It’s been a minute since my last blog post. A lot has happened over the last two months. For one, the gym is open, and I have just finished my first week of training. There are no words to describe how much I missed going to the gym. I tried my best to keep the momentum with resistance training at home and doing cardio but there is something different (at least for me) about getting stronger and working towards PR’s. I get energy from just being in the gym and seeing myself surrounded by people who are working towards their goals.

On the positive side of quarantine, I went four full months without lifting and didn’t noticeably atrophy or lose a lot of strength. My very first day I did a low bar back-squat single at 86% (185lbs) and the weight moved fine. I felt like I could have gone heavier for sure. My shoulders felt tight holding the bar, but my legs were strong. The first workout was kind of a feeler for both squat and deadlift, but now on my second week training, I am looking to jump on a program right away so I can get right back to making progress.

Training instinctually may work for some people, but in my personal experience, progress is made best on program, with a game-plan, and a strategy. It helps me to not just show up to the gym and go through the motions and also helps so that when I’m not feeling 100% or I am a little under-inspired, having numbers to hit keeps me in line so I don’t take it easy on myself or mentally defeat myself before I even start training.

I don’t know how many other people deal with this mental struggle, but when I’m not feeling well, my mind starts to fight with me before I even warm up. Being tired, feeling slow or lethargic, my mind wants so bad for me to say: “You’re not feeling well, just go light. Don’t worry about the program, just take an easy day.”

I’m not saying I never do that, nor am I encouraging you to lift while you’re sick. However, working night-shift, there are so many times when I walk into the gym feeling like complete crap. It does not seem feasible in those moments to have a good workout because my body is weak, and my brain is tired. Even during the first few warm up sets, the weight feels so heavy that it feels like my body could collapse under weight that I’m supposed to move easily. But something strange tends to happen…

After a few sets, my body breaks through the wall and begins to cooperate. It is almost comical how many times I’ve had the best training sessions when the conditions were like that. There is an indescribable contrast in mood between going into the gym tired and dragging my feet and leaving feeling so energized and accomplished. I hope each and every one of you gets to experience that if you haven’t already. If you experience something similar, feel free to message me on Instagram and share it.  I love hearing things like that. : )

Outside of the gym, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking regarding my career. When I got my MSN initially, I wasn’t exactly sure what direction I wanted to take in healthcare other than the fact that I felt (and feel) drawn to leadership and administration so that’s the degree I went for (Master’s in Nurse Leadership & Management). I enjoy some aspects of bedside nursing such as taking care of my kiddos, hearing the funny things they say, and having the opportunity to learn from and be there for them and their families. However, I also know I’ve never pictured myself doing bedside nursing for my entire adult life. My path is different than others (including my mother) who are so happy, content, and diligent in working a position for 30+ years and not looking back.

These dynamics are a steady conversation that takes place in the back of my mind at any given time. Recently (a few months ago), a position opened in my organization for a transition into being an ANM (Assistant Nurse Manager). I prayed about it and thought about it a lot and whether or not I should apply. My manager encouraged me to apply, so I did, and I recently was told I got the position. This news was a source of great excitement for me as I get to transition into something that is going to be different and very much in-line with my future goals. I only have to get ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified and I get to start on my next pay-period.

I’m not sure where exactly the future will take me (I’m not sure I would want to know if I could). But in the meantime, I am thankful to be making significant progress and to have these opportunities given to me. I don’t take for granted everyone who supports me. It means the world.

Taking this position means that my training schedule will have to be modified on a weekly basis. This position requires me to work three , 12-hour night shifts a week, not necessarily on consecutive nights. This is where programing out my lifts and my goals will really come into play. Additionally, I am looking to getting back into meal planning, something I used to do while in nursing school, in order to ensure my progress stays on track (in regard to lifting and as well as ensuring I eat properly).

I can’t wait to update you all in a few weeks and to let you know how the transition is going. I will be sharing how I program for the gym and I would love to share with you all my meal planning. Until then, stay safe and stay blessed.

Sincerely,

Lexi

Instagram: lexicristabelle