Humans are a creature of habit and even though sometimes life can feel too busy, interrupting your regular routine can feel very uncomfortable.
If you're used to training several times a week and then suddenly you are required to stop for whatever reason, or you just happen to stop, it may stir up some mixed feelings.
On one hand it would be nice to free up some extra time but on the other, what about your gains?! Well fret not! It's not the actual end of the world!!
Taking a break from CrossFit training can actually help you recover physically and mentally.
It can give your body a chance to heal and reduce the risk of injury. Moreover, it can prevent burnout and help you stay motivated in the long run.
We are mentioning this as we have seen this happen over the years we have been open since 2018 and it's important for you all to understand this can happen and that it is OK if it does.
The important thing is you know this happens and know that we want to see you back for you, for your health and for your happiness. It's not about us missing you, which we honestly do, it's about you and your long term health which is our top priority in CFL!
Some have stopped training for a while for personal reasons such as family time, personal development, stressful situations, time they have to give to something else important in their lives.
BUT.
Over a period of time when things get done and life begins to feel a little more normal, you reflect on what you need and want you feel like when you are most alive.
It's generally when you have a routine which feels normal, happy, enjoyable. It usually includes some sort of physical activity and social engagement outside of your home and work life. Your 3rd Place.. where could this be? Could it be CFL lol!?
One of the main reasons we exist as a gym and a Community in CFL is to be your 3rd Place!
Building lifelong resilience for your mental health and physical health can be done in many ways. It's always a work in progress and needs to be tackled almost daily. But it has to be fun and enjoyable, otherwise what's the point.
It's OK to find different ways and try new things if you have to.
Do what makes you happy and if you feel you are struggling, reach out, we are here to help you. As your coaches in CrossFit Leixlip we go deeper than the one hour a day and feel a duty of care for you. So if you do want a chat at any point, just know we are here to help.
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If you are coming back to training in CFL in the next few weeks after some time off, see below come strategies to keep in mind on your return:
Avoiding Injury on your return:
If you've had to stop training consistently for several weeks or months, think twice before you jump back into your previous routine. Going from 0 to 100 is one of the quickest ways to injury. If your training was very vigorous, or you're coming back from a break of a month or more, be very careful easing back into the training intensity, frequency, and loads that you were using before. When you return to CrossFit training after taking a break, it's important to avoid injury by adapting gradually. Start with light workouts that focus on mobility, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. As far as weights go, don't push yourself too hard, too soon. Remember, your body needs time to adapt and regain its strength and endurance.
Dealing with Soreness on your return:
After taking a break from CrossFit training, it's common to experience soreness when you start working out again.
Avoid the shock debilitating soreness and inflammation by preparing your body to exercise but also preparing for recovery.
A good warm-up always does wonders of course, but a cool down can really save you from a few hard days of DOMS ( delayed onset muscle soreness). After class catch up chats and stretches in the back room is a must! Those 5 mins really make a difference.
Additionally, you can use foam rollers, massage therapy, and hot/cold therapy to alleviate soreness. Come to our next Infinity Recovery Rooms sessions on Saturday 31st of August at 3pm.
How Long Will It Take to Feel Back to Normal?
The time it takes to feel back to normal after returning to CrossFit training depends on several factors, such as how long you took a break, the reason for the break (like coming back after an injury), and your fitness level before the break. Generally, it takes about two to four weeks to get back into the swing of things. Don't forget to take into account factors outside of the gym. Adopting (or re-adopting) a regular sleep schedule, nutritious diet, and recovery routine can really speed up the process of “getting back to normal”.
Conclusion:
Returning to CrossFit training after taking a break can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Take it slow and listen to your body. Gradually increase your training volume and intensity, and don't forget to stretch properly and deal with muscle soreness. With time and dedication, you'll be back to your pre-break fitness level in no time!
Loolking to see what CFL is all about - Trial a Class with us!
Let's show you what we do here in CrossFit Leixlip!!
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