Fitness Amidst 2020 Challenges
3 Tips for Dealing with Workout Hurdles
When Covid closed fitness facilities back in March ["for 14-30 days"], "gym rats," yogis, and Crossfit enthusiasts found their way. Some found a newfound joy in hiking, some dusted off running shoes that hadn't been used in a decade, and others replaced pull-up P.R.s for climbing trees with their kids.
Now, wildfires have ripped through our state, communities have experienced unprecedented tragedy, and our fresh PacNW air has been blanketed with hazardous smoke. Those of us who found solace in outdoor adventures for the past 6 months are now begging for new coping skills and self-care routines.
If that resonates with you, here are 3 tips to help you through this hurdle, or any other challenges that may pop up in your lifelong fitness journey.
TIP 1: Breathe.
While the air outside may not be ideal for our lungs, those of us fortunate to have a safe place indoors can work on our respiratory system through breathing exercises.
Many of us exhibit breathing patterns that are less than ideal. Until the smoke outside clears, can you commit five minutes a day to create new habits in your breathing? Not only will it help your running performance, it will help your total immune system.
Try this:
In a seated or standing position, place your hands around the bottom of your ribcage.
As you inhale, breathe the air into the bottom of your lungs, expanding the bottom of your ribcage in 360 Degrees. Exhale out all the air.
Bonus points if you can coordinate relaxing your pelvic floor muscles with your inhalation.
TIP 2: Vary your movement, and do it often.
Exercise isn’t just about squeezing a run or lift into your day. If your goal is overall physical health, one of the best ways to promote that is through consistent and varied movement.
Try this:
Following a strong exhale, begin irradiating tension throughout your body.
Choose a joint, and try isolating movement in that joint in your full range of motion.
Move down your body from your neck to your toes, working all of your joints, and avoiding any areas that create closing angle pain.
TIP 3: Let go.
For many of us, the most difficult part of taking a break from a fitness regimen is centered on challenges with self-worth, control, and/or fears of what might happen to our bodies if we take too long of a break.
A week or two away from traditionally structured exercise will not break your fitness (it may even help it in the long run), but the fear of “getting out of shape” can make it tough to accept obstacles in training.
Exercise can be a safe space, and it is a place where many of us can feel some sense of control, which is why it is so empowering; but, sometimes, it’s ok to back off and be ok with just taking things slow for a little. Sometimes, it’s not just ok, it’s necessary.
When you’re ready to get back at it, Reach out to us or Book a Session.