Outside the Zone

There’s something to be said for pushing yourself past your comfort zone.  It’s a humbling experience, if nothing else.  While I fully believe in one-on-one personal training and the results that can happen (see www.beckleyfitness.com if you would like to sign up for a consultation), I also find value in attending a fitness class to change up my routine a bit.  As a result, I signed up for 5 weeks of Gravity classes.  For those of you who are not familiar with this workout, it’s similar to TRX training that engages your core as you move through various exercises.  Imagine holding two thick straps attached to a beam and doing pushups, pull ups, lateral flys and rows and then putting your feet in those straps and doing planks, push-ups, etc.  Yep…it’s as tough as it sounds.  It also puts you in your place as far as how fit you think you are.  I was super excited, though, at last night’s class because it was only my second class and I was able to get up in a handstand (twice!)  That's not me in the video though :)

 

 

So what’s your comfort zone when working out?  How can you push past it?  I challenge each of you to try a new workout this week.  Many gyms offer drop-in or walk-in prices for their fitness classes.  If you don’t have access to a gym or fitness class or prefer to work out on your own, look on-line.  There are tons of websites and you-tube channels devoted to fitness.  If you really want to step out of your comfort zone and try something tough, I recommend doing a HIIT workout.  HIIT is high-intensity interval training and it is guaranteed to make you sweat and get your blood pumping.  There are many types of HIIT workouts from AB AB to Tabata and most do 20-30 second intervals with 10 seconds of rest between each exercise.  Many of them often do not even need weights.  I simply love HIIT workouts but generally only do them once a week.  They are tough on your body so it’s best to limit the number you do to ensure your body gets ample rest and you do not cause damage to your joints and muscles.  You can also do HIIT workouts on the treadmill, if you like to run and want to change up your running routine.  Running all out for short spurts with jogging recovery is enough to make even the fittest runner tear up. 

Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to.  It’s not a matter of physical limitations, it really is mind over matter.  If you tell yourself you can do it, then you will succeed. 

BE BOLD! BE YOU!