Around the same time I kicked my writing routine into high gear, I also ratcheted up my exercise regimen. I’d been using the Precor five times a week and practicing yoga, but I switched two machine workouts for a couple of hard-core spin classes.
As with my yoga teacher, I’m drawing inspiration from my spin instructor. Here, for instance, are some coaching tips I remember. I think they work equally well for other aspects of our lives, including writing — mixed and matched, of course, to our own goals and abilities:
You can do this! Draw on the strength you have in your core.
Get up, up, up out of the saddle! Make the rest of your body work as hard as your legs.
Don’t underestimate yourself – keep pushing!
Dial back the tension if you need to, but don’t stop unless you have to.
When you lean too hard on the handlebars, you decrease your energy output.
Let the music help you keep a steady pace.
What life (or writing) lessons have you learned while working out?
If I spin or sit at my computer for too long…my tush hurts.
Okay, joking. (Butt) isn’t it the truth? Hee hee.
Okay, excellent points. I came to the same conclusions. Setting goals, pushing myself, and prioritizing is key to sucess in life, writing, and working out.
You’re on a roll!
🙂
I find that once i get into a routine I can stick to it. I do Yoga and run. It seems that right before I start there is always an excuse or ache or pain to keep me from working out. But, I find that if I dive right into my workout the pain always goes away and I feel more energized than ever before. I think it’s like that with writing. There’s always something that is more urgent it seems. But once I dig in I get more energized about my stories. Great post!
Oh, that’s a great one! The warm-up’s the hardest part of the work out for me — psychologically speaking, that is. But once I get going, I’m good to go. Thanks for weighing in. 🙂
Humm…my first thought … to push through the pain, which I have had to do for most of my life. And it’s the same with my writing, as I always think my writing stinks whether it’s fiction, nonfiction or poetry … but I keep pushing until that first draft done.
Sharon, that’s such an inspiring lesson for all of us. Thank you for sharing it. I can definitely learn from you, in that regard as well as many others. xo
Number one, I’m so impressed you could remember all those lines from the workout. I can only concentrate on not barfing up a long when I’m working that hard.
This one speaks volumes to me on a variety of levels: “When you lean too hard on the handlebars, you decrease your energy output.”
Congrats on incorporating this stuff into your life. Exercise makes a huge difference in my writing life (which is why I’m completely bummed that I’ve been sick all week. Soon, I’ll be exerting again!)
Pfft, the real reason I remember is because I’m concentrating so hard to hear over the loud music. And also…to drown out the sounds of my screaming thighs.
Oh yes, that one certainly spoke to me, too, loud and clear. I sometimes rely more on craft books and outside influences than my inner voice. It slows me down every time. Every time. But I’m working on that.
I love your running and hooping posts for this very reason. I’ve learned a lot from your coaching, too.
Hi TG! Good to “see” you again.
Yup, to all you’ve said. It’s hard to get into a routine, but once I do…wow, the benefits are huge! I think that applies to exercise AND writing.