Recovering Training Addict
As I mentioned in my last post, I’m putting a lot of focus and effort into training less. I am a complete adrenaline junkie! So this is a BIG deal for me. But it is one change I must make to overcome some major fatigue issues impacting other areas of my life. At the same time, I know how important rest is in any training program and preach this to those who attend my group fitness classes. So I should be practicing what I preach and be the living proof.
As of lately, my new training schedule looks like this:
Monday - Cardio and Strength Training
Tuesday - Off
Wednesday - Cardio and Strength Training
Thursday - Cardio and (light) Strenght Training or Calestenhics
Friday - Cardio and core training or BW exercises (pull-ups, dips, push-ups, etc)
Saturday - Cardio and Strength Training
Sunday - Off/Teach Kickboxing class
My Cardio and Strength Training days are high intensity - HIIT for cardio, lifting heavy, and minimal rest betweeen sets - we’re talking quality workouts on these days. Then I’m sure to get in one full day of rest and two days of less intense workouts. I don’t really count the day I teach KB as a "training" day because my job is to help those that attend my class meet their fitness goals.
So what has been the result… Some of the fatigue issues I’ve been having seem to be fading for the first time in over a year, I seem leaner, I’ve lost 6 pounds (wasn’t trying to), and most importantly I now know I can get by without my adrenaline fix.
I’ve also bumped up my clean eating to closer to 90/10 - eating clean 90% of the time. I’ve always been a clean eater but on average is was more 80/20. I’ve also found my ideal calories range. This also goes to show how important the nutritional component is - again, practicing and proving what I preach.
Prior to my quest to train less, it wasn’t my body that wanted high intensity training 7 days a week, it was my mind. Mentally, I just felt like I had to do it… just like taking a shower every day. I felt like crap on the rare occasions that I couldn’t. Although, my body was probably thanking me. I’ve come to learn that the complete fitness package MUST contain a balance of training (cardio and strength training), proper nutrition, and REST. The building process just doesn’t happen otherwise.
Speaking of rest… it is that time.
