I am back to the gym for a few days now. I am not a novice and I know my way around the gym. I skipped my workouts the past four months and I feel now is the time to get back into my daily routine. I miss the better version of myself. I miss the muscle aches, my strength and my energy: not just physically but mentally too. I missed the gym itself and the atmosphere as it is an always vibrant place which motivates me to push myself.
I have mixed feelings: I feel the excitement but overwhelmed at the same time. Will I be able to achieve my goals? Are they realistic at all? I keep asking myself: should I even start with it, am I dedicated enough or will I fail?
What are my goals?
First and most important what do I want to achieve? What is my direction, and motivation: strength, endurance, body composition, flexibility and performance. No, Im not an overachiever! I just simply want to look and feel as good as I possibly can.
Steady and slowly?
Yes, definitely. Baby steps. This is a challenge. I cant risk an injury or just feel that the workout turns out to be a burden. I need to allow some time to my body to adjust. As my fitness level improves, I will increase the intensity and complexity of my workout.
What activities do I enjoy?
Im sure, we all had the experience where five and six years old have to run around the school. Some kids have fun while doing so, some simply hate it. Me, of course belonged to the haters. Fourty years on, I still can not convince myself that running could be beneficial for me. I never knew how to breathe: through my nose, when I get a sore head or through my mouth when my lungs will be in pain. This hatred continued through middle school where most of our PE classes ended with someones humiliation. No wonder I hated PE classes, however I was always good at ballgames. Preferably basketball or volleyball.
Finally out of middle school, my friend convinced me to go the gym with her and she thought me the basic exercises for each muscle goups. My friends insight and help was indispensable, still remember her advice on how to listen to my body, way before I could look it up on the internet. By the way, she was a body builder champion, so she knew what she was talking about! Those were happy days indeed.
The only two sports I always loved was ice skating and roller skating. I was six when I tried these spots, and they are a life long commitment. Nowadays I love to start my day with inline skating or roller skating. Not just for the body but also for the soul. Beautiful outdoors, fresh air just what I need in a sunny summer morning. I would do three rounds around the estate where I live. This is about 10 km, door to door only takes less than one hour. After a nice shower I am ready for my full time job with a clear conscience, whatever the day may brings I am ready for it. The other option is my gym workout. I prefer to lift weights and once a week I might do yoga or go to spin class.
How realistic is my schedule?
I feel it is pretty realistic, apart from the fact, that as a busy mum, I always have the element of surprise incorporated in my life. The plan would be to do four gym or workout sessions, what ever that may be. Consistency is key!
Do I listen to my body?
Absolutely! I pay attention to my body’s signals, and adjust my workout accordingly. I listen to my body if I need to increase or decrease the weights, if I need an extra rest day or if I need more sleep.
How do I fuel my body?
Exercise and nutrition go hand in hand. Trying to nourish my body with a balanced diet that includes an adequate amount of proteins, carbs ad fats. Hydration is key, never forget about it!
Do I seek professional help?
I am not sure yet, but all gyms offer special help, if needed. Trainers can explain the basics, they do introductions, and give insight tailored to specific needs.
Do I feel guilty if I can not do my workout?
Very unfortunate, but I feel guilty. I shouldn’t feel bad, I know. Life happens, and I am not the most important person in my life any longer!
Do I track my progress?
I don't like weighing myself. I don’t see the benefit of it, I feel the scale would just disappoint me. I like to see when my pants are getting looser or I need to punch an extra whole into my belt. However I believe in the use of a measuring tape: I will have to be able to match those numbers in a few months time….
To be continued….
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