Oly lifting/Snatch – YouTube.

Work the weakness. For all of us it’s different. In my exercise program, I excel at any workout that contains “gymnastics” such as hand stands, handstand push ups, ring work, high reps of air squats, double unders, pistols etc. I struggle when Olympic lifting (see attached video) comes up for whatever reason. Does this mean I ignore the movement, workout because it contains something I’m not great at? Hell no! I “work the weakness” and hope to improve. Oly coaches could dissect my lifts and tell me “you pull to early” which is usually the case. I could get frustrated, pout and walk away and just do hand stands all day but I don’t. I am a lot better at Olympic lifts than when I started but it’s still my weak point so I continue to try to improve.  I apply this same principle in life. “Work the weakness”. I am, by nature, a very antsy person. Relaxing doesn’t come easy to me. Restlessness is a constant companion that has been with me my entire life which is probably why I was so drawn to movement. (My mother will attest to my restlessness and still refers to me as “impatient”.) She’s right. So how do I deal with this? Well, I have different tools for different situations. Between 5-7 pm I struggle the most. I think it’s because the hours of “being productive” are basically coming to a close and “relaxing” is on the horizon. I pre-record some shows I like, choose one and watch while simultaneously chasing the guilt away of not being productive. My dogs join me and seem to be absolutely fine with the “relaxing” and are indeed, great teachers. In fact, they think it’s utterly fantastic as they are usually up on the sofa embracing me in a Labrador sandwich.  I also recently learned how to knit and was skeptical that it could help me but it’s pretty perfect in its ability to quiet my mind. Yoga. My husband hardly notices when I suddenly break out into “sun salutations” and other yoga poses around 8pm while we’re watching a show together. He’s lived with me for eight years now. He knows me. Sometimes I even meditate (and I used to be a big naysayer regarding meditation). Meditation is a perfect “work the weakness” opportunity for me as I don’t do it nearly enough ironically because of my restlessness. Meditation is funny. It’s something I sort of dread (“it’s boring” and “I’m restless” being my biggest obstacles) but then when I’m done I always feel more peaceful and relaxed. Dah! Meditate more. So as I continue to grow in this life, I’m realizing that life isn’t just about “being productive” 24/7, never missing a scheduled workout, eating perfectly every day, writing the perfect blog piece,( insert whatever pertains to you). Life is for living. My husband says that to me all the time and he’s right. We had a great vacation last week missing workouts, eating great “bad” food, watching some crappy vacation TV in our hotel room, seeing friends and now we have some great memories. I’m learning to get comfortable with the moment and be where my feet are. I’m “working the weakness”.