FINDING A BALANCE WITH FITNESS
So whenever I do anything I tend to give it 110% - if I’m honest I have a fear of being average….
When I finished university, I started attending my local Park Run every Saturday morning. To me the focus was trying to better my time, each time I ran. I soon wanted more and had a desire to really push myself so I signed up to my first half marathon. I ran 6 days a week and kept to a rigid training schedule. Inevitably I injured myself 6 weeks before the marathon (due to the constant pounding of my legs along the tarmac paths of Birmingham). However, race day came and I pushed through and achieved my desired time (I don’t recommend doing this btw).
After the marathon, I was looking for my next challenge and turned to CrossFit. I was immediately hooked. The intensity of the workouts, the competitive element, and the opportunity to really test my strength meant that I became a regular, training at least 6 times a week. I got a personal trainer (to really hone my skills), competed at competitions and experimented with my diet to improve performance. I loved it!
When I moved to the island, my love for CrossFit continued. I qualified as a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and began teaching classes at my local gym. My favourite part of coaching was inspiring other women to get into strength training and showing people what their bodies were really capable of (and this is still very much important to me).
As a way to integrate into island life, I started attending a weekly yoga class. It was here that I met Jenny (co-founder of Balance + Glo). I have to admit I found it hard to slow down, and if I had an hour of free time I would always prioritise a high intensity workout over yoga (despite the excellent teaching). Speaking with Jenny, I started to understand the benefits of combining yoga with cardio and strength training. However, this didn’t transpire into a balanced workout schedule.
It wasn’t until the pandemic, when I was forced away from the barbells that I started to find a more balanced workout schedule. Having more free time and limited equipment at home, I began to experiment with different ways of moving my body. I took part in weekly Barre, HIIT, Strength + Conditioning, and Yoga classes, as well as going for regular runs. I really started to tune into my body and listened to what it needed on a daily basis. Surprisingly, I found that my body shape didn’t really change and neither did my fitness. I became less restrictive with my diet and developed a healthier relationship with my body.
This change in routine and perception has continued post pandemic. Weekly, I now practice yoga most days (thanks to the amazing resource of the B+G Online Studio), complete approximately 2 CrossFit style workouts, 2 HIIT workouts, go for daily walks, and incorporate 2-3 short weight sessions. I don’t have a rigid schedule and I have very much learned to slow down.
So why I am I sharing this - well I want to demonstrate the importance of keeping a varied movement schedule. There are many benefits of practicing yoga, many benefits of HIIT, and many benefits of Strength and Conditioning. But where you will really excel in your fitness is through balancing different movement practices and tuning in to what you need (both physically and mentally) on daily basis. There are times that you will need to slow down (I very much recommend Jenny’s Wednesday night Yoga and Nidra class - not only am I now able to switch off, I actually drift off!), times you need to focus on your strength, and times that you need to get the heart rate up.
Benefits of different types of training
Strength training builds and maintains muscle mass - nope before you ask, joining me for a 30 minute strength class will not make you bulky! It will strengthen your joints, improve cardiovascular health, supports bone density (particularly important for women who are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis), and improve your mood!
Cardiovascular training (HIIT workouts) - a single workout will immediately improve your mood (and it will last for at least two hours), improve your ability to shift and focus attention and actually increase the production of brain cells (I very much recommend checking out this TedTalk!) Of course, it will also improve your cardiovascular fitness and heart health.
Yoga - helps to reduce stress and improves resilience, helps to regulate your nervous system response, improve posture, balance and flexibility.
Top tips
Based on my own experience, I very much recommend switching things up and integrating some new ways of moving into your weekly schedule.
If you’re a yogi perhaps try adding in a weekly strength class (you can join our live Strength class every Friday (7.30-8.00am), all you need is 2 weighted objects (can be cans or light-medium weight dumbbells), or develop your overall fitness with our live bodyweight class (Monday, 7.45-8.30am). Progressions and low impact options are always provided so that you can work at a level that suits you.
If you’re a fitness fanatic perhaps trying adding a weekly yoga class. If you’re used to high intensity sessions, I would recommend starting with one of Olivia’s more dynamic live classes (Tuesday 7.45-8.15am or Thursday 12.30-1.00pm).
Try it for a month and notice how your body feels.
If you’re struggling to find a balance that works for you, get in contact and I will happily provide guidance and recommendations!
A more balanced version of me!
