Whether I'm full of beans or spend the day wanting to crawl back into bed, I usually train six days a week. I can't help it, I love it. Those 'want to go back to bed' days are always made better by moving so I push my 'not feeling it' attitude aside and crack on. However, my energy levels do impact my decision on the type of training I do and I think it's important to have a few workout options at the ready.
I tend to plan my training sessions for the upcoming week on a Sunday. The planning is partly because I don't have time to dawdle about trying to decide what to do on the day but it also ensures I schedule a variety of workout types to avoid the same focus every day. The debate over cardio v. strength for optimum fitness have been a constant in magazines, podcasts and social media but I'm definitely in agreement with those who advocate a balance of both. Certainly, Crossfit encompasses both so I'll need to make sure I've covered all the bases for my 24hr Challenge!
Although I schedule all my workouts for the week, I do stay flexible. We all have days when our energy is low, things don't go to plan or, particularly as a woman, hormones can totally throw our day off. I think it's really important to listen to our bodies (even though I can sometimes be guilty of pushing through regardless) so if I've planned a strength session and wake up feeling low, I might swap that workout for a feel-good Body Combat blast instead. Other days, I might have zero energy and can only face a yoga session. By doing what I fancy on the days where I have less drive, I'm more likely to give the workout my best and, therefore, get more out of it.
That said, keeping my workouts varied not only means I work different muscles and include a mix of fitness elements each day but it also stops me getting mentally bored with my training and stops my body getting complacent too. I'm always up for trying new workouts because it keeps things interesting and it feels good to challenge myself to see what I can achieve.
Yoga is another regular in my schedule - mainly for active rest days but also for a post-workout stretch or an evening chill. My morning sun salutation is a non-negotiable. Yoga leaves me feeling mentally and physically strong, flexible and calm and is really good for muscle recovery. What's not to love!
The Crossfit Open launched this week so today's challenge is Workout 21.1 - lots of jumping and wall walks. Wish me luck... I think my shoulders may be complaining tomorrow! I haven't scheduled my Saturday and Sunday training this week - I'll get through the Open workout first and figure it out from there, based on my ability to move in the morning. I'm looking forward to the challenge though and it's giving me a real buzz of excitement to get planning and preparing for my own Crossfit challenge later this year!!!
