If soreness is the goal, you're missing the point.
Being sore after a workout is a sign that you're doing something new, moving in a different way, or you've increased your weight...and that your body hasn't adapted to the movements you're doing.
The actual point of exercising?
To ADAPT TO THE MOVEMENTS YOU'RE DOING.
And if you're constantly switching up your workouts, your body is constantly being challenged by something new.
If you're being challenged with something new every workout, you won't get the opportunity to get good at the thing, to adapt.
I say all this as someone who chased soreness for years- and who taught fitness to others who also wanted the satisfaction they felt leaving a class completely spent.
And yes, I still love to be challenged. By how heavy a weight is to move, by moving it in a challenging way, and by feeling my heart beat hard and fast.
But now, I understand how it all works.
And my assignment has changed.
One that doesn't involve pushing myself in my workout so much that I have nothing left for the day.
One that allows me to use exercise as a tool, not as a punishment- for what I ate or how much many workouts I missed in a week.
And that's how I coach my clients too.
So if you think that soreness is the answer to a good workout, I get it.
And if you're looking for looking for a coach to help you through it all, you can find out more by clicking the link at the top of this page.
Author
Gretchen
Coach
Growing up I was a half-hearted athlete who struggled with my relationship with both food and exercise. I smoked for over a decade and spent much of my youth either binging or not eating at all. But after breaking my leg in a car accident, months of physical rehab and years of psychological counseling lead me to a renewed appreciation for my health and my ability to just move-something I'll never take for granted again. I overcame a lot and have spent much of my life sharing what I've learned. I became a NASM personal trainer over 16 years ago. The type of clients I've trained and my own personal interests lead me to attain many other certifications. These include Sports Specific and Orthopedic exercise specializations, Pre and Post Natal exercise, MMA conditioning, and ACE Mind Body Specializations. I've taken 2 TRX qualifying courses in general and functional fitness. I am Kettlebell certified through both NETA and Kettlebell Kings, also completing an independent study facilitated by Steve Cotter, founder of the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation. I am also a certified Animal Flow Instructor. In the fall of 2021, I became a Certified Intuitive Eating Facilitator, as IE was integral to my own ability to divest from diet culture. I think this was the missing piece to be able to put together a holistic, meaningful training program for all my clients.
