I hit my threshold.
Four days.
That’s the magic number. If I go 4 days without working out I 100% convince myself “I don’t really need it”, “I’m naturally muscular”, “Aches and pains just underline life at this age”, “Look at all this time I have now”.
In other words, I believe my own bullsh*t - hook, line, and sinker.
This embarrassing example of how I can go from consistent training to talking myself out of it for the sake of “perceived comfort” or “more free time” is asinine. Straight CRAZY. I know this because by day 5 or 6, I’m a snappy, mushy, irritated, low energy, shell of myself.
Like the kind of shell you just immediately toss out because - she naaaasty.
That kinda shell.
How long has it been since you’ve had a consistent streak of working out?
A dedicated training program (or even scheduled walks) that requires you to show up at least 4x a week?
If you answered over a month or 6 months or a year, you might be missing out on your best self. There is no need to feel shame around missing the routine however there is a biological reason why you keep talking yourself out of it.
The body loves comfort.
It loves to conserve energy.
Not training gives your body a buffer for the impending winter.
Except, we’re no longer Homo neanderthalensis (yes I looked that up).
And, it’s not winter.
Also those bones won’t carry themselves…meaning your musculoskeletal system is praying for muscle mass. Which is deteriorating at a rate of 1% every year after age 40.
The below pictures are from 2014 (age 35) and last Tuesday (age 45).
If you don’t use it, you lose it … including your HIGH KICKS, Y’ALL … ughh.
I was impressed my leg went this high - cold and in heels no less however it ain’t what it used to be.
After 4 days, my self talk was a loud roar. Horrifying as this is for anyone, it was especially shocking to me that I could just throw caution to the wind and be okay with not finding “a way” to train.
Before you come at me with everyone deserves a break - let it be known I schedule them for myself. Often. I know the value of days off and listening to my body. What I don’t know is the version of me that is ready to nose dive her way into couch potato land and grow roots into her sofa. That girl is not my best self.
Many of you know we started our JUNE FIT strength training yesterday morning and I am happy to share that the lights have been turned back on. However upon waking I realized; I’m officially sick. Can you believe it? Me? Mortal? I was so pissed about waking up under the weather that the most stubborn side of me wanted to BLAME the 4+ days off for the head cold.
Alas, I know better and the 4+ days off could have been my intuitive self asking, begging, pleading for some space. It’s hard to say. Ultimately, after 40+ years of being in this particular skin suit I understand my patterns enough to know that the more consistent my movement, the more consistent my mind and well being remain overall.
We all have an edge. Knowing where it stands is integral for staying healthy.
Maybe life blindsided you.
Maybe you have forgotten what it feels like to be strong.
Maybe you’ve never tried to increase strength.
Attempting to convince you in words is pretty futile. Words typically don’t cut it.
On the other side of my 4 day binge I can tell you everything I thought I was gaining by NOT MOVING was a load of chicken manurer. ((gardening tip: chicken manurer will have your lemon and orange trees exploding with fruit-it’s a miracle fertilizer))
After recommitting to my program, I have more time.
I have more energy.
I appreciate my perfect health even more.
I have more snot. (That is a separate issue but at least it’s on it’s way out.)
Aches and pains are a non issue because my booty and hamstrings are the star of the show.
Most of all, I like myself more.
The doing of the hard thing is wildly effective at SHOWING you that you’re built for more. Even when you’re convinced you’re not.
If all you manage to do today are your CARS, then KUDOS … you moved intentionally and you’ll feel better for it. I’d bet some crispy dollar bills on that.
If you’re so deeply moved by this email and need to try some CARS here’s a video I made of the full CARS routine just last week. It’s about 18 minutes total with a 2 min intro. I hope you’ll give it a go and remember your threshold is a moving goal post.
Commit to yourself enthusiastically.
Small choices and habits will compound.
I promise you.
Claim your threshold or admit you’ve passed it.
Then make your next right step.
OKAYILOVEYOUBYEEE,
xx
Nic.
ps. ps. CLASSES THIS WEEK and announcements:
* Tuesday QUICKIE YOGA (today) 12-12:30pm pst. $10. This is a well rounded, accessible yoga flow paired with music that includes mobility work and a 5 minute savasana. It’s meant to be a community offering at $10 a class and if you need financial assistance, just reach out. Hope to see you soon. Sign up here.
* Saturday AVIATOR NATION YOGA FLOW 9-10am, 10:15-11:15am. In person, in Santa Monica. Come on out. Sign up here.
* Sunday AVIATOR NATION YOGA FLOW. 10:45-11:45am. In person, in Santa Monica. Come on out. Sign up here.
pps. JUNE FIT 2024 (began yesterday June 3rd) and why you need to be an INFINITE MEMBER asap.
JUNE FIT is 9 strength + 3 yoga classes in 30 days. In June, I’ll be offering a continuous schedule of classes from June 3rd through June 29th which is 16 classes (M/W/F/SAT) and a great deal for my INFINITE members because it’s all included for you. If you’d like to just join us in JUNE FIT that’s great too and worth every penny. By joining the INFINITE membership however you’ll be getting a bigger bang for your buck. If the summer months seem to be about everyone else BUT YOU, come join us so we can celebrate YOU. We get it done in 35 minutes. I promise you’ll have fun, create a routine, and reap the benefits of more movement. Learn about JUNE FIT HERE or get JUNE FIT and everything I have available in my INFINITE MEMBERSHIP HERE.
ppps. EPISODE 24 OF SHOCK AND YALL IS OUT NOW. I’m chatting with DR. SHANTÉ COFIELD or as you may know her THE MOVEMENT MAESTRO. Not only are we real life neighbors, we’ve been internet buddies for YEARS. She is a unicorn of sorts. Her ability to share complex ideas in a way that feels fun, accessible, personal and no nonsense is what makes her stand out. Her techniques deliver results and that speaks volumes. Shanté has mastered the art of marketing for social media and beyond. I trust her implicitly and have taken her courses myself. This episode is for my entrepreneurs. She get’s it. Here are TWO video snippets below. Enjoyyyy…
FEEL FREE TO LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS HERE. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. (you’re my favorite. xx)