Hi there!
Totally on an endorphin high right now, which still feels like a treat after my break from working out (read about it here http://thischickellie.weebly.com/1/post/2014/02/my-break-from-running.html).
Most runners, and even most people who work out, can relate to being sidelined. I've had a foot stress fracture-thing, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, a purple and sore knee, and just plain sickness that's kept me from running for up to 2-week periods. And every single time, I get this sense of doom that I'll never get back to my fitness level, never run long again, never feel lean and healthy again.
Of course this is crazy, just the emotions, stress, and lack of feel-good workout hormones talkin'. But when you're lying there on the couch with your foam roller, frozen water bottle, and favorite TV show, it feels like you'll never be an active healthy person again.
That's why I'm always so pumped when I get the thumbs-up to start training and working again, and can start towards the goal of getting back into fighting shape.
This weekend I headed home to my parents' house (and my, it's still my house) and hit up the gym I frequented during high school. Saturday was cycling, a few treadmill miles, and an hour of "cardio kickbox", a high-intensity cardio class with a really fun teacher and great music.
Totally on an endorphin high right now, which still feels like a treat after my break from working out (read about it here http://thischickellie.weebly.com/1/post/2014/02/my-break-from-running.html).
Most runners, and even most people who work out, can relate to being sidelined. I've had a foot stress fracture-thing, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, a purple and sore knee, and just plain sickness that's kept me from running for up to 2-week periods. And every single time, I get this sense of doom that I'll never get back to my fitness level, never run long again, never feel lean and healthy again.
Of course this is crazy, just the emotions, stress, and lack of feel-good workout hormones talkin'. But when you're lying there on the couch with your foam roller, frozen water bottle, and favorite TV show, it feels like you'll never be an active healthy person again.
That's why I'm always so pumped when I get the thumbs-up to start training and working again, and can start towards the goal of getting back into fighting shape.
This weekend I headed home to my parents' house (and my, it's still my house) and hit up the gym I frequented during high school. Saturday was cycling, a few treadmill miles, and an hour of "cardio kickbox", a high-intensity cardio class with a really fun teacher and great music.
On Sunday I dragged my mom to hot yoga. I was planning to hit up the gym once I got back to college, but I took a nap instead. That's life.
Monday I planned on working out and didn't, but Tuesday (when I'm writing this) I ran 3 miles and hit up a cycling class.
My alarm is set for 5:50, when I'm planning on going to "Rise and Shine Yoga", but we'll see if that happens.
*** Update. I rolled over. I said, "I'm not going to yoga. It's cold outside. I'll just work out later. Yoga's lame. Sleep is good. I'm so warm." 4 minutes later I got my butt outta bed and went to run a few miles and do yoga. I rewarded myself with a latte. ***
Monday I planned on working out and didn't, but Tuesday (when I'm writing this) I ran 3 miles and hit up a cycling class.
My alarm is set for 5:50, when I'm planning on going to "Rise and Shine Yoga", but we'll see if that happens.
*** Update. I rolled over. I said, "I'm not going to yoga. It's cold outside. I'll just work out later. Yoga's lame. Sleep is good. I'm so warm." 4 minutes later I got my butt outta bed and went to run a few miles and do yoga. I rewarded myself with a latte. ***
Getting back into a fitness routine is always a bit of a challenge. On one hand, I'm super excited to be able to work out again and get healthy-feeling again (Let's be honest, it's not like I was "unhealthy", I just didn't feel super healthy veggin' out for 10 days!)
On the other hand, though, I've made a "habit" of NOT going to the gym for the last few weeks- I've filled my day with other things, used my energy in other ways, and gotten used to not working out. It's like I have to remotivate myself to be a fitness freak.
Some things that always help me:
Have you ever taken a workout break? Forced or your choice?
How do you get back into the workout routine?
On the other hand, though, I've made a "habit" of NOT going to the gym for the last few weeks- I've filled my day with other things, used my energy in other ways, and gotten used to not working out. It's like I have to remotivate myself to be a fitness freak.
Some things that always help me:
- Trying not to do "too much, too soon"- While I might run 4 miles or take a cycling class, you won't see me going on a 13 mile run any time soon- girl's gotta work back up to that. Same with speed work and hill repeats.
- Giving myself "permission" to take days off or stop early- I planned on doing 4 miles today, but after cycling for an hour I wasn't feeling it. Usually I'd say "cardio is mental" and "Crank that Hoodie Alan" but today I was like, "Nah go home and eat an apple, you did good."
- Changing up my routine so I don't get burnout- when I've been "off" fitness for a while, jumping back in and clocking hours on a treadmill or miles and miles of the same loop drives me bonkers. So I do yoga, cycle, lift weights, run, and STRETCH. Every fitness day is different.
- Scheduling in fitness- like I said, when I take time off, other things (30 Rock and going to Starbucks) fill the time that gym time used to take up. So, to get back into the zone, I'll put "gym" on my calender. Planning to take a class or meet a friend helps, because it gives you a time that's harder to skip.
Have you ever taken a workout break? Forced or your choice?
How do you get back into the workout routine?