Training Journal: Getting Back on Track

It's been a long time since I've posted a training journal.  I'll try to give you a recap of the last couple of months. 

I started following some of the strategies from Vince Delmonte's Your Six Pack Quest back in January.  I was doing morning cardio sessions and my lifts were also pretty strong.

Then February came.   I got really sick during the first weekend of February (I'll spare you the details, but let's just say I spent a lot of time in the bathroom).  Fortunately I was able to recover in time for my first speaking engagement, but it took me about a week to get fully back to "normal."   The rest of February was a super-busy month--I had several more speaking engagements (some of which required travel) and my newest book came out. 

Needless to say, February was not a great month in terms of training.  I managed to train at least a couple of times a week, but I didn't really feel strong. 

You may wonder why a fitness blogger would admit to such lackluster training.  Part of the reason is to keep myself accountable.  But I'm also writing to those of you who (like me) aren't professional bodybuilders, trainers, etc.  The gym isn't my life--it is something I integrate into my life to make it better.  There are times when other things take priority.

Here are a couple of lessons from February:

1.  Being in shape has major (unexpected) benefits.  I was able to conduct a 1.5 hour seminar even though I was operating at about 50% strength (during that first week of sickness).  If I were out of shape or overweight I doubt I would have had the strength and energy to do what I needed to do. 

2.  Consistency matters.  Yes, I've had an off month in terms of training.  But I've been fairly consistent with my training for over 20 years.  In other words, one month just isn't that big of a deal.  No one can be 100% focused on training all of the time (especially if you don't make a living at it), but you don't have to be.  Just be consistent--an off week (or month) won't make a big difference in the long run.

I'll be writing about deloading in my next post (that's what I'm doing this week).  I'll explain what it means and why it is important.