Guys .
I did a workout!
Like a real-life, non-yoga/spinning/zumba workout but like a kick-ass I’m awesome check out what my body can do kind of workout!
I swore this summer that I would never do that again. After putting my body through hellacious workouts, killing myself in the pool, in the weight room, in the wrestling gym (ohhh the horrors or climbing ropes and swinging kettle-bells), and on cardio machines I vowed to never ever put my body through such misery ever again.
However, after seeing this workout from tribesports, something sparked in me, and I had this calling to try it. My body seemed to want to do dynamic, fast-paced heart-pumping movement. I wasn’t craving yoga or a swim, and God knows I still refuse to run. But this seemed like it could give me just the satisfaction I was looking for.
It required only my body and stopwatch ( I still vow to never lift another weight or swing another f*cking kettlebell as long as there is breath in my body).
The holds were similar to yoga poses–chair, boat, handstand–so I knew I would be familiar with the movements, and that I actually enjoyed doing them. But that combined with the dynamic movements after added a whole new level of muscle confusion to the workout.
Finally, the fact that it would take less than 20 minutes had me sold.
Armed with my iPod and old running shoes, I headed nervously toward the little gym in my apartment complex. Luckily, there were only two people in there with me, and they seemed pretty in the zone over on the weight machines. I started to stretch, then hopped on the treadmill to warm up. I started to feel my blood pumping, my breath quickening. It felt good to let it happen, and not control my breath from asana to asana. My legs felt strong, and much to my surprise, a smile cracked across my lips as I quickened the pace to a jog. After about 15 minutes–just long enough for my forehead to start glistening, I stepped off.
Here goes nothing.
2 minute chair hold was up first. The first minute breezed by, but the second was definitely rough. I smiled my way through, and kept refining my form. By the time I could release into squat jumps, I was beaming.
Who knew this could feel so good?
I got down into boat pose–again, it was really uncomfortable to stay still, but never once did I feel a sense of “I have to stay in this or I suck. If I drop my knees I am a failure” Instead, I marveled at my body’s ability. I gave myself total permission to stop if I needed to, and this permission allowed me to dig deep and find the strength to stay up those last few seconds before heading into leg lifts.
I jumped up, ready for the handstand poses. Something was wrong. I popped up from the floor with no dizzyness, no seeing spots, no near-blackout. I can’t remember the last time I got through a workout without that feeling.
I headed over to the wall and kicked my legs up . Then moved over into plank (definitely the easiest part–this was the only thing I held for extra time. Thank you chaturanga dandasana!) I went through the chair and boat poses again, then decided to skip out on the Dead Hang and pullups because there wasn’t a bar, and I wasn’t motivated enough to find an alternative.
Plus, I was feeling great. I was tired and sweaty, and I could already feel the soreness. But, it was a great feeling– a nourished feeling. When was the last time I got done with a workout feeling energized and rejuvenated instead of completely wiped? I can’t remember.
I was beyond proud of myself for completing this, because let me tell you–it was no easy feat! And I was so nervous after basically solely doing yoga that I wouldn’t be able to do a “real workout”.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am living proof that you do not have to kill yourself in the gym all day every day to be strong and feel great. You can do what feels good to you–nourish your body with exercise, don’t deplete it!
I don’t know when the next time I’ll try a workout will be, and frankly I don’t care. But I do know that there is a time and place for it, and a way to do it so that I stay happy and healthy while doing it.
Speaking of, I’m trying out Paddlefit this morning with my friend Dani! I can’t wait! Of course I’ll let you know how it goes 
Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!
xoxo
What is your favorite workout?
What are your thoughts on nourishing v depleting exercise?
