Fitness for Life, Not Life for Fitness

Sep 17

I spent the past week in Ireland visiting family, exploring places old and new, and spending time in a place I’ve always considered my second home.

As much as I love traveling, I’ll admit that I always feel a little thrown off when I’m not in my usual workout routine. I almost feel guilty for missing my normal mix of CrossFit classes, run clubs, etc.

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But this past week, I had to remind myself of something: My life should not be built around fitness alone. Fitness should supplement my life.

Instead of my usual workouts, I spent the week going on cliff walks and hikes, roaming around Cork and Dublin for hours, going on morning runs through country fields (see above), and taking walks along the beach with family.

Just because I wasn’t doing heavy back squats or pull-ups, or trying to PR my mile time, does not mean I wasn’t moving, taking care of my body, or staying active. And more importantly, I was giving myself the opportunity to rest, recover, and enjoy experiences that I wouldn’t normally have during my everyday routine.

Will I probably feel a little detrained — and very out of breath — during my first week back to my usual workouts?

Most likely.

And is that okay?

Absolutely!

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Fitness is meant to help us live the lives we want to live.

Sometimes that means training hard. Sometimes it means taking a week off. Sometimes it means swapping your normal workout for a hike, a walk, a swim, or nothing at all.

Taking a break doesn't mean you're losing progress. It means you're making room for the rest of your life, too.

Fitness for life. Not life for fitness.

My morning run cheer team while traveling in Ireland!