The Art of Consistency: Finding Balance in Your Fitness Journey
5-min read
How are your New Year's fitness goals going?
If you find yourself reflecting on this question with mixed emotions, you're not alone. The initial excitement of embarking on a new training program is invigorating. The possibilities feel endless, and motivation runs high. But as the calendar flips to February and March, reality often sets in. The distractions that once held us back creep in again, and that consistent routine we envisioned begins to falter.
Consistency is heralded as one of the most critical factors in a successful fitness regimen. It’s the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be. Yet, the path is rarely linear. Life is dynamic, unpredictable, and full of shifting priorities. So, how do we maintain consistency in a world that thrives on inconsistency?
One overlooked yet profoundly impactful principle may hold the key…
The Balance Between Effort and Ease.
What Does Balance Mean in Fitness?
In the realm of yoga, the concept of balancing effort and ease (known as "Sthira Sukha" in Sanskrit) is foundational. Yoga practitioners are often guided to find strength and stability while also embodying softness and relaxation. But why don't we hear about this principle as often in strength training, HIIT, or other forms of exercise?
Too often, the prevailing message in fitness culture is to "push harder," "grind through," and "leave it all on the floor." While this intensity has its place, it can overshadow the importance of sustainability. If we push too hard without allowing space for ease, our workouts can quickly become something we dread rather than something we look forward to.
The Cycle of Overexertion
Picture this: You haven’t exercised in weeks, maybe even months. One day, motivation strikes like lightning, and you're ready to dive back in. The first session is electrifying. You feel strong, powerful, and capable. Thoughts like, “Why did I stop doing this?” flood your mind, and you vow to stick with it this time.
But the next morning? Soreness greets you with a vengeance—the kind that lingers for days, sometimes stretching out to a full week. Simple tasks like climbing stairs, lowering yourself into a chair, or even brushing your hair become uncomfortable reminders of just how hard you pushed. By day three, that soreness might still cling to your muscles, casting doubt on whether you should return to the gym so soon.
By the time the soreness finally fades, so does the initial spark of motivation, and you're now less likely to return for another workout. Perhaps sometime later, you get excited again and the cycle repeats: excitement, overexertion, prolonged soreness, burnout, and inconsistency.
Introducing Ease into Effort
The balance between effort and ease isn’t about taking the easy route; it’s about longevity. When we approach training with the mindset that every session doesn't need to be our hardest, we create space for growth and recovery. Here are a few practical ways to integrate this balance into your fitness routine:
1. Gradual Progression:
Start at a light to moderate intensity and gradually build up over time. If you're lifting weights, resist the temptation to jump back to your heaviest set. Instead, focus on form and technique, allowing your body to adapt progressively. There is still a benefit for your body to just go through the motions with little to no resistance. Especially when you're returning to workouts after a long hiatus. It also gives you more of an opportunity for number 2...
2. Listen to Your Body:
This sounds simple, but it’s easy to ignore signals from our body in pursuit of rapid results. A little soreness is normal, but sharp pain or prolonged discomfort isn’t. Allow yourself rest days or lighter workouts when needed.
3. Incorporate Recovery Days:
Recovery is just as important as the workout itself. Schedule active recovery days with activities like walking, yoga, or light swimming. These keep you moving without overstressing your muscles.
4. Celebrate Small Wins:
Consistency thrives on positive reinforcement. Celebrate the fact that you showed up, even if the workout felt lighter than usual. The goal is to build a habit, not achieve perfection every time.
5. Redefine Success:
Success isn’t defined by how intensely you train but by how consistently you show up. Some days, your workout may feel effortless, while others might be a challenge. Both contribute to progress.
Consistency is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Whether you’re returning to fitness after a long break or striving to maintain a regular regimen, remember that balance fosters sustainability. Over time, the cumulative effect of steady, intentional effort outweighs the fleeting results of sporadic, high-intensity bursts.
By seeking the balance between effort and ease, you build a foundation for consistency—the cornerstone of any successful fitness journey. So, as you continue navigating your goals, remember to tune in to your body, honor its limits, and embrace the journey with patience and grace.
Your fitness path doesn’t have to be a rollercoaster. With the right balance, it can be a steady, rewarding ascent toward lasting health and vitality.
Having trouble finding this balance yourself?
Book a Strategy Session with me and I’ll help you come up with a game plan to kickstart or refine your fitness path.
