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Why Day One Is Always the Hardest, But Also the Most Neccessary

Dayone

 

The first day back in the gym after a hiatus—or what I like to call “Day One”—has been my worst fear ever since I first heard my foot surgeon say “No exercise until healed.” That was a month ago. In that month I sat, and hobbled and sat some more. I ate well, but did engage in some naughty holiday fun. All of that combined with time led to one heck of a hard Day One.

first day working outBefore my surgery, I used to be able to run without really thinking about it. I trained for and ran a marathon, I took classes and boosted my weights to 15-pounders because I was building muscle. All of these awesome accomplishments were running through my head as I gasped and watched as my scrawny arms shook through my very first push-up on my first day back at the gym.

It’s so hard starting over y’all, but it’s possible. Whether it’s been a month or years, a post-injury comeback or a true first-time workout session, we’re all in the same boat. I won’t lie. It’s challenging as heck and a bruise to the ego. Flashing montages of my previous fit self ran through my tired brain, but facing that darn Day One was so freakin’ necessary.

I need the huffing and puffing up my stairs to end. I want to move effortlessly again. And that, my friends, requires a Day One.

My Day One was so freaking hard, too. The push-ups, the TRX exercises, the weights…workouts that used to come so easily for me were now winding me like a mofo, as you’ll see below. It wasn’t easy, but I did it. And since then, each day has gotten better and better—each pull a little sweeter.

Can’t see the video? Click here to see my day one.

Have you started your Day One or are you trying? I know exactly what you’re going through, and I’m here to say it gets better. There’s only one Day One you’ll have to endure if you keep persistence in your morning smoothies! —Tish

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Comments

2 Comments
  1. Hi Tish,

    Thanks for sharing with us! Good to see that you’re back on the horse and hitting the gym again. Thankfully, I haven’t had an injury in quite some time, but I can definitely relate to the idea of the “Day One.” Admittedly, I’ve fallen off the wagon and taken some time off from the gym, and getting back is like that “Day One” you mention.

    I like that you’re realistic about what to expect during this first day back. It’s tough when you remember where you were at, fitness-wise, before having to take some time off. For those coming back to their own “Day One,” there are a few things you can do to amp up your workout.

    1) Psych yourself up
    Tish, you definitely mention this in your post, and it’s totally important! The temptation to just quit when your workout gets hard (and it will be hard, no doubt) is probably going to be front row center, so you need to keep reminding yourself of what you’ve been capable of achieving in the past. Keep a mental montage going a la Tish, or picture what you’ll feel like once your session is over.

    2) Pick out a great playlist
    Music lifts me up during my hardest workouts, so pick some body-movin’ tunes so that you’re extra motivated to hit those weights again. You can also choose to tailor a Rocky-esque playlist to help spur you on; be your own cheerleader and see it through!

    3) Don’t fret the numbers
    The most discouraging thing I find when first getting back on the horse is the fact that I’m not back where I was at before taking the time off. I might not be squatting the same amount of weight as before or running at the same speed or intervals as I once was, and the thought of this can be a Debbie Downer. I try not to focus so much on those numbers–where I was at before–rather, I set a new goal before heading into the gym. If I used to run for 30 minutes, I might tell myself that a solid 20 minutes will earn me a good pat on the back. Even better, I’ll usually tell myself that going AT ALL and completing a full workout is worthy of a little celebratory dance in itself. 🙂

    Remember ladies, going is better than not going, and if it’s your first day back, kudos for making it out for a run. Be proud that you’re back and ready to work out!

    Keep up the good work, Tish! Hope to hear from you soon.

    Best,
    Lee

  2. Linda says:

    I know how that is im starting day one to again.after 5 months with no exercise due to getting cysts it was very painful i got depression and it was just horrible i can barely due a pushup now burpees not going well but i have to get back at it but i need to try cause i get so annoyed that i cant be as fit as i.once easy oh well i guess that’s life we have our bad times and we have our good time a set back going to try and get over this now it’s time godbless

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