We are our own Biggest Barrier

The other day, one of my participants in the "Redefining Strong" group (strength and mobility for 60yrs +) was mentioning her shoulders after doing an exercise. This is something we've discussed before, and I suggested a couple quick exercises to try at home to see if it's a specific strength-stability situation with the shoulders themselves.

She's brought it up a couple times since and the recent conversation happened again this week. My question to her was...

Coach: "How often are you doing the two exercises we discussed at home?"

Client: (Sheepishly) "I'm not"*

(*Note: In our initial conversations where we chatted about these TWO exercises and I showed her, she agreed they were do-able. She mentioned she had all she needed to do them, equipment wise at home. She did not say "this is NOT possible in any way")

WE ARE OUR OWN BIGGEST BARRIER

In this case, when she implements the exercises into her days it MAY be a fairly quick "ah ha" moment for her and those couple exercise suggestions may really help. Then again, maybe something ELSE is needed and these two exercises won't do much to change anything for her.

Until there's ANY ACTION on ANY of the exercises - we really have NO ANSWERS or DIRECTION to help her with improving the exercise*

(*Note: This program is a general strength and mobility routine, which keeps costs low for participants. When coaching is needed to become too specific, the client then needs to decide if they want more specific coaching services or not. In this case, it was a quick 1-minute conversation to make these suggestions, which MAY help her.)

This is VERY common. TOO common.

• We have an issue/concern/discomfort/pain

• We talk about it

• We receive suggestions (in this case, from a professional) which may help ease / learn more safely

• We don't try the suggestion (at all or for any length of time)

• We continue to talk / complain about it while gaining NO FURTHER knowledge of what MAY help

WE ARE OUR OWN BIGGEST BARRIER

This is a prime example where this client may be dealing with this discomfort week after week, yet a couple exercises for a couple weeks may be enough to move her forward without discomfort. OR after a couple weeks it may help her try something else. OR after a couple more weeks she realizes, maybe seeing a physiotherapist or athletic therapist may be helpful to get some direction and get to the root of the problem. Instead, we'll often let things drag on for weeks, months or longer before we take any action. Yet we REALLY don't have to deal with the discomfort for that long.

WE ARE OUR OWN BIGGEST BARRIER (did I mention that yet?)

Here's an interesting point. This same participant in my "Redefining Strong" groups is blown away by how her knees no longer bother her since starting the program earlier this year. Let me put it in another way - This SAME client recognizes that below her hips she's felt positive change BECAUSE OF DOING EXERCISES, BUILDING STRENGTH, STABILITY and MOBILITY. But above the hips, she's NOT doing exercises that have the potention to lead to a similar outcome. 🤔

I reminded this client that until she takes action, I can't offer helpful guidance because we don't know yet what works, doesn't work or if the body needs more specific treatment for her shoulder region. My job, and YOUR job individually with YOUR body, is to be a "detective" of sorts. Collect clues and information. Assess the data gathered to make informed decisions about your NEXT course of action.

Here's a few things we discussed this week when she brought it up, that can help ANYONE who wants to create a positive change or needs to implement a new habit for themselves in their day...

🏋 Put the equipment in a HIGHLY VISIBLE SPOT. In this case she needs her 5lbs dumbbell and a band. I suggested putting it by her favourite spot to sit where they watch tv as an example. Just ensure it's somewhere it can't possibly be missed each day.

🏋 Start with ONE exercise. She's NEVER said "two exercises is too much" or "I don't have time". She just doesn't think of it right now because it's not a habit, I'm sure. I suggested that even if she STARTS with just ONE of the two exercises, that's something.

🏋 "Sprinkle it" in your day. I'm usually suggesting this approach with all clients. I truly believe if we get out of the "block time" for a "workout" we may find ourselves doing MORE, more EASILY. Do one exercise in the morning after breakfast. Do another after lunch. Something like that. Spread it out.

🏋 Cut it in HALF. Not that these two exercises take much time at all (less than 5min to do 2-sets of each for 10-20 repetitions). However, since she's not doing it at all, CUT IT IN HALF. Do 5-10 reps for 1 set each. Start there.

Last time I promise... WE ARE OUR OWN BIGGEST BARRIER.

If we LET OURSELVES get out of our OWN WAY, we'd see and feel change much more easily and often, with LESS STRESS attached.