Comfort, Progress & New Normal
I am 6 months into what feels like the biggest change in lifestyle I have made in my 51 years! I struggled with the decision for months, agonizing over who I would be if I didn't have my space, what I would do, and what would happen to me? Well, I am happy to report that my ability to survive stressful changes remains at a 100% success rate!
In passing back the keys to my space I felt as though I had been cruising along in my life and someone pulled the emergency brake... my life came to a screeching halt! No more running here and doing this, before I had to be there for that; I was at home, with nothing to do; and all damn day to do it... before you start getting bitter about that, let me just say the novelty wore off quicker than sidewalk chalk in a rain storm!
As hectic and divisive as my time in studio made my life; it was my 'normal', what I had gotten comfortable with - for better or for worse! Mostly by the time I made the decision to close, it was for worse; because I knew in my heart that it was the wrong platform for me; it wasn't how I wanted to deliver my programs, and it was taking too much of my time away from home.
The decision to be at home was the best one I have made in a long time; but that didn't mean there wasn't work to do in the adjustment! I'm not just talking about setting up my at home studio, and the physical work of the moves, I'm talking about the work of staying motivated, the work of finding a so called new normal! (every time I say I am working towards a new normal, I think of that line in Practical Magic; “My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage." - Aunt Frances” ) and I wonder if the whole pursuit of normal is a trap? Maybe normal doesn't exist, new or otherwise... and that's ok too!
At any rate, what I knew was that I need to tweek the program! The meal planning and workouts were the toughest adjustments! For the better part of 5 years I have been eating to support a body that was working out approximately 12-16 hours a week (on top of my life here on the farm!). The workout hours cut approximately in half, the food intake ... uh, not so much! Not only was I eating the same, I found myself eating more - because now I had time to cook - a lot of time, and sit down meals were a thing again! Not to mention a glass of wine while cooking, and perhaps another while dining... and if there were no classes that night... you get the picture!
Combine the nutritional derailment with a softened workout program, reduced cardio because of space limitations, and the month off between closing and reopening was tough on my body, so coming back with reduced weights and less time on the poles made for muscle loss on top of everything else! All told the last 6 months have added 5lbs to the scale, and a 1.3% loss of muscle mass... doesn't seem like a big deal, but it's not where I want to be!
So here's the thing; when you aren't where you want to be you have two choices, be miserable, or change what needs changing! A big part of my program is about self awareness; staying connected to yourself, how you're feeling, why you're feeling it, and what you can do about it! Over the past couple of weeks I did a little soul searching, some personal inventory work, and came up with a few things that I could change with little effort; that would have a positive impact on my new normal!
My meal plan has gone through a portion control inspection! I strongly encourage everyone to do this! It doesn't matter if what you are eating is 'good for you', or total crap - too much; is too much! Get familiar with portion sizes! Process food isn't a big issue in our house, and being at home has really been good on that front, but the whole 'treats' thing had gotten way outta hand - that has stopped!
Wine... I know there are countless studies to support a glass of wine a night, and even ones saying a glass of wine is the equivalent to an hour in the gym... but this girl has dialed it back to weekends only! Week one of this had me experiencing some of the best nights sleeps I can remember in a long time; all week... Friday I had wine with dinner and was up all night :( Outta practice maybe? At any rate that reduction was easy enough, and the benefits made it easy to get back on track this week!
Keeping track of the changes you are making is crucial! Deal with one thing at a time so you can really feel the impact it's having - or recognize that it isn't affecting anything! When we experience positive results, we are far more inclined to continue with something, so it's important to know where the results are coming from!
The workouts have been modified to include more weight and more cardio! That started this morning with my Breakfast Club, apparently I'm not the only one who was missing this style of workout, the change was very well received. I know I'm going to feel these changes tomorrow; but that is perfectly fine with me, I miss those day after burns!
There is a lot to be said for comfortable; I believe everyone should be comfortable in their skin, and that comfort shouldn't hinge on a specific weight, or size, that comfort should be a feeling! Comfort in knowing that you are fueling your body well, moving your body with purpose, and making progress towards your goals!
As I continue to adjust my own lifestyle, and support the tribe in their adjustments; I am once again reminded that nothing stays the same! From one day to the next the program will need attention, there is no finish line, there is only progress! To me comfort & at home describe where I want to be; and I couldn't be more excited for this next 9 weeks of the Trainer Challenge as our Tribe finds comfort At Home!
In passing back the keys to my space I felt as though I had been cruising along in my life and someone pulled the emergency brake... my life came to a screeching halt! No more running here and doing this, before I had to be there for that; I was at home, with nothing to do; and all damn day to do it... before you start getting bitter about that, let me just say the novelty wore off quicker than sidewalk chalk in a rain storm!
As hectic and divisive as my time in studio made my life; it was my 'normal', what I had gotten comfortable with - for better or for worse! Mostly by the time I made the decision to close, it was for worse; because I knew in my heart that it was the wrong platform for me; it wasn't how I wanted to deliver my programs, and it was taking too much of my time away from home.
The decision to be at home was the best one I have made in a long time; but that didn't mean there wasn't work to do in the adjustment! I'm not just talking about setting up my at home studio, and the physical work of the moves, I'm talking about the work of staying motivated, the work of finding a so called new normal! (every time I say I am working towards a new normal, I think of that line in Practical Magic; “My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage." - Aunt Frances” ) and I wonder if the whole pursuit of normal is a trap? Maybe normal doesn't exist, new or otherwise... and that's ok too!
Combine the nutritional derailment with a softened workout program, reduced cardio because of space limitations, and the month off between closing and reopening was tough on my body, so coming back with reduced weights and less time on the poles made for muscle loss on top of everything else! All told the last 6 months have added 5lbs to the scale, and a 1.3% loss of muscle mass... doesn't seem like a big deal, but it's not where I want to be!
So here's the thing; when you aren't where you want to be you have two choices, be miserable, or change what needs changing! A big part of my program is about self awareness; staying connected to yourself, how you're feeling, why you're feeling it, and what you can do about it! Over the past couple of weeks I did a little soul searching, some personal inventory work, and came up with a few things that I could change with little effort; that would have a positive impact on my new normal!
My meal plan has gone through a portion control inspection! I strongly encourage everyone to do this! It doesn't matter if what you are eating is 'good for you', or total crap - too much; is too much! Get familiar with portion sizes! Process food isn't a big issue in our house, and being at home has really been good on that front, but the whole 'treats' thing had gotten way outta hand - that has stopped!
Wine... I know there are countless studies to support a glass of wine a night, and even ones saying a glass of wine is the equivalent to an hour in the gym... but this girl has dialed it back to weekends only! Week one of this had me experiencing some of the best nights sleeps I can remember in a long time; all week... Friday I had wine with dinner and was up all night :( Outta practice maybe? At any rate that reduction was easy enough, and the benefits made it easy to get back on track this week!
Keeping track of the changes you are making is crucial! Deal with one thing at a time so you can really feel the impact it's having - or recognize that it isn't affecting anything! When we experience positive results, we are far more inclined to continue with something, so it's important to know where the results are coming from!
The workouts have been modified to include more weight and more cardio! That started this morning with my Breakfast Club, apparently I'm not the only one who was missing this style of workout, the change was very well received. I know I'm going to feel these changes tomorrow; but that is perfectly fine with me, I miss those day after burns!
There is a lot to be said for comfortable; I believe everyone should be comfortable in their skin, and that comfort shouldn't hinge on a specific weight, or size, that comfort should be a feeling! Comfort in knowing that you are fueling your body well, moving your body with purpose, and making progress towards your goals!
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