I have been going to kickboxing classes 3 x week for 5 years. I love the music and energy of this group class, but i am not a natural athelete and during many workouts i feel clumsy and, being older than most, like i have no strength or form. What i have found is that these less satisfing workouts are actually producing the most physical gains in the long run. If I muster the energy to keep going and stop worrying about what i must look like, by the end of the week, I have made some improvements and i feel stronger and more skilled. Time has shown me that the work done in the less satisfying workouts are what contributes to progress over time, and showing up consistenly is the real formula for long term success and physical gains.
I just try to remember that a not great workout session is still better than no workout session at all, and I’ll just push myself more next time. You don’t have to be 100% all the time.
I try to remember that my body speaks to me. Some days I have more energy than others. I’m not always going to feel 100% but if I make an effort that’s important, too.
Radical acceptance -even if I just get in a few minutes of exercise, I’m happy I got any in at all. I try to completely accept my performance and not judge myself.
I remind myself that I am here to do my best and give my best version. For that I am grateful for the opportunity to grow. Every moment is a gateway to growth and opening to experiences.
Remember that some exercise is better than no exercise. Just take Baby steps everyday and keep going, one step at a time.
This is a really hard thing to deal with, and the solution is even harder to handle, because for me it’s remembering this: a poor job is better than doing nothing at all. And that’s hard to deal with! It’s literally why we procrastinate: we would rather deal with doing nothing than potentially doing badly. But if you’re struggling and feel like you did a terrible job exercising, you still did and got more out of your time than the person who did nothing. Embrace doing a bad job on things, and you’ll eventually do a better job more often.
Well one exercise session is only 1/5 or 1/7 (20% or 14%) of your ACTUAL weekly exercise output, so just make up for it in the next one by doing a couple more minutes or some extra reps and machines.
That’s a hit home question because that situation is a challenging one t I me and is an indicator as to what kind of shape my body is really in I then know how much work needs to be done to get back into optimum physical condition.
It’s bettet to adjust your exercise session to what you can do and gradually increase the durarion or intensity as it becomes easier, instead of starting with an exercise session that discourages you because it is too difficult. Some stretching and minor strength exetcises everyday, 5 or 10 minutes to start, is enough. Then increase it when it starts to feel too easy. And don’t give up!
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.
