The Hardest Workout I've Done Lately? Slowing Down.

Movement has looked a lot different for me lately.

If you known me for any amount of time, you know I believe in movement. For years, cycling, strength training, running, and staying active have been a regular part of my life. Movement isn't just something I do. It's part of who I am.

Recently, though, some health challenges have forced me to slow down. Not stop. Just slow down.

My movement is drastically less than what it was a few months ago. I'm following the doctor's orders, paying attention to my body, and trying to approach this season with wisdom.

The good news is I'm still moving. And maybe that's the lesson.

Not every season is about pushing harder. Some seasons are about learning, adjusting, and finding a healthier rhythm. Ugh!

Here are three things I'm learning. Truthfully, they're things I already knew. I just needed to be reminded.

1. Rest Is Part of the Program

I've always believed in rest. I practice a Sabbath. I take days to unplug, recharge, and focus on things that matter most.

What I'm learning, however, is that physical recovery deserves the same level of intentionality.

Even on days designated for rest, I'd often find myself squeezing in a workout. Nothing felt quite right if I wasn't moving toward the next goal, the next ride, or the next challenge.

What I'm being reminded of is that recovery isn't the absence of training. Recovery is training!

Rest isn't something you do because you've reached your limit. Rest is something you do so you can continue to move.

2. Breathing Matters

The older I get, the more I appreciate the basics.

Breathing is one of those basics.

I've become more aware of how often I rush through life with shallow breaths, carrying stress and tension without even realizing it. When we slow down enough to breathe deeply and intentionally, it impacts more than our lungs. It affects our nervous system, our recovery, our focus, and our overall well-being.

I'm discovering that sometimes the most productive thing I can do is slow down long enough to take a breath. UGH!

3. Listen to Your Body

This one may be the hardest lesson for me.

I've spent most of my life believing that if something hurt a little, you worked through it.

To be fair, sometimes that's true.

But sometimes pain is more infromation than challenge to overcome.

Looking back, there were aches, pains, and warning signs that I dismissed as simply getting older. I kept moving, kept training, and kept assuming everything would work itself out.

What I'm learning is that wisdom listens.

Listening to your body doesn't mean becoming soft. It means paying attention.

Your body has a voice. The question is whether we're willing to hear what it's saying.

Keep Moving

I still believe movement is one of the best investments you can make in your health.

I still believe in training. I still believe in challenging yourself.

But movement isn't always measured in miles, watts, reps, or personal records.

For me its, right now its a walk, mobility work, recovery ride or rest.

I keep telling myself, “self the goal isn't to prove how hard we can push.”

The goal is to keep moving for the long haul.

This is where I find myself right now. Moving differently. Trying to move wisely.

But still moving.

What about you? Have you ever had a season where slowing down taught you something pushing never could? Would love to hear from you.