Ok so I know this post is loooonnnnggg over due, I havent shared a new workout in a few weeks and wasnt sure if I should even share more about why or whats been going on but, I figure, if I can help you take the rest you sorely need then it’s worthwhile. So, here we go . . .
To be honest my training has taken a bit of a back seat over the last few weeks after another flare-up in my shoulder (ICYMI – I am currently supposed to be on the lightest of duties after tearing the labrum in my shoulder, who knows how?!, last July. Currently on the waiting list for surgery . . . )
Although, I’m not just dialing back my training because I’ve hurt my shoulder, I have plenty of lower body and body-weight only exercises up my sleeve to keep my training going while I work with my phsyio to rehabilitate my shoulder but, I’ve decided it’s time to take a little rest.
If I’m being really honest with you, rest is something I am so not good at.
I know how important it is and will encourage anyone and everyone – friends, family, clients, anyone – to listen to their body and schedule regular periods of rest.
Rest is so very important. For so many reasons, physically and mentally so very important. I know this full well but still, I fight it. I just don’t do well with rest. Even though I know how important it is.
We need to give our incredible bodies adequate time to recover from not only intense exercise but just the general business (and stress!!) that comes with our everyday lives.
It is in these rest and recovery days that our muscles will repair, recover and rebuild, which in turn will show you results.
And isn’t that what we are working for? Results? Change? Progress?
I know I am.
So rest I shall.
I still enjoy some nice casual walks with my sweet little family (fresh air, sunshine and gentle movement give me life!) and I’m doing some nice online stretch/yoga classes with my friends at platform daily (they’re totally free if you want to check them out) but really I’m just taking time to well . . . do not a great deal.
Just between you and me I’m not gonna lie, it was a little difficult to begin with, but now I am really starting to enjoy it, I certainly feel much better for it (my sleep is better, my mood is better & I’m giving my body a much needed breather and time to heal. . . ) and can say that even though its been a little difficult . . . it’s actually really wonderful and absolutely, without question, 100% worth it.
My body and my mind are feeling rejuvenated, reenergized and ready and to re-group, refocus to finish out the year strong.
If you, like me, find it difficult to make time for rest here are a few things I like to do ;
Have myself a good stretch (I’ve been really enjoying this class, it focuses on opening and loosening lower back, glutes & hips. It’s suitable for all levels of experience & it’s 25 mins of bliss!) or take a nice long hot shower
maybe do some baking ( these small batch cheats black forest cakes would be a delicious way to treat yo self), take a walk, call a friend or family member, drink coffee because well –
and eat some dark chocolate & nut butter because well let’s be honest –
If your anything like me rest is something you don’t do often enough and it’s so, so important.
Physically, mentally and emotionally.
Whatever it is that you enjoy I insist you take some time out, if not today over the weekend, to treat yourself to a period of rest. Watch a movie, take a walk, read a book, draw a picture, bake some banana bread, take a long soak in the bath, whatever it is that makes you happy, take at least 5 minutes to make it happen.
No guilt allowed.
Take a nice, big, deep breath . . . and go.
You work hard (& it has been A YEAR!!) , you totally deserve it.
I insist.
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Question of the day –
What’s your fave way to rest and unwind?
