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Professional athletes know that going 100% year-round is counterproductive. Instead, there are phases where training intensity is really high and everything must be intentionally dialed-in to optimize performance. It’s GO-time. Then there are phases where recovery, restoration, and a more balanced approach to health are prioritized. We might call this the off-season. It’s SLOW-time. If even the highest-level athletes don’t follow a linear path to fitness success, why would we expect any different from ourselves?
We have to release the idea that fitness means grind 100% of the time.
Sometimes, kids get sick.
Work is extra demanding.
Parents need caretaking.
Summer schedules are all over the place.
Life seems to feel extra heavy.
You’re just tired.
And you know what? It’s ok to say ‘I’m in a season of slow right now.’
Give yourself permission to lower the dimmer switch on your fitness.
You’re not stopping, you’re dimming.
On a micro-level, this is why we strategically undulate (move up and down) the reps and sets schemes for our member’s workouts with intentional GO and SLOW phases. It’s why when a member says ‘I’m just not feeling it today,’ we trust them…and replace the “plan” with more mobility and gentle strength. Thinking larger scale, maybe you love going all-out in the gym…but for the last month or so, you’re taking a more relaxed approach. That’s totally cool – but doesn’t mean you should flip the light switch OFF on your fitness.
KEEP SHOWING UP.
You’re simply in a season of dimming. Slower walks. Lower weight. More rest.
Staying too long in a season of dim or ‘slow,’ however, can make us feel sluggish and stall out results. To have optimal health, it’s important to occasionally crank that dimmer up!
Feeling solid and energized?
Have a larger window of time now that the kids are in school?
Loving the sunny mild weather?
Sleeping well again?
You’re in a season of GO! Slide that dimmer switch on high and shine bright!
So, remember, Becky, turning your fitness on and off completely won’t serve your health in the long run.
Moving the dimmer switch to GO or SLOW during different seasons, will.
Keep shining, Jess & Team Valeo
PS – if your fitness has been dimmed down a bit over the summer but you’d like some motivation to crank it up again, consider signing up for the Michigan Spartan Race w/ Valeo on October 22! We have personalized running plans, strength training, and skills workshops. Members and non-members welcome.
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