Why we need to reset our fitness expectations

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Fitness expectations during COVID-19

If you, like me, are lucky enough to be at home and not working on the front lines fighting COVID-19, then I want you to take a moment and be immensely grateful for that.
If you are working on the front lines in any capacity then I want to say THANK YOU.

And now, let’s talk about working out at home, getting out of your routine and overall expectations as we all work to navigate our temporary “new normal.”

People all over the world are now working out in their basements, garages, back yards and living rooms. If you were trying to gain muscle, lose weight, prep for a show, train for a race or stick with your current regime this spring, you’re probably disappointed.

Which is why I want to talk about resetting expectations

I’m going to guess that majority of us do NOT have a fully stocked home gym with the equipment you’re used to. (If you are a person that has always worked out at home, you win here). And I know we do not have our “normal” routines. Whether you prefer group weightlifting classes, SPIN, barre, ZUMBA, boxing, or putting in your headphones and lifting alone, those options aren’t available right now.

Gyms, studios and trainers from everywhere are doing their best to provide resources for clients to workout at home, but it’s not the same.

LET ME REPEAT THAT….IT IS NOT THE SAME.

Which means you cannot expect the same results, same feelings or same level of motivation.

This is not a time for strength gains, weight loss, strict regimes or normalcy.

This is a time simply MOVE. And do your best to maintain. To keep your body moving, whether it be with body weight workouts at home, runs around your neighborhood, hikes with your family or walks with the dog. It’s a great time to add more yoga and stretching into your routine, or try out meditation.

I want you (and me) to reset our expectations around our workouts. Understand that they’re not going to feel or look the same, but keeping your body moving during this time is imperative. Our mental and physical health depend on it.
What if instead of being disappointed we aren’t in the gym, we accept it for what it is? We embrace the at home workouts for the next month, and give our best effort with those?

The gym will be there when this is over.

And when the gyms re-open, and we’re able to meet our friends there, we will be ecstatic. And probably never take it for granted again.

My goal with today’s post is to give you and I both the space to reset our expectations.

Is me deadlifting in my driveway on flattened cardboard boxes ideal?
No.
Does it feel as good as on a platform at the gym?
No.
Can I move as much weight?
No.
But did I do it?
Yes.

We’re learning to be more adaptable with our routines and workouts, which I know is CHALLENGING. But instead of getting mad at ourselves for not achieving at our “normal” level, let’s do our best with what we have.
Keep your body moving!

xo, Maddy