The "Act of Doing" IS the Perfection we Think we Have to Have

**Sorry - possibly a confusing title. I hope to shed some light on it. 😂

I have TWO (wonderful) groups that run 2x weekly called "Redefining Strong" for ages 60yrs+. In both groups, one of our exercises is the Farmers Walk. That's where you grab two dumbbells and walk up and down the hallway here at the studio, while keeping a strong, upright posture. (Translation into real life as an example; Carrying groceries or carrying suitcases/duffle bags while going on a trip)

This week, one of the participants mentioned she she did her first set of Farmers Walks carrying 20lbs dumbbells, followed by 25lbs dumbbells in her second set. She asked me"Should I be doing 20lbs both sets? or is it 'ok' to carry a different weight in the second round?". A great question and a common question.

It opened the door to remind me and the participant ANOTHER reason why I wanted to get these groups going; MINDSET.

We modern humans have this notion that things have to be "perfect". "On paper it needs to all be the same" kind of mentality. Or if we do something differently in another set it may "magically throw the body for a loop" or something. This is a common mindset; if it's not done in a particular way it won't count or it'll do something "all of a sudden" to us. The REALITY is, the ACT OF DOING something (to me) IS the perfection we think we have to have.

In this participants case, she was carrying 20lbs dumbbells in each hand for 2 sets. That's 40lbs added to her bodyweight, carrying it up and down the hall, 2 "laps" per set (a lap being up and back in our hallway here). Therefore 4 "laps" carrying 40lbs per session, 2x per week. By adding weight to ONE set (whether it's the first or second) - She's carrying MORE.

The whole purpose of our "Redefining Strong" group is to feel STRONGER, more MOBILE, more ABLE, more CONFIDENT. So her CHOICE to carry a bit more weight in even just ONE set is doing EXACTLY ALL OF THOSE THINGS!!!! 😊 AWESOME!!!!!

If we break down the numbers;

She's now carrying 40lbs x 2 laps for 1 set + 50lbs x 2 laps for 1 set. Which means...

🏋 She's carrying MORE WEIGHT.

🏋 She's increasing her body's work capacity in a way that DOESN'T FEEL exhausting.

🏋 She's made the decision FOR HERSELF to ADD MORE weight to her carries.

🏋 She's increasing CONFIDENCE in her own ABILITIES by doing even 1 lap with more weight, let alone 2-laps.

We continued our discussion reminding her that, WHEN SHE FEELS ready she can then decide to carry the 25lbs weights (50lbs total) for BOTH sets. We already know she's improved by increasing the weight for ONE set. When she does the heavier weight for BOTH, we'll know she's improved and progressed EVEN MORE.

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This is a wonderful little story of the power of MINDSET and also the incredible power in moving AWAY from "perfection". "Perfection" is different for everyone anyway, but the fact of the matter is; MORE people would DO MORE for themselves and their deep health, if they just did SOMETHING for their health, no matter how "imperfect" they may feel it is. 😊

If this speaks to you and you're tired of trying to create a healthy lifestyle with all these rules and "should do's" and "don't do's"... Connect with 'Coach D' and lets start chatting about how Zenergy Coaching can help practice a REFRESHING MINDSET and APPROACH to health and wellbeing.