I’m back with a REAL Workout Wednesday post! Lots of you sent DMs asking when this would return. Truly you have no idea how happy that made me! In truth, my motivation for putting this kind of post together was really lacking the last 6ish weeks. Actually my last true Workout Wednesday post was February 3. Yikes! But it was hard to write about exercise when I wasn’t able to do so in my normal manner. Of course that’s just an excuse and we all know what I think of excuses… Still, it was too hard for me. And I had a lot of other things on my mind I guess you could say. So I apologize! And I promise I’ll do better. In fact, I have quite the list of questions ready to go for the next few Workout Wednesday posts!

What did your workouts look like when you were on restrictions?

A whole lot different than they currently do or previously did. When I say I was restricted, I was basically told to do the bare minimum. I walked a lot. And I walked some more. There were a few days I added in some light {like 3lb DB light} weights for a 10 minute arm-toning class. I could do some yoga, but no twists or power-focused flows. A few days I did some low impact biking, but that seemed to push my HR a little too close to 120 at times so it was minimal. 

It was extremely difficult to be honest. To go from 60-75 minute workouts with fairly heavy weights, running 20-25 miles per week, etc. to what felt like sedentary to me was not easy. I knew it could be a potential struggle for me but had no idea it would mess with my mind the way it did. Of course I wasn’t losing all my hard work over the last few years, but it sure felt like it. But at the same time, I wasn’t willing to risk going against my doctor’s restrictions. I never ‘cheated’ in terms of workouts. And I never did anything I wasn’t allowed during each phase of things. Mind over matter was my philosophy and dang did I have to remind myself of it. A LOT.

Suggestions for how to love running?

Hmmm… This is an interesting one. I think my biggest suggestion is if you don’t love running, don’t run. Because there are a million different forms of exercise out there. So why do one you hate? Like I personally have loved running since the day I made a commitment to start being consistent back in 2013. Sure there are days when I feel sluggish, etc. But I never have once thought ‘I don’t want to run.’ It’s absolutely OK if you have not wanted to run, though! Can everyone do it? Absolutely. Should everyone? No. And if you have a love/hate relationship with it, then I’d ask why the hate? So on the days you hate it, find another way to move your body. 

Exercise is something we GET to participate in, not something we HAVE to. Try a lot of things. See what you find fun! If fun is a bit of a stretch, find what makes you feel good. As well as what makes you feel accomplished. A workout should not be a form of punishment but a way to honor your body’s abilities. And I encourage you to push yourself out of your comfort zone. But I also encourage you to not do something just because ‘everyone else’ is doing it. Don’t buy a Peloton if you hate biking. Likewise, don’t lace up your sneakers if you dread running. Also, don’t forget, fitness is not one-size-fits-all but there really is something for everyone!

Would you rather, fitness edition:

This was such a fun idea that someone sent a few weeks back. And I didn’t answer it right then because I was feeling sorry for myself that I couldn’t do most of what was on this list. But now that I have been able to for the last week+, I thought now was a good time! I built this little would-you-rather and would love to hear what YOURS picks are in the comments below!

Workout Wednesday Workout of the Week

What you’ll *ideally* need- 1 set of light, medium & heavy dumbbells + a band. This was my first ‘leg workout’ after retrieval. And I was sore for 4 days after it. 🙂 To make this harder, increase your weight and make circuits 1-3 4 rounds instead. Needing something a bit easier? You could truly do this workout entirely bodyweight, so don’t be afraid to!

· xox, Kristin ·