November is an interesting month in fitness. It is a crux for most people and it usually goes one of two ways. One, a continued path on the gain train or two, a book of excuses. I understand the excuses, it gets cold, its darker earlier and the holidays are coming up. That leads to lower motivation and turns into “I am a little too busy.” “My couch feels so much better than clean and jerks.” “It will probably never be April, I will worry about my beach body then.” There are excuses, obstacles and things to overcome every week, but November brings out the best ones.
Fortunately you are in the middle of a 2 RM Hang Squat Clean cycle, you can not fall off the map now. You also understand that fitness does not happen overnight. This process you are working on is about consistency and enjoying the small wins. Overtime you turn around and realize all the small steps added up to a first pull up, clothes fitting better, a 300lb squat and most importantly a healthy lifestyle.
As it gets colder and darker, remember that the only permanent thing in life is change. You might feel weak and vulnerable today, but tomorrow is a new day. You might miss a few days in the gym, but next week you can start fresh. In fact, stop feeling sorry for yourself when you miss a few days. No need to be embarrassed. You just took a few rest days, show up tomorrow. Remember, you just have to show up. No planning a workout, hoping a machine is not taken, or waiting for a treadmill. Just, show, up! You will not step out of the gym one day and say “Yup, that was good, I really can’t get any more fit.” There will be strong days and weak days, it is about how your react to the weak day that define your journey.
You took the first step that many avoid. You are here, you are a part of a community, and have resources around you that can elicit real change in your life. If you need help fighting through the November slump just reach out. We run goal setting sessions every week to help people stay on track and become the best version of themselves.
– Written by: Geo