Throughout my fitness journey, the engine has stalled. I would arrive at the gym and the weights weren’t moving, the motivation isn’t there, or the muscle pain is too much. I’ve stalled the engine, but instead of turning the key and restarting the engine my tendency has been to get into my head and a cycle of self-judgement.

I am by no means a fitness expert. I am learning every day from my experiences, and I can only give a look in to my personal journey. but I am aware that many of you have similar battles, and so I thought I would share how I tackled my latest “engine stall” at the gym to leave after the workout feeling I have done all I can, and also ensuring that mentally, I don’t get in my own head!

I arrived for leg day (my favourite of days) feeling a little tired and slightly later than anticipated. Things were not going as anticipated. RDL’s one of my faves fall short. 5 reps short of target, but there’s no grip left. The bar is feeling slippery and it is definitely in control! I am aware of tightness everywhere and there just isn’t the fluidity of movement that I am used to. I know that this can be a trigger to me, so I choose to stop. 🛑 take a breath and rethink (this is the part that I think inexperienced gym goers can be hesitant to do) because I have to listen to my body.

I decide that I should hit the same number of reps but split it over double the sets. That way the weight lifted is the same, but my body is getting additional rest in between the sets. I complete the 4 smaller sets and am able to tick the exercise off of my set list. Instead of being mean to myself for not achieving what is on the list, I give myself a mental pat on the back.

Also on today’s work out list are weighted split squats, but my patellar tendonopaathy is playing up and I suspect won’t manage them with a combination of the pain and today’s general vibe! I complete the body weight version instead taking the pressure off of my painful knee but retaining good form and completing the full number of reps on each leg.

I give myself a well done and move on to the next.

Each exercise, I considered an action plan – some of which was completed as written, some with amendments meaning that I could complete the muscle group but without danger of injury.

To round things off, I used time to focus on other (often ignored) muscle groups where I could get additional sets in, adding some intense ab work, where my knee especially was not going to be an obstacle to overcome.

I actually left the gym with a sense of achievement and feeling like I had had a full work out, the good type of achey muscles that show a job well done. Some of it is lifting heavy stuff, but for me fitness is a whole lot more than that. The mental benefits as just as important to my development.

So right or wrong, this worked for me! And now I can face my day with some positivity and pay it forwards. Afterall, if you stall, put the key in the ignition and continue the journey. You may progress more slowly or have to take a diversion, but ultimately you will get to your destination.

TIB