Hi there 🙂 Good to see you again!
Is it just me, or did today draaaaaaaag by for anyone else as well? Seems like the lack of sleep might be catching up to me, but that’s nothing a good afternoon dose of caffeine can’t fix…
Iced Latte
And enjoying some chocolate while tackling bills doesn’t hurt matters either… even if I can’t nix the bills and keep the chocolate (ohhhhh wouldn’t that be nice).
The last bite of an Enjoy Life Cocoa Loco Chewy Bar
But enough about food for now. I brought you guys up to date on my current relationship with food yesterday, and today I wanted to talk about how my views on exercise have changed as well.
Before my… err… hiatus… I was working out 5 or 6 days a week, alternating between lifting and running. Things were going well for a while, but I started feeling burnt out, and eventually reached a point where I stopped enjoying my workouts and actually started dreading them; they began to feel like something I just had to get through each day.
I continued to force myself through the motions for a while, figuring that it might just be a slump that I had to push through. It wasn’t, or if it was, it was a seemingly neverending one. I tried cutting back on the number of days that I exercised and switching up what I did, but to no avail – I just wasn’t enjoying myself anymore.
It took me a while to clue in, but it finally hit me – if I didn’t enjoy it, why on earth was I doing it?
My answer came almost immediately: “Because what would happen if I didn’t… ? I would be unhealthy. I would be lazy. I would balloon up. Fire would rain down from the heavens and the world would end!!” Okay, maybe not that last one, but definitely the first three.
But is that kind of reaction logical? No.
There’s no denying that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but how much of it do we really need? Health Canada recommends that adults (ages 18-64) get a minimum of 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous activity a week to receive the health benefits that exercise has to offer (source). 2.5 hours over a whole week, and that can be made up of something as simple and relaxing as walking.
I used to think that unless I was covered with sweat, and sore for days after a workout, I wasn’t doing enough… but before long, I had had enough of that kind of thinking – it was exhausting, stressful, and left me feeling the opposite of healthy. These days, I don’t work out. I don’t follow a lifting routine. I don’t log weekly miles. I don’t go to a gym.
But I do stay active…
… and I’ve never looked or felt better.
During the week I tend to stick to longer walks and relaxing bike rides. On the weekends, I try to do something a little bit more exciting and out of the ordinary, like horseback riding, white water rafting, or just heading out for a day on the lake. The point is, none of it feels like exercise. I don’t worry about fuelling, refuelling, overtraining, or rest days… I’m only concerned with seeing, doing, enjoying, and living.
Some people may love a good sweat session at the gym, and that’s great, but it’s not for me. Just like there’s no single diet that’s going to work perfectly for everyone, there’s no single fitness plan either. Different things work for different people, and the most important thing is finding out what works best for you.
. – . – . – .
What does your current exercise routine look like?
If exercise didn’t burn calories, would your routine be any different?
“Different things work for different people, and the most important thing is finding out what works best for you.” <- SO TRUE! I've been through my fair share of exercise ruts and whatnot…the trick for me is to keep it interesting…change things up…variety is the spice of life, right? I used to be the same way you were…thinking that I had to be dripping in sweat to really have DONE anything worthy of being called a workout. I DO still love a good sweat sesh, but I know now that I don't HAVE to look like a crazy mess every time I leave the gym. I love getting that "itch" for a run, or feeling that "pump" after lifting weights, but I also like the time I get to unwind with a long breezy walk or a good yoga class.
They say you'll never regret a workout, but that's not true. I've had times where I forced myself to go to the gym even though I really should have used the time to relax (or SLEEP) and ended up having a crappy workout and feeling even worse afterward. While there ARE times that I go to the gym because I feel I need to "make up for something" in the way of indulgences…I'd like to think that for the most part, I'm pretty in tune with my body and know now when I need an easy day, a rest day, or a rest week!
“They say you’ll never regret a workout, but that’s not true. I’ve had times where I forced myself to go to the gym even though I really should have used the time to relax (or SLEEP) and ended up having a crappy workout and feeling even worse afterward.” <-- I've had that happen as well, and that quote drives me nuts. I know it's supposed to be motivational and all, but it's definitely not true for me!
Love love LOVE this post.
First off, can i just say how excited I am for you to be back!? Honestly, you are such a breath of fresh air in this “HLB” community because you actually practice what you preach. I am so happy to hear that you found what works for YOU and not every other person. When I am no longer running marathons/constantly training I really hope to be like this because I am so not a gym person. At all.
I used to lurk on your blog back in the day. SO glad you’re back!
You’re views on exercise are so healthy. It’s very inspirational! Walking and biking is definitely exercise- and it’s a bonus that you don’t have to worry about injury, fueling, and all of that. People definitely take exercise to the extreme. It pains me that people don’t realize that having an active lifestyle IS exercise! Gyms haven’t been around forever, people used to walk a hell of a lot more (and they were perfectly healthy).
My exercise routine consists of walking, yoga, and some weight lifting, and sometimes running. However, I rest a whole lot more than I ever did, and only workout when I feel like it!
A lot of the blog world needed to read this, THANK YOU!
walking and yoga does wonders. I had to take 7 months off from real exercise. Still keeping it tame. But i loved my walks. Soothing!
Love this Amanda, thank you for taking the time to explain your situation with this and telling us how much you have evolved from that former place…. because you really have! I am continuously working on cutting the crap with my exercise addiction (ish –> it’s getting better) but I do still have trouble getting over all of the doubts and fears of what my body will become if I don’t exercise…. oh and let’s not forget it’s always an extreme amount! You know where that has landed me though? Way overtrained and pretty much miserable that I don’t feel as good as I once did. So now I have to take a genuine step back and get ready to undo YEARS of damage that I have done to my body
I love the way you have switched up your exercise routine. I definitely am relating to this right now. And plus, exercise is added stress on the body and I feel a lot of people fail to realize this and when we are stressing out bodies out so much with doing such high intensity exercises every single day, your body is going to scream back at you for change! It takes a while to realize this and be comfortable with the changes, but it does the body good:)
Ahhh thank you for that thoughtful comment Amanda! And oh goodness, I truly feel like this complements my last post quite well~It’s so awesome that you’ve found what you love and know is good for your body+soul in terms of fitness. We need to always be active in one way or another, but once again, perfection isn’t possible and can be unhealthy. And I can’t believe you get to ride horses, and I love white water rafting! *gasp* you and I would have a lot of fun together doing outdoor activities. 😀 Sorry for the tangent, lol….
To be honest, I’m not sure if I would change the way I work out if it didn’t involve calories because I’m one of those who actually enjoy running, lifting, etc. But I also have learned to love “mild” but def. not easy stuff like ballet-inspired moves, and those things that are actually “graceful” looking. 😛 I like to embrace lots of things like bouldering (gotta get back into it!!!!), ballet type w.o., running, HIIT plyos, weights, stretching, and water sports but those are pricey to keep up with. 😀 Although I do work out to have a healthy heart and muscles, the thought of staying in shape does cross my mind sometimes. It just feels good to sweat in my opinion~Hope you have a great day girlie!
I found that the more I try to stick to an exercise (aka running because that’s the only thing I do) plan, the more stress and less pleasure I receive from the workout. The feeling of guilt after skipping a workout is horrible and I’ve done all that I can to always avoid it! Looks like you finally found your balance as well 🙂
P.S – I LOVE those Cocoa Loco bars!! I currently have a stash of them all over my house (kitchen, bedroom, purse, car) because they’re such a great snack. I also like the sunbutter crunch and caramel apple flavors…have you tried them?
I’ve tried those flavors as well and they’re delicious, but the chocolate one is my favorite because it has this brownie feel to it 🙂
That’s really great you’ve changed your exercise outlook! Sometimes I really just want to take some time out, but i’ve gained almost 20 pounds this year, without changing my diet and with an hour of exercise a day (running or weights). I feel burnt out on exercise now, but I’m too scared to stop, because I’m bordering on overweight! I eat healthily, not over 2,000 cals a day, and two dieticians are baffled as to my weight gain. Did you gain weight when you stopped exercising? Sometimes I think I should stop for a month and ‘reset’ my metabolism, but it’s a very scary thought 🙁
Hmm. I really hesitate to give any kind of advice since I’m not a doctor and don’t know much of your background info, but I’ve read from a few different sources that exercise can lead to weight/fat gain when the body gets overstressed, hormones get thrown out of balance, and cortisol levels get raised too high. I was afraid of gaining weight when I stopped exercising as well, but I think I actually ended up experiencing the opposite. Since what you’re doing right now doesn’t seem to be working, I really suggest cutting back on exercise and giving your body a chance to find its balance again.
Can we have more bloggers like you PLEASE?! Seriously, if so many people could just realise what they are doing is just CRAZY and not making them happy and actually admit it to themselves, they would be doing themselves a huge favor and they will just feel about a million times better for it. I have finally got myself into a place where it doesn’t matter if I don’t work out everyday. In fact I only go twice a week or so and even then it’s nothing intense. I’m not cardio crazy like I used to be and I have to really WANT to go to the gym to actually get my butt in there these days. What’s the point otherwise? And yet, I look better than ever. I actually have feminine curves yet I’m still fairly slim/average and people ask what I’m doing to get a flat stomach etc…umm well nothing?! I just eat what I want, when I want and exercise when and how I want and it just keeps me perfectly happy. I much prefer life now and I think it’s more the happiness, carefree attitude and confidence that is shining through that people are seeing now, not my figure 🙂
It’s funny isn’t it? Training so hard and half killing ourselves only to not get the results that we want. And then finally throwing in the towel and everything turning out better than before. That’s exactly the same thing that happened to me… So glad to hear that you’re doing better Nicky 🙂
Amanda – I feel a bit embarrassed to say how excited it is to see your blog back up and running! not to sound like a creepy stalker, but this kinda made my day complete. seriously. i can’t wait to follow you again.
I can so relate to this post as I have been through a similar thing recently. My number of commitments went up and I was still trying to go at the same pace in the gym which left me so tired. Now I do yoga, light cardio and strength which I love. I’ve also added an extra rest day to my routine too.
WOW. Amanda,you continue to amaze me,seriously.
I think the break from blogging was the best you could ever have done for yourself. It seems like during your absence,you have been able to start a whole new life. You’ve made so many changes,each and every single one of them for the better!
You know,exercise is a really sensitive topic to me as I constantly worry about doing too less, being too lazy etc. . I am afraid of gaining weight while not working out because the thought of gaining “only fat” terrifies me. In fact,I lead a very active lifestyle anyways,so even a day with no exercise would involve two 1-hour walks with my dog,but still… It’s ridiculous. I actually don’t work out a lot at all,maybe 20-30 minutes aday,but sometimes,I have to confess I don’t feel like it – too tired,too unmotivated,whatever – but do it anyways. I really need to learn to listen to my body; that’s probably the hardest part of recovery in my case.
I think that most people struggle with easing up on exercise because they’re afraid of weight gain… I know it was certainly a concern for me! But to be honest, my weight didn’t change at all when I cut out exercise… if anything, I may have even lost a few pounds. I’ve read that too much strenuous exercise can be too stressful on the body, which raises cortisol levels and causes the body to hang on to fat… which I honestly think was happening to me.
YES to this entire post. I can relate to so much of it. However, I just love working out. I mean, REALLY. I love pushing my limits, testing myself, and challenging my body. I know at times I do get a bit crazy…I mean its pretty much UNHEARD of for me to take rest days, but I really do try to take a day where Im only walking or doing yoga. You’ve come such a long way love, and I am glad you are in a place where you no longer feel you need to force yourself to suffer through a workout. Finding whats best for our bodies and actually LISTENING to them is a huge deal. Most of us can never get to that listening part, myself included at times. Your a brave woman Amanda 🙂
First off, i am so glad you are back and you appear healthier than ever! You were the first blog I ever read and I was so sad when you took the break. but it seems like a break has made you even more insightful! I love how you exercise and I am hoping one day I will be able to be like this! It is my current work in progress!
Amanda, I can’t tell you how happy I am to read this. Now THIS is a TRUELY HEALTHY lifestyle – being active without “working out”. You have come such a long way!
I’m curious, though, how come you kept your blog name the same now that you moved a new server?
Thank you, Jessy 🙂 Before I started blogging again, I thought about changing the blog name and went through a bunch of different options, but either everything I really liked was already sort of taken, or I just couldn’t find anything that felt right. That and people remember me under this name, and I didn’t want to feel like I had to start from scratch, ya know? Disappearing for that long and then showing up with a new name is kind of confusing…
Great post, I had a similar thing happen with me and running. I realised I was doing it and hating it so now I only do the exercise I enjoy. I still have a routine but its more classes, yoga and lifting which are all the types of exercise I enjoy! I’m also much more inclined to take extra rest days here and there when I feel I need to 🙂
Amanda! (I say that like I know you!) I am so happy you are back!
I gave up hope you’d blog again a few months ago and removed you from my reader, but I saw you comment on someone else’s blog so now I am catching up on your last few posts. I was actually worried that you had relapsed, since these things happen sometimes, so I am very happy to see that is not the case at all.
PS re: oats. I had a similar problem with the rapid heart beat, etc. for a while. After a break, I am able to eat them again. I don’t eat them every day because I don’t want it to happen again, but I thought my symptoms were bizarre…good to know I’m not the only one.
Glad to hear that about the oats! I do miss them, but at the same time I seem to be getting on fine without them. I’ll still try again in a little while, though, and hopefully things will have cleared up by then for me as well!
I think you already know this post made me smile. It’s so inspiring to hear that you’re now at peace with your body, and that you feel 100% comfortable engaging in the activities that make you feel YOUR best. It seems as though our society is one of extremes; either we’re going balls to the walls with a fitness regimen or we’re sitting on the couch all day long stuffing out faces with potato chips. Moderation is a *word* we like, yet the *lifestyle* seems to be so elusive. This past week has been more “moderate” than any other week over the past few years, and it feels SO good. I’m still not sure where I want to go from here, but right now, I’m pretty content with not knowing–just enjoying. 🙂
I’ve noticed that extremist trend too! I think a lot of people get intimidated when they think they have to spend an hour killing themselves at the gym to be healthy, and they feel things like walking are nothing, so they don’t bother and just end up sitting by the TV/computer. I think a lot more people would be motivated to be healthier if it wasn’t projected in such an all or nothing light.
Mmm… Sounds nice. I wish I had more time for adventures. My workout is a mess. The only daily thing – sit-ups. Not for the calories though. I want to keep those defined abs forever. Other than that I still enjoy long walks when it’s not too hot for them and I also try to go swimming as often as I can, which is, unfortunately, much less often than a sea girl like me would like. What else? My means of transportation, of course. Unless I’m going out of town, it’s almost always cycling. I think I’m getting a bit too muscular for my taste… 😀
Loved this! I’m so glad you’ve found a way of staying active that makes you happy. 🙂 I’ve had similar realizations this year. I still like to go to the gym, run, and lift weights, but I also now consider walking, gardening, and chores to be a way of staying active too. Just because we’re not dripping with sweat, it doesn’t mean we’re not being active!
I have a similar outlook on exercise – I would much rather go for a bike ride or long walk on the beach than be in a gym doing some kind of formal exercise. I agree that it’s a personal choice – what works for one might not work for someone else. What I love is your honesty and and how you truly enjoy life!
I am absolutely head over heels for you girl– it sounds like your life has truly turned around for the better! You only deserve to have ultimate happiness and it sounds like you’re well on your way to reaching that <3 Oh and horseback riding and rafting is WAY more fun than going to town on an treadmill in a stuffy room hands down 😉
Agreed. And horses smell better than some of the people I’ve been on the treadmill next to…
This is such a relief, Amanda! It’s what I do too!
I used to feel compelled to exercise everyday of the week but now I just don’t. I walk, lift weights when I want to (twice a week or not at all) but I just don’t feel compelled to exercise anymore. It’s a great feeling and I feel better for it!
So glad that you’re back 🙂
I’m so happy to see that you living and enjoying your life! That is whats most important. And as long as you feel good inside and out, there is nothing better than that 🙂
Welp, this was motivating. Like really.
My current exercise routine ,is too much- I know & feel it. All the feelings you mentioned having before your epiphany, coupled with many over-training injuries, is my life now. But the fear of what might happen if I don’t do all the exercise overwhelms me, & stops me from making any changes to the way I’m currently living/existing. A very large , over-ruling part of my brain tells me I won’t be happy with myself if I don’t workout, a lot.You have given me a lot of inspiration & food-for-thought with this post.
Gotta say, white water rafting sounds a heck of a lot more appealing than being chained to a treadmill, or worrying that I didn’t squeeze out another rep.
Xxx
I know the “what-if” thoughts are scary… believe me, I had them too. But what’s the worst that could happen? You say you might not be happy with yourself if you stop all the exercise, but are you happy now? Take a moment and ask yourself if it’s really worth it, because we only get one shot at life, and making ourselves unnecessarily miserable seems like a waste, doesn’t it?
Gah Amanda – You really have saved my life – way back last year you made me want to go into recovery and now 12 months later I’m doing so much better. You’re so inspirational. Although this post wasn’t as timely as I’ve already realised I don’t have to revolve my whole life around the gym all your other ones have been.
Thank you so much for showing the world that worrying about calories, food and exercise is not the most important thing in the world. Thank you for dragging me out of the depths of hell. I’m not 100% recovered (I don’t think I ever will be, at least not in regards to the physical (stupid me for ruining my heart/bones/digestive system – those will stick around forever) but mentally I feel I’m getting there.
Thank you for being smart and sharing with us the common sense most of us seem to forget. I can’t say thank you enough! Thank you for saving my life.
Girllllllllll…. pass the Kleenex, I was NOT ready for that. Holy.smokes. Your comment honestly made me tear up… thank you. I’m SO happy to hear that you’re doing better, and never ever give up hope of recovery. Your body is an amazing thing, and given enough time and proper care, it can do wonders to repair the damage that was done to it. Just have faith… and a cookie 🙂
Well, okay, now you’re not only my inspiration in terms of eating but also exercising. I’m not sure which field you’re working in but you should consider health counselling. You’d be able to convey such a true and “real” picture of what healthy living can look like.
It was truly impressive and inspiring to read this post! I agree with everything you said. Recovering from anorexia myself, I had/have to step back from exercise. Walking turned out to be a great and calming alternative. Similar to running, it helps me sort out my thoughts, get a good dose of fresh air and, well, activity. Too many healthy living bloggers seem to feel the need to work out every day and try every bootcamp/challenge/whatever out there.
I’ve even read an article a few months ago saying that “everyday exercise” (as in walking around etc.) was more effective than “real” exercise.
For me, the ideal workout “plan” (I don’t really follow one) would be listening to my body, just like you do. No, I’m not perfect yet but I’m practicing. If I’m not feeling it, I don’t want to push myself.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Sünne, and I’m so glad to hear that you’re well on your way to better health! I really wish that people would get over the notion that walking isn’t real exercise, and that you have to sweat buckets in order to get any benefits in. I’m sure that a lot of people would be more motivated to live a healthy lifestyle if they didn’t feel like they had to go to such extremes to do it.
Now that I’m not a college athlete anymore, I’m trying to figure out my exercise routine! It’s soo different without a coach telling you what to do, haha! I’m totally enjoying going on jogs about 4 days a week, and resting the other 3! No shame. 🙂
It’s definitely different, and oftentimes difficult! I know I always felt like I had to follow some plan because I didn’t trust myself to know what’s best for me, and looking to others made me more comfortable.