Have you ever tried a new exercise regime in hopes of breaking the boredom of your regular routine? Have you ever decided to try something again that used to be fun, hoping that it will light a new fire under you?
Recently, I wrote about how to heal perfectionism by trying something new, having some fun, or having a do-over by not doing something for first place or ribbons if competition was your norm as a child. I had decided to take some riding lessons just for fun to help heal some painful experiences from my childhood riding in horse shows.
When I first began the lessons, I was sore, for sure. Very sore. I hurt. I complained, but it felt so good to be on horseback again. I took epsom salts baths and had extra massage therapy. Gradually, the soreness would begin to wear off and I would be ready to ride again.
Then I went to a horse show at the stables where I was taking lessons. As I watched those kids and women competing, the juices started flowing. I said to myself, “I could do that. I could ride in one of those easy classes.” I noticed that there was another show scheduled for August 29. I began to think about participating in that show.
I stepped up my lessons to once a week, instead of every two weeks. It was HOT. Summer in Florida can be brutal. Even at 9 a.m. it was extremely hot and, of course, I was reluctant to say, “I have to stop,” to the instructor because of my pride.
I noticed that I never fully recovered between lessons. My body ached all the time. It was painful to walk and bend over. I was using joints and muscles that were 62 years old and not 12 years old. Push, push. The experiment that started out as a fun do-over became a perfectionist’s painful wake-up call.
Finally, I realized that I just couldn’t keep it up. I had to stop and let my body recover. I nursed my hurt pride and decided to let the horse show plan go. My reality check. I only have this one body. I can be kind to it or be hard on it. I chose being kind.
I want to be able to play with my grandchildren, have fun at the beach and not be tired and hurting. Swim for fun while I can in the summer. Walk in the early morning and do my prayer time. These activities mean much more to me that competing. But it has been a hard lesson, even at my age.
I share this story, because I wonder if you may be overdoing it with exercise or other physical activity in order to lose weight, get approval from others, or prove something. Are you ignoring your body signals that are telling you to stop, ease up, slow down?
My suggestion is to pay attention. Your body is speaking to you. It says no. Are you listening?
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.