Here are a few ways you know your “balance” needs a little work:
You get anxious when you take a rest day.
You’re eating food you don’t enjoy.
You’re saying no to social events because you’re afraid you’ll be eat something off-plan.
You don’t feel good and your energy level sucks.
Finding the right balance may mean you have to make a few adjustments to your current training and/or nutrition plans.
I’ve mentioned a slight case of the winter blahs lately. I’m learning that this happens for me every time around this year. I train pretty hard all summer and stay ridiculously active. Guess what? I love it. I love summer, I love the sunshine, I love lifting heavy and I love movement!
What I was doing for training towards the end of summer and into fall felt good. I enjoyed my strength training sessions and I was walking (and loving it) all the time. However, after my summer high, I started feeling a little burnt out. I’m learning that at this time of the year I need to adjust my training to my lifestyle. I wasn’t excited about long strength training sessions at the gym or long walks outside anymore. I found myself needing a lot more of a pep talk before each workout. Exercise didn’t really feel like it was enhancing my life for a bit there.
Instead of forcing what just didn’t feel right this year, I scaled things back a bit. It’s temporary, but it’s what works right now.
I’ve shortened up my workouts. I’ve been doing 30-40 minute workouts about 5 days each week instead of my normal 3 lengthier ones. I’m getting outside for walks when it’s nice enough. They’re not 4 or 5 miles like they were, but it’s good to get some fresh air and get out there for a mile or two.
These changes are keeping me moving, keeping my training mojo up and giving me a break from what had started feeling like a chore. I’m sure I’ll change back to my norm in awhile, but this is what’s working for me right now during the busy start to the holiday season. I’m excited for these workouts because they are different than what I was doing before. They give me energy to get everything else in my life accomplished right now. Yup, I call that a win.
Here’s an example of a workout I did the other day. It was quick and effective! I did 10 rounds. Every round I did one less squat, but everything else stayed the same. I used a 20K kettlebell for the squats and swings. Obviously, this workout can be adjusted based on your strength level and what equipment you have available.