What's your goal?
NOT ALL RESULTS CAN BE MEASURED BY NUMBERS
I like to reflect on my progress at the end of a block, and not just about the numbers on the bar, the measuring tape or the scales.
I feel like I struggled with consistency this block – first through illness, then through a holiday (the latter of course, much more enjoyable than the former).
As part of my continued recovery from my spinal fusion, I have also progressed to high bar squat and sumo deadlift, away from the safety bar squat and trap bar deadlift I was doing last year. This means going back to ‘square one’ – sometimes it has felt like that first day in the gym all over again! For the last few weeks I have been constantly sore in the upper body. I have also struggled with striking a balance between ensuring I complete all of my sets on time and not rushing with poor form/inadequate rest.
I finished very strongly at the end of last year with some great PBs and so the start of this year has felt like a complete contrast. Of course, the emphasis here is on ‘felt’ – if I look at things more objectively, the picture is very, very different.
I have successfully transitioned to high bar squat and sumo deadlift without back pain – and really, that is enough on its own to call the block a good one! There have been some other little successes too that are not so visible. During my holiday, I continued to track my nutrition – despite the train wreck it showed. It kept me in the discipline of tracking and while I struggled not to judge myself, I think it was a good thing to do. The last time I was away on holidays I did not track at all. I also carry more confidence that I will be able to bring things back under control relatively quickly.
I am also better now at ensuring I focus my exercise for my goals, and not ‘more is better’. I have stepped back on Bootcamp sessions, and switched one of those sessions for a lighter, lower impact session at home on the day of the week I know I feel the cumulative effects of training. That session can even just be some yoga, the emphasis is on what would be good for me on that day, so it varies.
Our journeys are so much more than the numbers. I am looking forward to what the next block brings!
This reflection is from our long term client and 2020 transformation winner Amanda. Always keeping it real and trying to focus on the stuff that really matters! 💜