(Can’t) Push It

Posted: February 3, 2010 at 8:41 pm

After posting yesterday afternoon, the hubs and I headed out to the gym for a workout. I did my usual 10 minute elliptical warm-up, followed by a quick full body workout, and then ending with a 20 minute treadmill incline walk. This workout has been working great for me recently because it is a perfect balance of getting a quality workout in without overdoing it. And for the most part I am perfectly satisfied with it and excited that this is how I am working in the gym right now because it accommodates what I am working towards these days. But there are times (very RARE times these days) that I sill find myself wanting MORE. Not necessarily more as in longer cardio or more exercises or more days of training. But more as in feeling like I really kicked my butt when I leave.

As a lot of you were able to figure from yesterday's post, my current goals and hopes do not really coincide with pushing my body hard. I completely embrace that. Some days, however, something will happen that will make it very hard for me. A big part of who I am is related to my passion for fitness and accomplishing things in that realm of my life. No, it doesn't wholly define me by any means, but it is something I take pride in and something I like having a goal in, even just personal improvement goals like increasing the weight on exercises, speed of a run, number of pushups/pullups, etc. I get pleasure and fulfillment out of challenging myself in the gym.

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So, yesterday while doing my workout, I saw another really fit and strong girl working out. I was very happy to see a woman representing strength in the gym and the determination to push herself . Then, I started wishing I could be doing those things. I miss feeling like someone that inspired others with my training. I miss feeling extremely accomplished for achieving another personal goal in my workout, leaving the gym feeling strong and like a true athlete. I miss the adrenaline of a GREAT workout, testing my limits and making it through something really difficult. It was a great feeling.

These days, I try to stay comfortable in my workouts and not push it too much. And normally I am very happy with that. I know there is a greater purpose and that it is best for my health. Besides, going balls to the wall every workout isn't healthy anyways...our bodies need different loads of training and adequate rest. It still doesn't negate the fact that I have my down moments where I long to go hard or go home. Last night just happened to be one of those times. It is an adjustment, but I do know that (hopefully) soon it will be well worth it. Plus, today it has already passed and I had a very very fun time keeping things moderate at the Group Kick class this morning. 🙂 So, please don't think I'm mental and seriously struggling all the time or anything of that nature. I just wanted to express that sometimes things are difficult to adjust to and it takes time to completely accept changes that you know are for the best. 😉

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  • Have you ever had to take a step back from one of your passions? How did it make you feel?
  • Do you always push yourself super hard in your workouts or do you vary your intensities? Or do you do like I currently am doing and just take a more leisurely approach to your workouts (not ineffective but more laid-back)?

I will announce the Giveaway Winner tonight!!! 🙂 And while you're in the Giveaway mood - check out two more - Kristin from Iowa Girl Eats and Heather from Health Happiness & Hope!

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10 Comments to “(Can’t) Push It”
  1. Mellissa says:

    Could you find a new passion in the gym? A class where you don’t have to go all out but would still really enjoy?

    I really try to vary my workouts, some days I just don’t feel like trying hard and others I want to show the gym who is boss 🙂

  2. lindsayruns says:

    I’ve not been faced with that situation exactly, but I do remember after I was injured last fall being so frustrated knowing that I was able to do so much with my body but completely sidelined by this one. little. thing. I can only imagine the feeling of sidelining yourself on purpose…even if it is for a worthy cause. Ebs and flows, you’ll be able to renew your passion again one day!

  3. I think I have a more laid-back approach to working out than I used to. Working 40 hours doesn’t leave me a ton of extra time so my motto these days is “something is better than nothing!” I’m currently loving Jillian’s 30 day shred and like you I belive, I hope to soon have a reason to take it easier in that dept :>

  4. Vee says:

    I had to step back many times due to injuries. First, I got angry, then I accepted it and discovered a lot of fun yet low impact activities. I started swimming again, discovered Tai-chi, yoga etc.

  5. Lindsey says:

    My workouts have been laid back! I dont have a set schedule either, I do what I feel like doing and it’s so nice 🙂

  6. caronae says:

    Great post! I am the same way — Iwant to go hard every time, but you’re totally right. We don’t need to be crazy workout-ers to get the benefits, and sometimes out bods need a little rest and love.

  7. so well said tina! working out does not mean going balls to the wall everyday! it is important NOT to push your body too much bceause we all know that rest is when your muscles get to work and grow! too much working out-delay muscle building and progress and can acutally weaken your immune system as well

    I am not too hard core these days. I workout when i workout and sometimes dont even have a plan when i walk into the gym! I do what I feel and it has been working great!!

    be thankful for this time to scale down th workouts because chances are you will come out much stronger and refreshed 🙂

    • Tina says:

      Well, this time I’m hoping to come out less refreshed and strong….since you don’t usually feel refreshed while growing a baby 😉 But it’s still worth it! And most of the time I do enjoy it. Especially after the insanity that was comp prep 😉

  8. […] early months, I shared a lot of emotions revolving around trying to conceive our second child – not being able to pursue fitness goals, seeing another negative test, and sharing how I handled it […]

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