Being passionate about wellness, I experimented with various workout routines over the years, dabbling in different trendy exercise classes just for the experience. I believed that as long as I was active, I was maintaining good health. However, a reality check came when I underwent a body composition scan and discovered that despite spending a decade working out diligently, my muscle mass was still lacking, a goal I had been striving to achieve. This revelation made me question the effectiveness of my intense workout regimen.
It seemed paradoxical that the more I exercised, the less physically fit I felt. This realization prompted me to reassess my workout routine with a fresh perspective. I decided to opt for a more gentle approach to my workouts. Surprisingly, by adopting this softer approach and incorporating five new habits into my routine, I started noticing significant improvements in my body composition and confidence levels while spending less time at the gym. Through trial and error, I found a sustainable routine that not only made me feel more comfortable in my body but also helped me achieve my desired results. Below are the five key changes I made to my workout routine that transformed my fitness journey.
1. I swapped running for walking.
Once an avid runner, I frequently completed 5K runs almost daily with minimal rest intervals in between. Despite the exhilaration of a runner’s high, I often felt drained and hungry after running sessions, eventually experiencing significant knee pain that required a visit to a physical therapist. This experience taught me that vigorous daily running without proper cross-training can lead to physical strain and injury. Although I valued the mental release running provided, I craved the challenge of pushing my speed and distance limits. However, I realized that excessive running heightened inflammation levels, leaving me fatigued and in discomfort.
Transitioning to walking proved to be a more sustainable cardiovascular exercise with lesser strain on my body compared to running. Walking not only supports physical health but also has positive impacts on mental well-being. Whether incorporating a guided meditation during walks or listening to a favorite podcast, walking became an enjoyable part of my routine. In urban settings where walking outdoors is challenging, a treadmill workout or investing in a walking pad can serve as viable alternatives. Personally, I found pleasure in a 30-minute incline treadmill walk while catching up on my favorite Netflix shows. This low-intensity exercise allowed me to unwind without feeling fatigued or inflamed, gradually leading to improved muscle definition.
2. I introduced deliberate resistance training.
Upon the advice of my physical therapist, I delved into strength training to support my legs, acknowledging that continuous running without adequate muscle reinforcement was unsustainable. While occasional strength exercises in group classes were beneficial, I neglected consistent weight training due to its perceived complexity and intimidation. However, my reliance on sporadic weight training and excessive cardio failed to yield the desired outcomes. Despite the importance of cardio for endurance and heart health, resistance training emerged as a fundamental component for strengthening muscles, enhancing functionality, and reducing injury risks.
Tracking my strength training progress through workout apps was a game-changer, dispelling my misconceptions that effective training solely revolved around heavy lifting. Progress could be achieved through various means such as maintaining proper form, focusing on time under tension, or improving range of motion without solely relying on heavier weights. By adjusting to lighter weights but increasing repetition to 15 for each exercise, I witnessed noticeable muscle development due to deliberate and controlled movements. Not only did this approach enhance my strength for daily tasks, but it also alleviated struggles like lifting heavy objects.
3. I prioritized workouts aligned with my objectives.
While I previously engaged in a variety of workouts from cycling to boot camp classes, I realized the significance of choosing exercises that resonated with my fitness goals. Consistency and dedication to selected movements that catered to my desired outcomes, such as rowing for back strength, yoga for arm toning, and Pilates for posture enhancement, proved to be more rewarding than randomly trying different workouts. Although diversity has its merits, aligning exercises with specific objectives and maintaining persistence are fundamental for achieving desired results.
4. I integrated low-impact exercises.
Transitioning from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes to low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates marked a shift towards gentler, body-friendly exercises. Previously prioritizing high-impact classes assuming rapid results, I now prioritize lower-impact bodyweight exercises to promote better recovery and reduce cortisol levels associated with intense workouts. Starting the day with activities like sun salutations or incorporating chair yoga during breaks and breathwork post-work enabled me to incorporate movement throughout the day without relying on specialized equipment. These exercises emphasize the mind-muscle connection, fostering attentiveness towards controlled movements and breathing to fully benefit from the workout. Revisiting Pilates reminded me that effective workouts need not be exhaustive to be impactful.
5. I fine-tuned my nutrition.
Embracing a more gentle approach to workouts also prompted me to reevaluate my nutritional habits. Previously, I justified indulging in any food due to my intense workout routines, falsely believing that hours at the gym warranted unrestricted eating. Gradually, I acknowledged the profound impact of nutrition on physical transformation. By adopting a gentle nutrition strategy focused on increasing protein and fiber intake, I kick-started my days with protein-rich breakfasts like eggs or Greek yogurt and prioritized vegetable incorporation in all meals. Snacking on fruits or including them in my desserts streamlined fiber consumption. This harmonious blend of balanced nutrition and a less strenuous workout routine curbed cravings for processed foods, elevated energy levels, and optimized my workout performance.
