My slow return to exercise has been a humbling experience. From endurance to leg strength and flexibility I feel like I’m a novice in many aspects. No, I didn’t lose all of my fitness during injury recovery, but I’m not where I used to be. Not that that place was “ideal,” but go with it. In some ways this is my first time as an “exercise-beginner” because a) this three-month break is the longest I’ve ever taken and b) I don’t particularly remember how I felt when I first started running and cardio-ing in 7th grade.
Last week I took my first studio Spinning class in three months. (For newer readers, I am a certified Spinning instructor and taught weekly classes at my college gym for 3.5 years. I got a sub for most of last semester as I was recovering from my stress fracture). As I adjusted the seat and handle height on my bike I felt like I was being watched by people around me. I didn’t remember all of my settings and had to hop on and off to readjust a few times. I also forgot my Spin shoes (which aren’t required) and I wasn’t wearing my most put-together workout outfit, contrary to everyone else in the class. Then the workout started…let’s just say the entire experience wasn’t as natural or effortless as riding a bike.
From Y7 yoga in NYC
My lungs were on fire after 10 minutes and I found myself turning down the resistance more often than up. Honestly, I was discouraged. Logically I knew my endurance was shot, but there was some part of me that hoped it would snap back like Gisele’s post-baby body. Not quite the case. I wanted to quit and leave class many, MANY times. But, like a cliché story, I didn’t quit. LOOK AT ME, I DIDN’T QUIT! YOU CAN DO THIS TOO! #NOEXCUSES!
FYI: “No excuses” is NOT the motto of this post. That phrase drives me crazy.
Well, that’s not the full story. It’s true that I didn’t quit, but it’s also true that the 45 minute Spin class felt like torture. Physically, it was the hardest thing I’ve done in months and I easily could have decided to never return, like, I assume, many first-time exercisers do. Doing something for the first time (ever or after time off) is hard. Getting out of your physical or emotional comfort zone is hard. Having the confidence to not care what other people think is hard.
In a world where it seems like you have to look and act like a fitness professional to even step foot in a gym, starting “from the bottom” seems not only intimidating, but embarrassing. Who wants to pant and sweat when everyone else is effortlessly prancing? (Another FYI: I’ve been on both sides of that wall. Neither is like what it seems). However, I know that this defeating feeling doesn’t last forever. I’ve been on the other side where exercise and movement feel natural. Maybe not effortless, but familiar and almost euphoric. The beginning weeks of forming a habit (any habit) DO pay off. It won’t happen overnight but nothing great ever does, right? END OF CLICHES.
I’ll get back to this place of sweaty, red-faced, endorphin filled, ugly-selfie runs. And you can too….but maybe ditch the last part.
In the meantime, as I build up my fitness, look out for some new at-home Spinning workouts. I have a few here but I always want new music. Also, a post about the highlights of 2015 and what’s ahead in 2016.
This is great. I tend to avoid workout classes and/or forms of exercise in general that I feel less comfortable with, which is probably why I only run. If a spin instructor feels uncomfortable sitting in the same spin class as I, that would make me much more comfortable!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Running and Whole30
I try to tell people that it’s not easy for me. And if it looks easy, it’s because I usually don’t ride with a lot of resistance when I teach…otherwise I wouldn’t be able to instruct!
I honestly am not a fan of setting New Year’s resolutions…It does not work for me. I like to write down goals for the day or week, but I don’t post them or share them. I keep them to myself and do what I can when I can. Have a great day friend! XOXO
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…What The Single Woman Buys At Costco Part V
I like setting goals too. I come up with them at very random times of the year so Jan 1 doesn’t always work. Although it’s fun to plan big :)
Getting back to working out is certainly tough. It doesn’t even matter if you are fit, just doing a new exercise is really humbling. Whenever I start to lift weights after a long time off, I feel so out of my element, I’m glad it’s a solo activity. Even fit people are not always in the best shape for the sport they are trying. I consider myself pretty fit, but the last time I shot hoops it was such a weird feeling and completely hard (this coming from the MVP of her high school team). I think what also is cool about coming back is how quickly the fitness returns and how little you have to do to get an exercise burn and great workout. Whereas a 5 mile run might have felt easy for you earlier and not as good a workout, it now will feel like you conquered the world!!
Ellie recently posted…Weekend in Review [12/25-12/27]
You’re right- any new exercise is humbling! Any small progress (or “fitness win”) has made me feel really strong and proud, even if it’s just going up a few pounds in weights.
I think that starting from the bottom and making your way back is up is not only a humbling experience but I think it is also a great way to set and work towards new goals. I don’t usually set resolutions, rather just goals to work towards or things I want to make a priority in my life, but I don’t get down on myself if I don’t reach those goals.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Peanut Butter Cranberry Blondies + Hamilton Beach GIVEAWAY
Love that perspective! It has made me re-evaluate my priorities and set new fitness goals.
Get it girl! We all have to start somewhere, even if we are starting again. Go and get it, but be smart!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Social Media Marketing Strategy with Coschedule
I need to email you. Expect one in January :)
I first started running in March 2013 as a way to escape the pressures of law school. Before that the most I’d run was one mile down to the boathouse in college (then I hopped in a boat and yelled at people actually exercising as a coxswain). I haven’t looked back, even after a 4 month break for a hip injury last summer.
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Holiday Weekly Workouts and Updates 12/22-12/28
I hope this injury is just a blip in my journey because running IS my favorite way to destress. If I ever joined crew, I would have wanted to be a coxswain too :)
YES, getting back to running is so hard and humbling and so good for me, because I often tend to quite puffed up about my ‘fitness level.’ I have to remind myself that the fitness journey is a journey. I have to enjoy each step, which is hard, but when I remind myself of that it makes it so much easier to deal with. God uses amazing things to keep me humble.
Emily recently posted…Christmas Gifts and Yummies
I love this comment. Such a great way to think of fitness!
I totally feel you on this. When I started running after a 4 year break, I’d be panting on the treadmill after a minute or two of running. It felt horrible while my classmate a few treadmills over was seemingly gliding on hers. Coming back from injury a few times has been hard but not quite as hard as that. I’m happy you’re feeling better and will be back to running soon!
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Zooma Run Love Challenge
I used to be jealous when I’d see people running when I was injured and now I’m just sad and nostalgic. I know I’ll get back but this has definitely been an eye opening time.
I’ve gone to several spinning classes and I don’t know if it’s just me, but I never think it gets easier! I’ll be like “Oh yeah, 5th week in a row going to class, this will be a piece of cake.” During the workout I’m dying and swearing that I’ll never be back. It’s like a repeating thing :) I started exercising consistently when I graduated college and lived on my own for the first time. I had so much free/alone time and it was a perfect time in my life to pick up running and other forms of exercise!
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Christmas 2015 by the numbers
Haha you’re right…sometimes I think Spinning doesn’t get any easier too. Every class is so different and that in itself makes it hard to get used to.
Getting back into cardio is HARD. I haven’t been running much at all lately and it’s frustrating trying to get into it. It’s a reminder that it isn’t as effortless as it often seems for me. I’ve been through this with biking several times though. I always feel like the worst one because it’s not a sport I’m comfortable with. But in some ways, it’s fun crushing those milestones again and makes you feel more confident as you come back stronger than ever!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…2015 at a glance part 1
It really does feel awesome crossing off small milestones, like running 1/2 mile normally and pain free this weekend (!!!).
I feel like in a way, set backs are good sometimes since it lets us work again towards something and not settle into that easy plateau that can so easily happen. And then it feels good when we see progress again while we work our way back up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Top 10 Posts From 2015
I completely agree! All of the little progress I’ve made so far makes me feel really good.
Getting back into the swing of exercise is so hard after taking time off! You know it’ll happen..but gosh, I remember how impossible it feels and how frustrating it is to be “out of shape” after tearing my meniscus when that’s not at all how I typically feel. But when it happens, I know you’ll be on top of the world!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Christmas 2015
I’m excited for the time when the “easy” stuff won’t feel so hard! It definitely will happen but I guess it’s good to document this time now.
I would love to take a spinning class with you as the instructor! That would be a ton of fun. What music did you use mainly? I take one at my local gym, and she does all red hot chili peppers sometimes, which I love!
Sorry, that was a bit of a sidenote form the actual point of the post. I love how honest you are, even when it is about the more difficult things to discuss. I know I say this over and over, but I admire your mindset toward exercise and health SO much. I know you’re going to get through this time, and your running will be so much better for it!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…2015 Year Best of Lord Still Loves Me + What’s to Come in 2016
I used mainly pop, upbeat songs but I normally included a variety of genres because I get sick of the songs on the radio. I loved doing themed rides too, like all 90’s pop. I really appreciate your sweet words :)
Coming back from time off is really hard, especially when people automatically expect you to be up at the front of the pack and in reality you are struggling somewhere near the back… (been there, done that).
Not quitting shows what a great sportswoman you are though and I know you will continue to get stronger as you get back into everything.
Goal-setting is something I need to improve at as I struggle when I haven’t got someone holding me accountable to my resolutions.
Btw… Happy Birthday for tomorrow!! xxx
Charlotte recently posted…TOL…Take two minutes to remember
You never fail to make me feel good :) I love the idea of goals and resolutions but I’m not always the best at following through with everything. Certain things, maybe, but definitely not everything I intended. And thank you! xo
I totally did quit after my first spin class. It was pure torture! I should try it again, it sounds like you really like it, maybe I can learn to like it?
It is hard but the good part is that you can adjust the resistance to meet your fitness level (and no one will really know). One of the things I like about my studio is that they play music videos for the songs. A good distraction!
I have to say that this year is when I really started to consistently exercise. I’m a big outward motivation person, so starting my blog really triggered me to exercise regularly and was the reason why I had so many PR’s this year. It’s really motivating and I’m hoping for even better races next year!
Gretchen recently posted…FAVORITES WEEK : Running
You seriously had such a great running year that it’s a huge inspiration for me to get back at it!
You’re so sweet Emily :) I hope that you’re pain free really soon!
Gretchen recently posted…FAVORITES WEEK : Running
Spin classes are always rough for me because the gym I go to is packed with judgy people so I never feel comfortable! I don’t make resolutions for the New Year because I’m a big believer in not waiting to implement changes, but I do make goals. You’ll be back to where you were before in no time!
Sami recently posted…Marathon Training Recap Week 4
I feel like there are judgy people at so many gyms. It’s tough because part of me wants to say “ignore them” and the other part is still influenced by them. I’m with you…I set goals without time constraints.
Setbacks equal growth. Sometimes we need that subtle reminder too that everyone starts somewhere.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Why You Should Stop Waiting To Get Healthy
Good reminder. I know I’ll look back and be proud of where I started.
I totally feel you on starting from the bottom! I’m usually someone who exercises consistently, however, a few injuries this year (which annoyingly stemmed from one another – a foot injury saw my gait change causing IT band issues etcetc) have seen me resting A LOT and it’s definitely much harder to get back into the swing of things after taking some time off!
Stick with it and you’ll get there! Everyone has to start from somewhere!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Healthy Layered Peanut Butter and Chocolate Pudding Cups
It’s really true that “a body in rest stays in rest while a body in motion stays in motion.” Sorry you’ve battled injuries too. Here’s to a stronger 2016 :)
Injuries suck!!!! I was thinking today how lucky I am to be able to go out for a run and how I never take one step for granted. Before I used to think it was my right to workout every single day. Now I know what a privilege it is to fight for your feel good fitness level. It’s great your documenting your journey!