easy to get focused on the numbers - how many steps you took, how many calories you burned that day (which isn't even accurate)s, how many days of your streak of closing your rings you got. Again that line of dedication and obsessive. I realized instead of using those numbers for mere data, I was letting myself feel as though I had to close my rings daily, had to reach my goal, or I didn't feel accomplished. I'd end up not having a true rest day, and that will definitely take a toll on your body. I started not wearing my watch on Sundays, and it's been so good for me. This feels silly to admit, but I know there are others who can relate. It helps give my body permission to rest every minute I can that day. To take as little steps as possible and since I'm "breaking my streak" weekly, there's a lot less to obsess about.
I LOVE cardio. I could do a HIIT workout everyday and be really happy. I love sweating, love getting my heart rate up, and moving as fast as I can. Over the years though, I have learned how much strength training is essential for your body. My body has significantly changed the last few years thanks to strength training. Now I love lifting heavy weights, and don't think I've ever felt stronger before. It's been a mental shift to not think that I need to end every workout huffing and puffing, having burned a ton of calories. But to end a workout feeling like I've lifted heavy, my muscles are getting much stronger, and knowing that that will benefit me in the long run, so much more than hours of cardio.
It may be a tad shallow, but I 100% think having workout clothes that make you feel good, makes you more motivated. I spend more time in workout clothes than any other clothes, and I also love shopping - so I am far from short on leggings, sport bras or tennis shoes. Some of my favorite work out clothes I own are from Adidas. This last year I've purchased two pairs of Adidas shoes - one for running and one for cross training and I have loved them both. They do run big in my opinion so I size down a half or full size. This cute sweatshirt is also one of my favorites.
3 comments:
I identified with this so much. I have not been back to our gym yet either, mostly because it just seems like more of a hassle than a help (scheduling childcare, trying to work around my kids virtual schedule, etc). So I wake up at 5:30 to run, in the dark and cold- but I have realized that I do a lot better if I just run every other day. I have back complications from surgery and it is also just REALLY cold and mentally daunting if I do it EVERY DAY. THe other days, I still set an alarm but let myself stay in bed a little longer, or get up and walk the dog/make coffee/have quiet time before the kids get up.
It's been an exercise (haha!) into leaning into this season of life, of allowing it to be what it is instead of forcing it into something it's not. We knew we were getting inclement weather this morning, so I stayed up a little later with my husband, didn't set an alarm and am still in my pajamas as I type this.
When I had a fitbit I would always leave it off on Sundays for many reasons that you mentioned above, but since getting an apple watch I've been wearing it and agree that the obsessiveness seems almost built in with this. I find myself a lot more "addicted" to the numbers/goals/rings than with the simple challenge of hitting a certain step goal each day. It doesn't help that your watch out of nowhere will just hit you up "You can still do it! A brisk 24 minute walk should do it!" And you are all like, "listen apple watch, dinner is currently burning, my kids are fighting, get out of my face!"
Thinking of you and praying for you during this time. I have missed your posts and loved reading this one! You are not alone and if you ever make it back to NC, let me know :)
Bria
You've learned a lot about what's motivating you.
I read this post your post so nice and very informative post thanks for sharing this post
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