The last post I did with a workout update seems like years ago, so I thought it was time for a recap. I’ve made some pretty big changes over the last year and a half and wanted to post them here!
Hello friends! what are you doing Hope you’re enjoying the week so far! I’m headed to an event at the girls’ school, a barre class, and then I’ve got stacks of client calls today until pickup and the evening routine. Here.we.go!
For today’s post, I wanted to share a workout update since it’s been a while. My workouts have changed quite a bit over the last year and a half, so I thought I’d post an update.
One of the many beautiful things about fitness is that it can evolve with you, wherever you are on your journey. When I first started out in the fitness industry, I loved knuckle workouts and sweating my eyes out. When I was pregnant, I gravitated more toward barre, spin, and yoga. Eventually I switched my focus to heavy strength training. I did Orangetheory for years. I trained for races and did half marathons. And now, here I am.
When I blinked last spring, coupled with a few years of joint pain, fatigue, and mysterious rashes, I had a hint that my stress levels were way too high. (Stress can take the form of emotional stress, physical stress, and environmental toxins.) There was inflammation in my body, which was confirmed when two Lupus markers were positive. I was determined to reduce inflammation, nourish and heal my body, so I set out on a mission to support my diet and nervous system.
You can read more about my treatment plan here, and a big part of it was changing my workouts.
Before the eye problems started, I had very high body composition goals. I was lifting the heaviest I’ve ever lifted, but I also had a bad recovery. I would push it in the gym and then either get sick or feel like it took me days to recover. I finally learned the hard way that you can’t heal and shatter at the same time. 😉
I changed my focus and while my body composition has changed a bit – I’m definitely not as *toned* or muscular as I used to be – I feel a million times better. My clothes still fit, but more importantly, I can move my body every day and not feel like I got hit by a truck. My Lupus markers were negative in December (!) and I can wear contacts again. Over a year later, I’m finally at the point where I feel like I can push myself a bit again, so I’m slowly lifting heavier and starting to add more intense cardio intervals, with lots of recovery and easier days in between.
How training has changed (treatment of autoimmune symptoms and eye problems)
Here’s what my weekly training schedule currently includes:
Daily walks with Maisey, walking or hiking. I can’t wait for the weather to cool down a bit so I can hike more often!
Barre 1-2 times a week (either at Pure Barre, barre class or at home Sculpt Society strength training)
Hot yoga or Pilates once a week
F45 (strength training days only) 2 times per week
Sculpt Society do cardio or Peloton dance 1-2 times a week
Am I extremely focused on progressive training right now? No. I just move my body every day and do what feels good.
Am I still *really* lifting weights at least twice a week? Yes.
I feel great 🙂
I learned that the hard way you have to earn the right to train really hard and feel good. Sleep, diet, and stress management are the most effective ways to do this, and if any of these are off, you’ll eventually start to feel it.
It’s just a friendly reminder that it’s okay to adapt your workouts to where you are right now. De-escalation can be a healthy strategy, especially during times of increased stress.
What does your weekly training schedule look like right now?
xoxo
Gina
