Imbalances

Howdy!

Have you assessed your current state of well-being lately?  How are you feeling in general?  Is everything in line?  Do you feel healthy, strong, vital?  Or do you feel achy in odd places, tired, anxious, worn-out?

If so, you may need to re-assess your current work-out program or lifestyle practices and make some changes. Don’t wait until something severe happens until you decide to do something about it!

I have always preferred running to other forms of exercise even though I know it’s important to cross train.  I am just one of those people who adores running and can’t seem to get the same feeling that I get from running from other cardiovascular exercise.

This summer I decided to step up my training, joining a running club and running faster and harder than I have in awhile.  I loved the feeling I was getting from getting stronger week to week, racing 5k’s, and doing intervals around a track.  However, I don’t think my body agreed.  Although in my mind I’m still 18, I know that my body cannot handle the same type of exercise that I did 10 years ago.

My back started to hurt for the first time in my life and I was getting odd pains in my legs.  I had trouble falling asleep after one particular evening race and from that moment I knew that running hard was not in my best interest until I worked on other imbalances that I had.

I stopped the interval workouts and focused more on strength training.  I took up yoga and very soon after my back started to feel better.  I tailor my workouts according to how I’m feeling on a particular day, not to what I had planned or what I want my mind wants me to do.

Listen to your body!

What I am trying to relay is that you must listen to what your body needs on a regular basis. If you ignore any signs or symptoms, your body will rebel.  It is shocking just how many people ignore their body regardless of what ache, pain, or discomfort is going on (I shamely admit, I can be one of these people).

My example is small scale—much worse can happen to your body if you ignore what is going on.

Take time to change up your program from time to time, listen to what your body needs in terms of exercise and diet, and rest! Don’t neglect the very thing that should be priority—the health of your body. Run, walk, hike, bike, swim, do yoga, pilates, stretch, lift weights—change it up! Your body will thank you for it.

But remember, balance and moderation are key.  We will talk about the implications of overtraining soon!

With Love!