Ever wondered if you should take a break from exercising? This question popped up twice this week during my online personal training sessions. One client is having relatives visit for a couple of weeks, and the other is relocating from Australia to Colombia — a major life event that will understandably consume a lot of time. Let's dive into the first client's situation and our conversation about it.
We started chatting about taking a break, and I asked her: "A break from personal training or from exercising altogether?" With a big smile, she replied, "Both! I’m going to be super busy and won’t have time to exercise." Sound familiar?
Here's why I gently persuaded her to reconsider taking a complete break from exercising:
Habits for Life: As a fitness coach in Kuala Lumpur, I truly believe my job is to help clients build lifelong habits of exercising and eating healthier. Sure, people come to me wanting to lose weight, look better, get stronger, or move without pain. But honestly, what’s the point of achieving these goals if you can’t sustain them?
Consistency is Key: Success in fitness is all about consistency. Even if you can't hit the gym for an hour, maintaining a routine keeps your body in the habit of regular physical activity. This consistency helps you avoid the common pitfalls of losing progress and motivation. And trust me, it’s much easier to stay on track when your busy period is over if you keep the momentum going.
Mental and Emotional Perks: Exercise isn’t just about physical health; it’s a major mood booster too. During stressful times — like having relatives around or moving to a new country — exercise can be your best friend. It provides a sense of normalcy and control, helps manage anxiety, and lifts your spirits.
Small Steps Count: Exercise doesn’t have to mean a full-blown gym session. Even short, 10-15 minute workouts can make a big difference. Whether it’s bodyweight exercises, stretching, or a quick jog, these small efforts keep you active and ensure you don't lose the progress you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Be Flexible: Life throws curveballs, and your exercise routine should be flexible enough to handle them. Maybe you incorporate activities with your relatives or find a temporary workout that fits your current situation. The key is to stay active in any way you can, rather than stopping altogether.
Think Long-Term: Approach fitness with a long-term mindset. Short breaks can quickly turn into long ones, and before you know it, you’ve lost months of progress. By staying active, you’re reinforcing the importance of exercise as a non-negotiable part of your life, no matter what’s going on.
Now, think of exercise like it's a supplement or part of your daily movement hygiene. Just like you brush your teeth every day, no matter how tired you are, or take a shower, or eat because you know it's necessary, exercise should be treated the same way. Whether it's going for a walk around Mont Kiara, or doing 5 minutes of stretching before your shower—these little actions matter. They might not drastically change your shape or appearance, but they will significantly impact your mindset and how you perceive exercise.
By making exercise a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, you're building a habit that becomes part of you. You'll start to think about it and do something about it every day. This mindfulness and consistency will transform how you view exercise and help you become a healthier, stronger version of yourself.
During our chat, I emphasized that while adjusting her workout routine during her relatives' visit is perfectly fine, a complete stop isn't necessary. I encouraged her to find ways to move, whether it's a quick morning workout, a walk with her relatives, or even a fun activity that gets everyone involved. They don’t stop you from going to sleep when you’re tired or eating when you’re hungry, so why should they stop you from exercising for 20 minutes while the kids are napping or everyone is chilling at home? You never know, you might even inspire them to join you and become regular exercisers themselves!
By the end of our discussion, she felt more confident about maintaining some level of activity, even when busy. It’s all about finding the right balance and keeping the bigger picture in mind.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Staying active, even in small ways, helps maintain the habits you've worked hard to build and keeps you moving towards your fitness goals.
So, the next time you’re tempted to take a complete break from exercising, think twice. A little bit of effort can go a long way in keeping you on track. Keep moving, stay consistent, and embrace the journey—every step of the way!
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