Whole 30: Day 25 – Listen To Your Body
Some days, you just got to take it easy and listen to your body when it comes to working out.
I was reminded of this yesterday when during a workout, my lower back seized up and it became super hard to put the bar down for the power snatches. Luckily, one of my coaches and dear friend’s, Matt, was watching me and helping to correct me on my snatch. I told him immediately what was going on and he helped me to sub out the snatch for another exercise (push press).
After the workout, he helped me to crack my back which we both heard and saw was SUPER tight. It turns out, I haven’t been rolling out and mobilizing as much as I used to these last few weeks, which definitely added to my soreness and tight back, hips, and butt. Matt told me to make some time that night to roll out and if it felt better in the morning, to still come to the Active Recovery WOD at the gym. I followed his instructions and felt way better in the morning.
However, unlike other Active Recovery days at the gym (which usually consist of some cardio like running, rowing, situps, double-unders, etc.), I did NOT push myself too hard in the workout. I understood that yes, I am typically a decently fast runner and better at cardio than most, but today was not the day to try to make a personal record or outrun somebody. Today was about listening to my body closely, and responding with activity that would actually help my body recover, instead of making it more sore.
Today’s workout was an AMRAP of 25 minutes (As Many Rounds as Possible) of an 800m run, 40 double unders, and 20 weighted step ups with a 26lb KB. Before the workout, I made a commitment to myself that if my back started to feel sore again, I would take it even easier in the workout. I ended up completing 3 rounds + 800 m run + 27 double unders.
As I reflect on the workout, I’m actually very proud of myself. I’m proud of myself for listening to my coach and my body by pushing myself, but not pushing myself too hard. I’m also very proud because by taking it easy and focusing on form and not speed/intensity, I actually was able to do my double-unders better than I have in a long time, if not the best. I wasn’t donkey kicking on them or tripping up on my rope too often. I did smaller sets and tried my best to stay tight. Therefore, all around, today’s workout to me was a big success.
The lesson in this is that lifelong holistic health is not about eating perfect, being first in a workout or sport, or using all natural skin products. The goal to pursuing lifelong health is to adapt your actions based on your needs for that day, that month, and that year to do what is best for your entire being (physical, spiritual, mental, emotional and social) for that period of time. Life will always throw changes at you and you have to learn to adapt to those changes in eating, in exercise, in rest, in stress, and all other areas of health. You must be resilient, flexible and be able to adapt to anything. Otherwise, you will just get frustrated and want to quit.
My friends, today marks 25 days of Whole 30 and I’m so glad I chose to share my experience with you through this blog. It has forced me to reflect on the things I’ve learned, as well as challenge me to continue to pursue health for myself and not just for others. There’s only 5 more days to go of this Whole 30, but the journey will not stop in 5 days – it will continue to the rest of my life. I’m stronger in all areas of health than I was before I started, especially mentally. These 25 days have made it clear to me that everyone desires to be healthy but just needs support and guidance in how to be healthy.
My friends, I hope these 25 days have aided you in your journey towards holistic health and I pray that I can continue to be your advocate in your journey, as you have been with me.
Let us continue to journey together and run the race before us with joy, perseverance, hope, and success!
