Never thought I could do it (and now I've done it again)!

So flippin chuffed!

So, I’m a massive gym lover.

Having played sport for years, I now spend a lot of time in the gym. Love the classes, like weights and love the buzz after a session.

One of the classes I go to is a functional circuit class where there’s always a ton of banter and ribbing as well as a proper good workout.

There’s always a range of exercises, but the sled push is always included.

Now, I like it ok, but never been overly fussed about it one way or the other.

?? But two weeks ago I pushed a PB on it, 130kg. I’ve never pushed anything like that.

And as I said at the start, so flippin chuffed.

But on reflection here’s 5 things I’ve taken from that PB.

1?? You don’t need the perfect equipment/situation, just get going. I’ve been promising myself a new pair of trainers for ages and they really showed how much they needed changing that day. Every step I was taking, I was sliding back half the step. But I got into a rhythm and eventually the slipping shoes were part of my process. Would it have been easier with new trainers, yes. But could I still perform, yes!

2?? Have a great coach. The trainer was brilliant that day. Although he was keeping an eye on everyone, he was there revving me up. Having that consistent feedback and motivation was so helpful, especially when I was flagging a bit.

3?? So important to get back up after you fall down. I know we hear this so often, but I actually did slip and fall down. But with the trainer there and the mindset that I was going to get to the end no matter what, I got back up. It’s tempting sometimes to stay down, but knowing how good it’s going to feel when you get to the end is a massive motivator!

4?? Keep taking small, incremental steps. The runway for the sled was marked out in metre marks. Have to say, towards the end I was really struggling and found the best way to push was with my head looking at the floor. It was helping my technique but it was also showing me my progress. And just concentrating on pushing it for a metre, then another metre, got me to the end. Breaking it down was so powerful, cos you can always push for a metre. We can always take that next step.

5?? And finally, have the right people around you shouting for you (and you support them). Although everyone else was working at their stations, they were all shouting support, which was so massively needed! Having folk really pulling for you, really wanting you to succeed is so powerful and that definitely egged me on. And I know that my shouting for them had the same effect. There was an energy in the place that day, and everyone was really hyped up. I’d never have done it just by myself.

? I also had another realisation. (A wee bonus thought) I’m pretty competitive and always keep an eye on what the others were pushing. I definitely didn’t push the most that day, and if I’d compared myself to the others that day, I’d have gone away feeling a bit crap. But it was such a massive improvement on anything I’d done, I had no other feelings than pride and happiness with what I’d achieved.

And one last thought came to mind.

?? Only one week later (having bought a new pair of trainers) I broke my PB again! The super observant of you will have noticed that the sled in the photo is at 160kg. And that’s what I pushed on Saturday! It’s amazing when you start to believe that something’s possible, how you’re able to then push what else could be possible. Literally.

?? So, thanks for sticking with me to here. Who’d have thought that a wee trip to the gym would have inspired so many musings. ??

I’d love to know what you’ve done that’s pushed you out your comfort zone. And what did you take from it?

Have a great day! ?

#personalbest #pushyourboundaries #gymlover #outyourcomfortzone #5tips #createanedge #awinningedge #beawesome