A couple of months ago I wrote a blog post, “Scared and a little stupid.” At the time I wasn’t feeling so good and my body was giving me all the signals to slow down. But, I was hard headed and I didn’t listen. I forged ahead to the gym on an empty stomach, light headed, and dizzy. I nearly fainted in Pilates and had to leave class prematurely. That incident was one of my first wake-up calls to take better care of myself. Sometimes it’s important to just STOP. RECOVER. REFUEL. Coming from a person who avoided exercise like the plague and ate whatever foods I wanted. I admit, I have turned my obsession in quite the opposite direction. I eat and breathe health and fitness. It consumes me. I want out of this body so bad and sometimes I just can’t and won’t sit still.
Last weekend, my body, mind, and soul were tired. I was - I guess you could say - tapped out. So I decided to take the weekend off from exercising and thinking too much about it. Time to just chill and relax. I realized after some self-reflection what my life needs is balance. Here’s a recap of my week:
· Monday – I worked with my Megan, my trainer. Accomplished things I never accomplished before: 33 pushups and 25 modified pull-ups.
· Tuesday - I hit the gym HARD. I was moving around like Agile Abigail. I tell you I had full command of the gym. I was a Rock star.
· Wednesday – A vigorous cardio workout followed by a return to Yoga class. In Yoga I discovered my body is in need of TLC. Despite being stronger and fitter my body is really wacked. A blog post about Yoga is forthcoming.
· Thursday – A tune-up type workout with Megan and I started my pre-training jog for the half marathon I’m participating in this June.
· Today, Friday - It seems I have hit another brick wall. I’m physically tapped out.
After reviewing my week I guess maybe I still missed the mark in the area of balance. But, to make good on the week I’m not working out today. And, I’m not going to beat myself up about it. Heck, I work hard. My body works hard. I give all of myself when at the gym or with Megan. I respect and cherish my body and its limits. Today I grant my body the rest it deserves. After all, slow and steady wins the race. This is about the overall, big picture and I’m destined to win even if I take a day off here and there. I’m smart and balanced.
Very well stated and I too took a break from the gym today b/c other things in my life were about to become unbalanced.
ReplyDeleteBalance is key :}
@ Honey Mocha - Sometimes we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to just relax. And, relax without guilt. That's why I like Yoga so much it gives you time to connect with yourself. Be still. Breathe.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a weekend full of relaxation. Enjoy!