No way am I training on holiday
| but she did! |
What a summer we are having in the UK? I can’t seriously remember the summer holidays ever being this dry and hot!
Summer can be a challenge for many to keep any exercise regime going. Summer holidays, routine out of sorts, socialising more and then throw in humid, sticky weather and boom workouts are a distance memory.
If you follow us on social media you might remember a Friday funny quote of the week from our team member Kirsty back in July when I suggested we meet on zoom whilst she’s away to continue our training for the NFG.
If you remember her response was quite clear “Just for the record I am NOT meeting you on zoom to train whilst I am on holiday. That is just NOT happening.”
I am use to training whilst on holiday, in fact my week in Spain earlier this month is the first holiday I’ve not actually trained during since 2016. I’ve always had a mountain to climb, marathon, a boxing match or more recently an athletics championship in my focus. Having a goal is my biggest motivator.
But Kirsty on the other hand has always been adamant a holiday is for complete rest.
Until now.
We’ve been working out together in readiness for the National Fitness Games since my return from the World Championships but just the week before Kirsty’s holiday I heard her ask our trainer Pete for some sessions to do whilst away, I had to wonder if something had shifted.
Just 4 days into her holiday our little accountability chat group buzzes with a “I’ve just done that rowing workout you sent me.”
Another 48 hours later and it buzzes again, “Did not love the treadmill workout, but I did it.”
I knew there was a mindset shift occurring in Kirsty as I watched her over the weeks training together, making changes to her diary to get to sessions, fitting in sessions before or after clients. Her workout time was becoming a priority.
Kirsty was putting Kirsty as a priority.
I asked her what’s changed and this is her reflection whilst sitting on a sun bed in France (after yet another workout):
“I’ll be honest the last year or so I’ve been treading water. Consistency has never been a problem but effort maybe something I’ve let slip.
It’s easy to get into a pattern with exercise and just keep doing what you are doing without thinking.
I was frustrated. Putting on weight and feeling sluggish and I knew something needed to change for the sake of my mood and those around me.
It’s not easy to change and it always takes far longer than you want.
But sitting here on my holiday, finally with some headspace and time to think I have realised that there has been a substantial shift.
When we holiday I do tend to do very little exercise. This time when we booked our getaway all I wanted was to stop.
Not move for 10 days.
Relax, sit by the pool have a few drinks in the evening.
There was absolutely no way I was going to do anymore than some walking and swimming!!!
However, I’m 6 days in and EVERYDAY since we arrived I have been up and exercising. Even pushing myself into the gym to train harder than I have in a very long time. Coming back to a breakfast of eggs, spinach and fruit and avoiding the bread and croissants everyone around me is devouring!
Why? I have a goal and I have a desire to change.
I have noticed over the years that clients fall into 2 catagories. Those that are ready, head in the right place and up for it and those that think they need to do something but their head isn’t quite there yet.
My head is most definitely in the game.
Here’s what’s helped me with that shift:
1) Accountability and support
I’ve always just got on with it on my own. Sometimes it works but most of the time I let myself off far too easily. That’s why it’s so important to get a trainer on your side, get some accountability and someone to point out that you can actually push a bit harder!
2) Set a goal
Again I don’t normally set myself big challenges, I generally work on improving how I feel. Thanks to my new gym buddy I have a goal and a competition to train for. There is nothing like the motivation of an event to push you forward, when you do it with a partner too you just can’t let them down.
3) Be patient
The shift isn’t a sudden thing so give yourself time. Set the right goal and make sure it’s a realistic target that gives you something to work towards. Set consistent daily actions to get there rather than a major change all at once and be honest with yourself about what is working for you. One small change every day will bring results far quicker than a massive change all at once that only lasts a few weeks.
And just for the record the relaxing by the pool is happening, and the evening drinks. I’m just focusing on feeling good, exercising just that little bit harder and eating well and enjoying feeling fitter and healthier than I have for a while.
There is just one more thing to remember if you are reading this and thinking yeah but I’ve heard that all before and I’m just not there yet, nothing is changing.
Just start, because sometimes the shift comes after the decision to change and the momentum of feeling better is what finally helps your head click into place.”
So if your waiting for the right time, know that right time might not be now, it might not be tomorrow or even next week or month but if you start NOW that time may just come to you a little quicker.
The team are all currently on a final rest before we kick start September.
Our Shred 40 small group PT sessions are back from Tuesday the 31st August with the addition of a brand new piece of equipment the “Bulgarian bag”.
Our virtual studio is back in full swing from 1st with Lift lean now LIVE 3 x a week and of course Stronger together and Shred 20 restarting from 5th September to kick start those work mornings from 7 am.
Running groups all start for a 7 week term from 5th Sept including the long awaited return of our Lady Bugs 0-5km course and those sunset to moonlight runs return as we edge into autumn.
And of course we start our next batch of Project You clients on their 8 week journey to change. Just 1 place left to join myself and Kirsty on this wonderful personalised program.
Me? I am currently on a short adventure trip that’s seen me caving, climbing, swimming, walking, sailing and of course getting those gym sessions in because I also don’t want to let my partner down.
National Fitness Games we might just be ready for you.
Looking forward to welcoming you all back as we head into the final months of the year.