How & Where Do I Start?
So I stopped… and now I have no idea how to start. Am I starting over? Or starting again?
Set Your Mind Right
Sometimes life happens and more often than not we “fall off the bandwagon.” But the thing is, if we were listening to our bodies and at that given time in our lives traditional “workouts” didn’t fit into our routine - believe it or not - that’s okay. When a life change is taking a lot out of us physically, sometimes it is most important for us to listen to our bodies' cues on what it really needs rather than overworking and over-exhausting ourselves. That isn’t productive for any area of your health - mental, physical or emotional. So first and foremost, listen to your body and what it is asking of you right now - not your mind’s opinion on it’s needs, but your body’s true needs.
Uncover Your Motivation
Okay, now that we have that laid out - let’s talk starting “over” versus starting “again.” Give yourself more credit, my friends. All of the hard work you have put in previously, whether it be weeks, months or even years ago wasn’t all a waste. Sure, in a perfect world you would have just slowed down rather than stopping altogether, but we don’t live in a perfect world! So have some grace with yourself. The important thing is you are here in this moment, putting in the work trying to figure out how to start again. And that is something to be immensely proud of - I know I am proud of you. Because that is hard, really hard. Showing up for ourselves is one of the hardest things we can do, but also one of the most important things we can do.
Slow Down
It’s been weeks, months or even years - slow down, my friends! You’re inevitably not going to be at the same agility, strength and endurance you were at previously. No biggie, you will get there again no doubt, but there is no need to rush it. Take this step by step - there is no shame in starting small. Heck recently, I started again with a 10 minute workout… that I took breaks during. Sounds lame, right? Or is it? Because since I took the time to listen to my body and take the necessary breaks it was asking for, I have managed to not re-aggravate my back injury and therefore have been able to continue taking steps and progressing. Patience is frustrating sometimes, but it is essential to succeed.
Be Consistent
Routine is an integral part of success. The more often we do things, the easier they become. The age-old saying “practice makes perfect” does not lie. Our routine can, and should, change throughout the ever-changing chapters of our lives, however, the consistency in having a routine is what is most important. So commit to a routine that works for you - one that emphasizes listening to your body’s and mind’s needs.
Challenge Yourself
When the time comes that you are back in the full swing of things, challenge yourself. Usually our mind tells us we are done before our body really is. Listen to your body during your workouts - after all, workouts are for your physical health; Listen to your mind during your journaling, therapy sessions and emotion work - those are for your mental health. The more you give yourself the opportunity to surprise yourself, the more you will. It won’t be easy, but challenges aren’t meant to be easy! Progression is change and change is uncomfortable. But if we only ever stay in our comfort zone, we will never succeed. Incredible things happen on the other side of your comfort zone.
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for” -John Shedd via Dave Hollis.
And just like that you started again. I knew you could… and deep down, you knew you could too. I’m so proud of you - for showing up, for putting in the work, for investing in yourself, for being YOU. And if you’re searching for some guidance on what exactly these workouts you are going to be starting again should look like - you have come to the right place. This Train Like a Gymnast website it flooded with information, resources and allies in this journey. Thanks for stopping by!
“Life requires Risk, but risk means unsafe territory and vulnerability. by grounding myself in my values, i have been able to maintain security in the uncharted territory i continue to explore.”
-The Silver lining by Serena Pergola
Until next time,
Xo- Serena