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What's the point?

Amy Gorman

At the start of the week I had a really good training session and on my way home I was being super positive with myself thinking, "yes, I can do this, I feel good, I can do more, I'll do x, y and x". And then within seconds found myself saying, "but why? What's the point?"


The large reason for this was because I was comparing myself to previous training, where I did more (and generally didn't get better - hello over training, under fueling and under recovering/injury life) and wanted to do competitions. The main reason, I recently realised, was because I needed a release from daily life and fitness was a good, very different outlet to my desk job.


So as I thought about the possibility of doing more now, without the desire to compete, I struggled with wondering why I'd bother doing more.


Instead I need to think about moving better, lifting more, working more effectively. As just a few examples of how my training could change to feel like I'm getting more out of it.


Part of this questioning comes down to injuries, which just get annoying when you spend a lot of time thinking about adapting training to accommodate them. But it's also because I've fallen into the very common pattern of having more social life (and sadly, work) in summer, plus hot weather not being a driver to move and sweat even more.


I spoke to a colleague about not seeing the point in training right now and in the past I've had clients say it to me too. So I thought it was one worth addressing and talking a little about.


On the most basic level:


Without it, I feel like absolute shit. Mentally and physically.


So if doing 4 40 minute sessions a week, plus a couple of walks and some 10 minute cycles to and from work makes me mentally more effective, hormonal bloating not as bad, and my desire to eat a little better slightly easier. Then I'm going to do it.


But it is easy to think that only having a short amount of time, or non optimal circumstances means there's no point in even trying. I sympathise. But I don't think it's true.


The difference and the point is, that the action of taking 20-40 minutes for yourself to walk, do one lift you enjoy, do a quick bodyweight EMOM, could then cause you to:

  • Eat a good quality meal (protein and veg for brekkie instead of a chocolate and almond croissant)

  • Go for a walk to the shop for fresh air and fruit, instead of slouch over your desk with an extra coffee and a stale biscuit

  • Get an early night to prioritise having energy to do the same tomorrow.


The point is, that a small action or habit that takes you closer to your goal can make a big difference, compared to a small action the other way. We're looking for that tiny 1% improvement than may seem minimal, easy to ignore and crap/difficult to prioritise at the time. Just give it a go!


So the next time you think 20 minutes isn't enough time to make a difference, there's no point. Think about what if you had more time you'd really want to do and find a simple way to make it work.


And if doing for yourself isn’t a good enough driver (read last week’s people-pleasing blog) then do it for someone else. Future you, your family, your friends. They all deserve to spend time around optimal you, who is happy and positive in themselves because you took an action to take better care of your health.


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