Seasons and smart training

The more I speak to different people the more I come to the conclusion that life isn’t supposed to be balanced.

I look at life like the circus act of spinning plates. You have to constantly shift your focus from one plate to another to keep them all spinning at the same time. You’ve got relationships you have to manage, friendships to nurture – spin that plate. You’ve got a career to develop or you’re busy trying to finish your Uni degree: spin that plate. Perhaps you’re trying to manage a busy family in amongst all this. OK, spin that plate. Of course you want to manage your health and wellbeing so eat right and train smart – Go ahead: give that plate a spin too.

Life isn’t about being balanced because being ‘balanced’ is impossible. People only really have the ability to focus about 3 things at any given time. These things are your life priorities. These are the things that are important to you. You don’t have to spend long talking to people to realise what their ‘things’ are… If you were wondering what your own priorities are then you could easily take a step back and ask yourself “Where’s the movement in my life?” In which areas are you “getting things done”?

For some people physical fitness is a priority and their bodies reflect that. They take great care in managing their training, nutrition and recovery and to other people they can often seem obsessive. Other fit people who share their priorities will ‘get’ them but everyone else just thinks they’re crazy?!

For some people their family is their top priority and it’s easy to see because every time you speak with them they have trouble containing their excitement when a partner and/or child achieves success. Beyond the words they speak, the proof’s in the pudding – It’s easy to see that their children feel loved and there’s a quiet confidence in glances exchanged when both partners are in the same room.

For some people, finance is a top priority. They know how to make their money work for them and their bank account balance reflect this. Are you kicking goals when it comes to your career? If you are – you know, you’re in the zone at work – getting promoted – or getting noticed for getting things done then you could safely assume that’s another of your top priorities. Career and finance often tend to go hand in hand.

Regardless of your priority it’s pretty easy to work out your top three. Where’s the movement? And Where are things getting done?

Okay, back to juggling plates… Managing your health and fitness at Adapt. When it comes to training at Adapt everyone’s goals are different. Some people would like to be competitive athletes. Others are just looking for a constantly varied S&C program that enhances their performance in their chosen sport and/or field. Others come to CrossFit for the endorphins and the social aspect (the community) – because it makes them feel good and sharing the experience with friends makes it even better. Others come to get some ‘me time’ (time away from their busy lives, screaming kids or high pressure day job) Whatever the reason, training at Adapt is just another plate to spin/balance…

Do I think that engaging in regular intense physical activity enhances your other top priorities/key areas of your life? Sure – but only if you’re smart about it.

Smart is:

• If works flat out at the moment - it’s ok to drop a couple of sessions.
• Don’t train if you’re sick – You’ll just make yourself sicker.
• If you’re nursing an injury dial back your training accordingly. On that note: If you have a chronic injury – eg. more than 4 weeks and you haven’t seen a specialist – you’re a goose. (cam and speak with a coach and we’ll try to de-goose you…)
• If you’ve had a rough day – come take it out on a barbell and then share your war stories afterwards. You’ll feel so much better for it.

There are seasons in your life and priorities change. So go spin your plates accordingly.

Failure to adjust your output to suit the top priorities in different areas of your life can result in a number of things that can include beating yourself down into a hole. Do it long enough and you’ll get physically sick. Then terms like cortisol imbalance and adrenal fatigue get thrown around (that’s bad – you don’t want that)

- Ben (Via this week’s newsletter)

Friday 7.9.12

Sarah: Some deadlifts from earlier in the week…

3 rounds for time:

• 400m run
• 10 HSPU
• 20 toes to bar

Post times and training notes to comments.