Mind-Body Connection
By Stephen Taylor
Life inevitably throws us for a curve when we least expect it. In an ideal world our biggest challenge in life would be getting good at cycling, and cycling provides a pleasant distraction from the more mundane aspects of life. But alas, from time to time life rears its ugly head and throws more at us than we can handle in the form of life situations. This may pertain to a difficult situation at work or with family. Financial and health stresses occur. During times of great emotional stress, the body will not be able to perform 100%.
Because I work with 50 coaching clients on an ongoing basis, I have plenty experience providing support to people in difficult times. I am always surprised when someone is going through tough times and they express concern that their training is going to suffer. It is okay. Running or cycling or strength training should be the last thing on your mind during hard times. The body needs a break from hard work from time to time, and those breaks are just as well dictated by outside factors.
It is true that exercise provides a stress reliever. But when the going gets tough, expect that you will not be able to give it your all in the gym. Don’t try. Put your energy where it is more needed, whether that be at work, home, school, etc.
As it is important to turn your attention elsewhere when life is hitting hard, when the tough times are past you need to get back on to a consistent training plan. The thing to do is to try to do just enough exercise so that when the tough times blow over, you will still be in decent shape so that you can get going again. Remember, keep a positive attitude and do your best and things will turn out okay. A support network is invaluable in this process. A coach or a training partner is a perfect sounding board, and this person can provide the incentive to get you back to where you were before.
