One thing I hear occasionally from clients is that they need to pause their fitness and nutrition program. Maybe they’re in the midst of a busy time at work. Maybe they’re consumed with renovating their home. Maybe they’re going on vacation. Or perhaps, they’re overwhelmed with planning a party or family event.
There’s a problem with this approach. The pause button is ruining your fitness.
Here’s an article from Precision Nutrition that explains why “taking a break” so you can get a “fresh start” when your busy schedule settles down isn’t helping.
You see, the obligations never stop. Schedules never settle down. And by taking a break when things get rough or busy, the only skill you’re building is the skill of stopping.
In my experience, it’s much better to learn and develop the skills needed to continue making SOME progress during busy, stressful times … instead of stopping altogether and starting over again in a few weeks … or months … or never.
— Time Management: Plan your next day, including all standing appointments that are non-negotiable, the night before. A written calendar or planner is best.
— Forget Perfection: If you look at every episode of not making it to the gym or failing to prep healthy food as a failure, that’s going to reinforce negative beliefs in your mind … and your mind is extremely powerful. It’ll allow you to sabotage your progress if you let it.
— A Little Is Better Than Nothing: Every meal or snack could be a little bit better. Strive for perfection, and you’re doomed to failure. If you can’t make it to the gym for a workout, take 15-20 minutes and get some movement in at home.
(Speaking of which, isn’t this one of the most useful things we learned during the pandemic … that we can succeed with exercise in ways we never thought of before?)
You’ll be amazed at what a difference these small victories make over time. In pursuing our health and fitness goals, being perfect should never be the goal. Being a little bit better — and doing it consistently — is enough.
But one thing that’s not going to help you achieve the body and health that you want is hitting the pause button. Life goes on … and we have to learn to go on with it
Your friend and coach,
Paul F. Sweatt CPT PN1
Train Smart. Train Hard. Train Safe. Train to Sweatt