Is it true that the early bird catches the worm? It may apply to the world of fitness as well. Many started their 2014 with grand workout plans, only to have them interrupted with life. I know there have been years when this applied to me! How can you reshape your schedule and get back to your goals? When things start turning south, do you find yourself adapting or stressing out?
Here are some tips to help identify if you are already in a fitness slump and things you can do to recover.
Fitness Slump Tips
- Recognize that you are not meeting your goals. Did you plan to workout three times per week only to find yourself maybe hitting the gym or MY STUDIO once a week? You need to identify that so you can begin new behavior and change your routines.
- Where is your point of resistance? Is is physical or mental? I bet your body is actually handling the new workouts OK. But, when you analyze the situation, you may find the resistance is all in your mind.
- When you ask yourself if you’re doing a good job, you are probably telling yourself, “No.” That admittance is the first step to behavioral change. Now, let that regret go! Don’t allow it to interfere with your next steps. Open a new door and start working out again.
- This is the most important step – commitment. Let’s plan a weekly schedule so you’ll have an accountability partner. If you have something on your calendar, then it will become a part of your routine. Also, make a commitment to workout on certain days of the week. It may look something like this – Monday/Wednesday Pilates with Joyce at 8am; Tuesday/Thursday jog/walk 30 min; Saturday gym for one hour. Mix it up, and have fun with it!
Let’s get you back on track! Call me!
Stretching Techniques
Now, when you start your workouts, it’s always important to stretch your muscles as a part of your warm-up and cool-down. Pilates stretching techniques can involve static or dynamic, passive or active, and solo or assisted characteristics.
Across Body Stretch
Let’s talk about the differences between the styles:
- A static stretch is held for a prolonged period of time – ranging from 10 seconds to a minute or more. It is usually performed three times.
- A dynamic stretch is held between one and three seconds and is performed up to ten reps.
- An active stretch is done by contracting the muscles of a joint to stretch that joint.
- A passive stretch is when the muscles of a joint relax as the joint is stretched. Passive stretches are usually done by the instructor assisting the client.
Know the difference and look for them during your next Pilates session.
Next Barre Certification Weekend
Changing the topic slightly, but we are working out the logistics now to host our next Lowcountry Barre Training Certification Program. This could be you teaching barre to others!
Teaching the Barre Technique
If you are interested in becoming a barre fitness instructor, now is the time to contact me (there is a form on our certification page or call me directly at 843.901.9476) so we can include you on the details. You’ll want your name on this certification list! Charleston, SC, area fitness centers need you!