Balance
Now, when it comes to exercise I have to admit to being one of those annoying individuals that actually really enjoy working out and being active. I love nothing more than the feeling of my body being capable of doing anything I ask of it and it being up to the challenge when I decide to push it. And above all, every time I do, I am so grateful when it responds - I want to feel strong and able for as long as it will let me.
A competitive edge to my character helps too. I can’t help but feel the urge to run that bit faster, lift that much heavier or stretch that inch further, even if the only opponent is myself. A throwback to my team sports days perhaps, but I use it. That edge keeps me pushing onwards and trying to achieve those little wins that can put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.
However, just recently I have been trying to teach myself the art of moderation. Balance. Actually having an ear open to what my body is trying to tell me - not something I’ve always been very good at. How is my body feeling today? What is it trying to tell me? Should I grab the trainers or should I just stretch it out - on the sofa or otherwise?
For those of us who love being active it can sometimes feel like an act of laziness not to pull on those gym tights and lace up the trainers. However, I have been finding (a little slow to the start line on this occasion perhaps) that these timeouts are proving to be far more beneficial to me. The muscles get a chance to rest of course but it’s more than that. It feels like my body is thanking me for finally listening after all these years.
And when it comes to the type of exercise, well that’s gone through a bit of a shake up too. Gone are the 1.5 hour cardio sessions in the gym, hours on the spin bikes and miles racked up pounding the hotter-than-hell trails here in Saudi. In their place are shorter workouts consisting of high intensity interval training, weights, and interval sprint sessions. The result? Finally seeing a shift change in my body and an increase in my energy levels. For me, it’s working.
A typical week ends up looking something like this:
Sunday - HIIT session for around 40 minutes
Monday - leg session (I mix in some HIIT between the weights)
Tuesday - rest
Wednesday - interval sprints for 30 mins
Thursday- rest or yoga
Friday - arm session
Saturday - rest or walk
As I type, my trainers remain in the cupboard and I look forward to my next session knowing I’ll go in there with energy and purpose. But for now, move over on that sofa.