It just doesn’t get easier. There’re no two ways about it. No matter how much more fit, how much stronger, how much more endurance you have, if a workout is based on rate of perceived exertion…it does NOT get easier.
I’m now on Day 22 of Hot Mama’s IGNITE program – Torch level (the super-advanced level) and I know I’ve already stated my strong dislike for Metabolic Workout #1, but I’m here once again to announce to the world (well okay…at least to the 4 people reading this)…I still detest it.
I always get on my treadmill thinking “Maybe today it’ll be easier. Maybe today I won’t detest this workout so much” and every time I finish the workout I’m gasping for air and swearing loudly to my treadmill. There is no “settling” into this workout because every time I start to settle in, I realize I need to up my intensity so I increase the speed or I increase the hill incline.
Now, I’m true to the workout. There may be a tendency for one to get complacent in the workout. To work at the same speed or the same incline week after week. But, that’s not the point of the program. My “9” is my “9” and as I get fitter and stronger, I need to push that much more to ensure I’m still working at a “9”. And that…is the part that kinda sucks.
So, I got my Metabolic Workout #1 done today and need to jump on my weights. Days 18 and 19 were a bit of a write-off because Day 18 I tackled Tough Mudder (more on that later), Day 19 I needed to recover, Day 20 I was traveling and Day 21 I was back at it full force.
And…what did I realize taking a couple days off? That getting back into a routine is amazing and feels so great. While I agree that I needed to recover after Mudder, there’s really nothing like a bold, strong and difficult interval workout to reframe your goals and refocus your…well…focus.
So, as I head into my final week on Torch, I’m grateful for having the many experiences I’ve had over the past 28 days. My nutrition is back on (it was NOT ON over Mudder and I felt AWFUL) and I’m hydrating like crazy.
All this to say…once you have a body working at optimal performance levels, on days where it slips…it’s really noticeable. I was grouchy, irritable and my energy levels were in the tank. I always wonder how unfit people can go about feeling like that for days, weeks, month and years on end. Then I always wonder if they have any idea of how good a body can feel. How much energy healthy food can provide, what it feels like to get through a day with energy to spare and how wonderful it feels to be in a state of health…both mentally and physically.
If you’re not there, I urge you to find a program that will work for you. Find the support you need and the guidance and education you deserve. Fuel your body properly, work it out effectively and live the energized life you’re meant to live.
There. Now…go do it. BAM! Being #hotmamastrong has got to be one of the best feelings! I workout for myself and I workout for these little people in my life. They deserve the best of me and I can help give it to them through nutrition and fitness. How awesome is that?!
