I’ve always heard–and even experienced–that you may regret missing workouts, but you NEVER regret making your workouts.
I had an exceptionally difficult day at work yesterday. I was tempted not to go to the gym. However, I recalled all the times in the past when I didn’t “feel” like working out, and those ended up being the absolute BEST workouts. So, I went.
I was emotionally drained, but had a lot of, what I thought was, frustrated energy. I pictured myself shoving that barbell so hard over my head that I’d need to add heavier weights than my normal 2.5 lb per side. (A whopping 50#! Doesn’t sound like much, I know, but it’s more than I believed I’d ever lift.) Alas, it was all I could do to push that 45# bar over my head. And THAT was a struggle! It was so disappointing, I considered just packing it up and going back home.
I didn’t. I did the next exercise. And then the next. I continued to follow the plan.
I was disappointed in my workout.
Perhaps the disappointment was rooted in my expectations. All of those other workouts that I had done when I didn’t feel like it had ended up being so good. And this one? It was not. Even the cherry on top was a bit of a bummer. The gym had switched out sleds. It wasn’t my beloved “Yellow.” This one is much more difficult to push/pull. My all-time max on my beloved was 8 plates (360#), typical weight I push/pull is 225#. The new sled? I maxed out at 140# last night. It didn’t feel like much of a cherry on top, closer to stale whipped cream. Of course I knew I wouldn’t have hit my max last night, but hitting my typical? That would have felt pretty good. It would have been something, at least. (Yes, I hear you playing your violins, ha!)
Looking back at the workout, from the vantage point of a new day, I’m pretty happy with it. Not because it was an exceptional workout. It wasn’t. I certainly didn’t hit any new personal bests. I didn’t even hit my typicals! One thing I did get out of it? Self-respect. I honored a commitment. Commitments to other people are generally met, but commitments to myself? My track record is quite pathetic. So, it turns out, last night’s disappointing workout may actually be one of my biggest wins so far.
Remember, friends, be fit for FUN + fit for LIFE,
– Cindy
Fit for FUN + Fit for LIFE 