This post is a bit of a continuation on last week’s Friday Flex, about getting outside of your comfort zone- it’s a complex issue and at the heart of a lot of what we do at the gym. At Lumos we believe in finding the balance between challenge and intention to create the most effective workouts. As you know, if the challenge is too little, we miss the point, and it becomes as exciting as watching paint dry. On the flip side, if it’s too much, it’s like attempting rocket science without a degree – slow, hard, and downright risky.
You might have experienced this yourself in our mixed modal fitness formats like CrossFit. With so many variables to consider, it’s easy to know what parts of a workout to push, where to stretch our capabilities, and where to play it safe.. In a class this week heavy dumbbell snatches were on the menu. We encouraged everyone to go heavy, but when the going got tough, some thought about switching to lighter weights.
I heard a quote years ago from Major General Oliver P. Smith, responding to questions about his strategy in Korea. “Retreat Hell! We’re just attacking in another direction.” Pretty clever, and also very useful to the dilemma outlined above.
When things get hard in a workout, instead of backing away, let’s embrace the challenge and strategize on how to tackle it differently. Sure, it might feel like swimming with sharks at first, but that’s where the magic happens. Don’t worry, we won’t throw you in the deep end without a life jacket. When things get tough, remember you’re not alone – our trainers are here to guide you.
Attacking in a different direction doesn’t mean you have to become a superhero overnight. It’s about making smart adjustments and taking a breath when needed. Break the workout into smaller sets, take quick breaks, and push harder during the parts that seem “easier” (I know, sometimes none of it is easy- i said easiER!)
We get it; trying something harder can be scary. But here’s the secret: you’re capable of more than you think. If the first times you try that hard new movement it feels hard…you’re on the right track! That makes way more sense than if it was easy, right? Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; that’s where growth happens. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and watch yourself become stronger and more skilled.