I bet you are anxiously awaiting another weekly recap of LiveFit trainer, aren’t you? Unfortunately, there’s no recap to be had this week. In fact, I decided to stop the program as of last week.
It has nothing to do with me not liking the program. In fact, I absolutely loved the program. The workouts were hard. I felt like I was really making leaps and bounds in my strength, especially my upper body which has not had much power since I was a swimmer in high school. The fact of the matter was that in my current situation, I had to get real and honestly ask myself what my goals are. I talked with a few girls who are in the same situation as I am, and all of them felt like I was still doing too much physical activity. In fact, I had to agree. It pains me to even say that LiveFit was too rigorous for my body at the current moment, but it was.
I can’t afford to lose body fat.
I know especially in the third phase of LiveFit – it is all about “cutting” and making sure all the bulk that is built up in the first two phases results in learn body mass. I feel like one of the problems I am having right now is that I don’t have enough body fat. Yes, my body has changed since I last ran in January (more specifically in my stomach and thighs), but there is no way I should be losing that fat right now. In fact, I need it – and probably more of it!
I still felt physically exhausted.
Even though I wasn’t running, getting up at 4:30 in the morning still was not flying for me. My body is just physically tired, and I need to give it some real time off from any actual strenuous activity. Although my strength training sessions didn’t feel as physically draining as my runs, my body was still feeling the stress from the workouts. By the end of the day, I was still exhausted – not something that I should be right now.
I was putting too much stress on my body.
One thing I need to focus on right now is de-stressing my life as much as possible. Stress plays a huge part in hormonal issues, and the more stress I have, the more out of whack my hormones are going to be.
What’s next?
Even. More. Rest.
It’s been really challenging trying to listen to my body the last few months. I was having a difficult time grasping that my body wants me to really rest right now instead of just pushing it in a different way. It just seems funny to me that I went from running long distances to thinking a 3 mile walk is “too much” physical activity at the moment. It’s ridiculous actually.
My current plan is to do a few days of yoga (2-3) and to walk Charlie (not 3 miles every time) and to eat up.
I think what I am struggling with the most is the fact that I really equate part of being healthy to working out and being physically fit. I know this isn’t going to be forever. That’s what I keep telling myself to make sure I don’t absolutely freak out at my lack of fitness these days. I am really trying to be proactive in getting my hormones back to where they need to be – and I am going with my gut on knowing this is what needs to be done.
I definitely want to try the LiveFit program again someday – it is an awesome program that I would love to complete!
I saw that quote over at Tina’s on Friday, and it just reaffirmed that I am doing the best thing for me right now. Because we all know – nothing changes if nothing changes.
{ 139 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow Chelsey, I really respect your honesy and admire that you are listening to your body…as difficult as it may be! I think you’ve made the right choice, and like you said this is more in line with your goals. As long as you’re keeping active some way or the other, I wouldn’t worry too much about the cut-back in exercise. I know I am guilty of putting too much pressure to exercise both in terms of intensity and frequency: I need to remind myself that my ‘little’ is probably normal as opposed to ‘slacking’.
I always have to remind myself that my active lifestyle does NOT represent the majority of the US or of the world!
You are strong and beautiful! “Listening to your body” is one of the best things you could do…I think our bodies often try to tell us stuff and we just choose to ignore it. So way to listen!
Thanks for your support Cara!
So glad you’re doing what’s best for you body at this time in your life. Sometimes, for me, it’s hard to listen to my body and do what’s right for me when everywhere we turn its workout more, eat less … but we have to realize everyone’s needs are different and we have to do what’s right for our own bodies and goals. Enjoy your walks with Charlie and yummy eats!
Chesley, this is awesome, and I thank the Lord that you are doing what you feel you are being asked to do. What an example you are to so many woman! I will be praying for you!
Thank you Jessica!
I totally understand where you are coming from-over the summer I had to put on some body fat in order to work out hormonal problems-and I know how frustrating it can be and how weird and backwards it feels to NOT workout as a way of getting healthier! I did the same thing and replaced my normal workouts with yoga and walking and it really did help!
I’m so glad that it worked out in your favor Jamie - I’m hoping it does for me as well!
I’m proud of you for being honest; with yourself and all of us. It is never easy to get out of a zone where you feel comfortable and I know exercise is a value of yours. You do a great job of saying, “….it’s not forever”. You are an inspiration, and I hope you really know that. —I am always here for you, always. You are one of the people that I felt was honest and sincere in your comments to me and it meant *the world* as I was struggling. When you shared Laura Story’s song “Blessings” it was the very first song that went on my iPhone and I listen to it alllll the time, I took those words to heart and it gave me so much comfort. I wish I could do the same for you- I pray for you on your journey, Chelsey. Have a wonderful day and…. kick the world in the pants!
Okay - weird connection. I read this comment before I left for school but didn’t have time to respond back. Well, on my way to school when I turned on the radio Laura Story’s “Blessings” came on. I thought of you when I heard another song over the weekend - Josh Wilson’s “Before the Morning” - you have to listen to it if you haven’t already.
Girl….can we PLEASE have a phone date soon. You have know idea how much I’ve been thinking about you. I honestly think we are twins!
<3 you!
I’ve been thinking about you so much as well - I think a phone date or a google chat is in order!!!
I’m so glad you’re doing what’s best for YOU, Chelsey. It’s hard to change your fitness goals, especially when you’ve got a million people reading them, but I think you’re doing the right thing
Thanks Colleen - definitely not a million though, ha!
good for you, girl. you’re way stronger than livefit coulda ever made you anyway!
Good for you Chelsey! It is so great to see how honest you are with yourself and how truly ‘healthy’ you are! I can’t wait to continue to follow your journey
Hang in there girl and keep that positive spirit!
I know this was a difficult decision, but it definitely sounds like you are doing the right thing! And just think, even with your lower level of activity, you’ll still be more active than the average American.
haha that did make me feel better!
Love that quote:)
I’m so glad that you are doing what feels right! I think many of us would feel like we have to continue with the program, but it’s so important to listen to what our bodies really need. I really hope that this works out well for you Chelsey! I’ve been thinking of you!
Thanks so much Lindsay - it really helps to know that I’m getting encouragement from all over the place!
Chelsey!!! That’s great that you are doing what’s right and more important for you right now. Even if it’s challenging for your mind right now in a long term it’s worth it to listen to your body and your intuition. So proud of you!!!
Thank you for sharing this and being so honest! It’s something I need to do as well… I have been running my body into the ground for far too long now and I must rest! Now just have to get the mental courage to do so…
Yay for listening to your body!!!! I can relate. In fact, I am going to print out this post and read it and follow it come June. The husband has been telling me this for the past 1 1/2 years.
I have 2 spring/early summer marathons, but after that I promised myself, I would start listening to my body and balancing out my hormones (which pretty much means yoga, walks and rest). So happy that I am not alone…
There’s so many of us out there that are struggling with this! I’m here for you when you start to go through those changes!
It’s so important to listen to your body and I’m glad you are!
The LiveFit program will always be there for you to pick up in the future, what’s important is how you feel now
I love you! I never got to email you!
My true Tuesday post tomorrow mirrors YOUR post here, crazy how we both are in this situation right now, and it is SUPER stressful. I can tell you, I know how you feel, because it sucks.
Thanks for being real and honest, I find people appreciate it very much, and you help people too, that what I am hoping my post will do, just be a comfort or support for someone going through the same thing.
Love ya girl! <3
<3 Love you too! I'm so glad that you're also listening to your body right now. We've got baby goals in mind, right? :)
Thanks for your honesty girl! There are so many people who struggle silently!
Way to listen to your body ~ exhaustion is no picnic!
I’m glad you’re taking these steps to get to where you want to be, I’m sure it’s not easy giving up a lot of the fitness activities you enjoy. But just imagine how incredibly worth it this may be! And let me know if you ever need a walking or yoga buddy! (or a fro yo buddy… Haha).
Um we need to go get that fro-yo soon! When is your next appointment with Dr. S? Maybe we can do brunch?
This Saturday, actually! and then I’ll be gone the next two weekends for spring break!
well shoot! this week won’t work because I have a massage appointment in the morning (I’m so deprived, right?
)
haha well maybe I’ll see you! my apt is at 8:30!
You’re a smart lady, Chelsey! I’m glad you’re doing what’s right for you and your body. Thanks for your honesty!
I’m so happy your doing what’s right for you AND that your getting some great great advice. It’s hard when you live such a fit life to accept these big changes, but, you’re doing great!
good for you chelsey. you have to do what is best for you and your body, and i think you’re making the right choice. that whole high stress and tiredness thing is something i need to work on too!!
i saw that quote the other day as well - love it!
Great post! I’m soooo proud of you
there will be a lot of hard, I feel lazy days at first, but in time you will appreciate the rest, and so will your body! I’ve been dying to try LiveFit Trainer, but I’ll have to wait at least 10+ months. I think a set program like that will be just what we both need to shed the baby weight when that time comes! And I know that time will come for you, just be patient and dedicate yourself to becoming a mom!!!
Thanks Carly - and I really could not be more encouraged but by the forum as well! There are so many women out there that are just proof as to what I need to be doing right now. Still keeping my fingers crossed for you!!
It’s a great sign of maturity when one can step back from a “program” in life and be led instead by other insight. I’m glad you’re making a choice that you feel confident about.
I’m often *really* tempted to live my life as a DO-er. I do, do, do! And a lot of times what I actually need to do is to BE STILL. Surprisingly, that takes a lot of the odd combination of effort and letting-go. “Cease striving” is not my natural modus operandi.
Here’s to you chillaxin a LOT!
Thanks Ruth - my phrase for the year is “let it go” so I guess I’m doing what I set out to do!
so proud of you, lady
i know what tough decisions these are too make and hard realizations to accept, but keep the end in mind. xoxo
Thanks girl - you have been incredibly supportive. I can’t thank you enough!
You are awesome for being so honest. You have to do what is best for you, and if that means more rest so be it! It is so important that you feel your best
I love the honesty! I hope everything works out in your favor. Our bodies are amazing and I am thankful for the privilege to have two moving legs and two moving arms.
My honest confession: I’ve recently unsubscribed and stopped reading blogs that considered living a “healthy life” but seemed to be pushing themselves to the limit and showed an obsessive workout schedule. I know some may struggle with rest or enjoying indulgent meals, but that is what healthy is all about and I want to look up to someone, not feel like I AM NOT doing enough just because they’re doing too much.
Well I’m glad I made the cut!!
Mindy, I completely agree with your last paragraph…so so much. <3 xyx
I am glad you are doing what is right for your body. The LiveFit Trainer is tough. I am still slowly working my way through, but I can see where you are coming from especially with everything going on in your life. Get rest, stay healthy!
Good for you! I need to do the same thing, for the past few months I have been cutting down the workouts but I still think there is more to be cut out. It is a hard choice to make though so I look up to you that you made that step
Thank you. I go on holidays this week and am debating not even bringing my runners so I cannot be tempted.
What a great post! It takes a lot of mental strength to realize our body needs rest and to not just push through it to get results. I’ve been feeling similar to that lately, and decided to call it break time! Not as much physically tired as mentally though.
i think it is amazing that you listen to your body and you know what’s right for it.
most people can not admit or even acknowledge that we do need fat. especially as women. i mean. we have baby making organs to protect! that’s why we get the lower belly fat. the body knows we need it. but society tells us we shouldn’t.
your honestly and reality is amazing. <3
Thanks Debbie - I think it’s hard sometimes for women to accept that since the media/society gives a much different perspective!
Sounds like you are making a smart decision and doing what is best for your health at this moment in time. Keep us posted on how you’re feeling with this new plan and hopefully your hormones will straighten up in response
I will! Thanks Brittany!
Good for you, Chelsey! It is really refreshing to see someone making the decisions they know are right for them at that moment! Even when it goes against what you always thought was “right” or “good”. And what you’re saying makes a ton of sense, actually!
finding a beautiful balance is so difficult; but you are beautiful, and you will find it. hoping that you’ll post more foodie related entries in the foreseeable future in compliance with your new plan to eat. i love your recipes.
Thanks Nicole - you’re a doll!
I think you are so strong for making this decision, Chelsey! I know there have been more than a few times that I should have taken a little break from exercise and just relaxed but it can be really hard. However, I think you have some pretty good motivation to do what’s best for your body right now and I hope this helps out!
You made the right decision Chelsea. Rest. You have the rest of your life to try the program again.
I’ve been thinking about you! Take care of yourself and eat up! 
Emailing you now.
I emailed you back - not sure if it helped or not!
difficult but 100% respectable decision to make. I hope this helps you get where you need to be
- and then you can start working out hard again!
I know that was probably a really tough decision to make. I imagine I’d feel the same way and kind of torn between the whole “health image” part of working out and challenging myself physically and other “life” goals that kind of go against that. I hope you’re able to find the perfect balance in between to get what you want
My other “life goals” are winning right now! They’re definitely more important to me!
Chelsey, it takes real courage to share these kinds of decisions! Thank you.
Wow. This was an amazing post and I’m truly inspired by you. I know that my body is screaming for rest. My doctors are screaming at me to rest. Do I rest? NO. Why? I’m stubborn and continue to do an insane number of hours of exercise daily. Thank you for this post and I truly hope you update on your transition.
I hope you find your own personal balance Colleen! I will keep everyone updated, don’t you worry!
You know that I love you, support you, and think you are doing the right thing.
Still have to look for those jeans!
Listening to your body is the best thing! Good choice - you can’t go wrong that way. Love the quotes!
Good call! It is sometimes so hard to relax and just let our bodies rest-especially when we are so used to being so active and everywhere we go, we are told that we should challenge ourselves.
I’ve never commented before, although I’ve frequently wanted to, but I just couldn’t read this post and not say something.
Chelsey you are amazing!
I imagine it’s difficult in the Heathy Living community to step back from intense exercise [as it's part of what makes you known]. However, for me, the inspiration that your workouts and meals provide are only inspiring because you are a ‘real person’ in between them [fitness is not your job, it is one of many interests]. You sense of humor, your travels, your job, your family, the books that you read, your thoughts; all of these things create the substance of your blog and, I can only imagine, a fulfilling life.
So, although I cannot approximate what your experience is like, or even how difficult this decision was for you to make, I hope that I can adequately convey how wonderful it is to read that someone I intensely respect from a fitness perspective has enough confidence in their life and their priorities to say that physical fitness, although important, has a fluid definition to them and that they accept it changing in response to other priorities in life [as opposed to the other way around].
You hit the nail right on the head Kiran. It is really difficult to come to terms and become “public” with all of this since I am so involved in the HLB community. I know everyone respects honest and openness though, so I have to be honest with myself!
It sounds like you’re doing a great job listening to your body- if you’re exhausted, you should rest, definitely!! You can always pick up the program at a later time when it makes more sense for what your goals are and what your body needs!
Thanks for being so honest about your decision and for sharing with your readers. It must have been difficult to admit that you needed a break but I commend you for listening to your body and making the best decision for you. Now I hope you can rest knowing that you have not let your readers down.
I also took a one week break from the Live Fit program (due to illness), after completing the first six weeks. This week I want to get back to a regular exercise routine, I’m just not sure what that looks like for me. I do know that working out 6-10 times a week (with my full time work schedule) was exhausting and I can’t do that to my body anymore. I am torn between finishing the program, modifying it to fit my needs, or stopping it completely. You have given me a lot to think about.
Thanks Stephanie - it’s amazing what kind of pressure we bloggers put on ourselves, isn’t it? I would never want to mislead anyone with what I am doing or with my health, and I have found that everyone is so incredibly supportive. I hope you find the balance you need as well!
You are so amazing for listening to your body and scaling back on the activity. Although exercise is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle - it’s still a form of stress. So cutting back on that may help to reduce that type of stress on your body.
I love that you are being so proactive - and for that reason, I know you’ll get this all sorted out. <3
Congrats on listening to your body and stopping. That’s a big and bold move and one that many wouldn’t take, or would ignore, or wouldn’t even fully notice and observe and would just continue on “because that’s what the program said”. Good for you.
Taking it easier, resting more, doing, going, moving…less. So hard for so many in the rush rush go-go culture we live in. Good work, Chelsey!
I totally respect you for being so honest! Get some rest, you don’t want to become overly run down! Have a nice day
Great Post- thanks for opening up! Sleep is often overlooked when it comes to fitness- get some rest girl!
I’m looking forward to sleeping an extra 45 minutes!
Good for you for listening to your gut. It might e a difficult adjustment, but I admire you for taking that step…. It will be worth it later.
Your definitely on the right track Chelsey. Isn’t it crazy what stress can do to our hormones? I’ve stopped my morning workouts for the most part and am also doing a lot of yoga and walking. Good Luck
It is crazy the effects stress can have. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for a difference!
I know I dont blog and I know I dont count but I know where you are I am there too. Lets do this together. people are stronger in pairs!
Regardless of whether you have a blog or not, you DO count and matter! I am so happy you are reading every day, and I would love to have someone to support along the way as well!
I love the honesty in your posts. It’s so important to listen to your body
Great post! Good for you for listening to your body. Take deep breaths, do more yoga, and just enjoy being
.
I really think plans are great for people who need some motivation and something different. Every time I follow a plan I get a renewed sense of inspiration and that gets my butt going. But if it isn’t working for me, I see NO shame in stopping. We just need to listen to ourselves and our body, and as you are putting so much effort into the other areas of your health that your naturopath has advised you on, why risk that all being for nothing by keeping up with this program? Good for you!
Good for you, Chels. I think way too often people get too caught up in the “losing fat” and “gaining muscle” aspects of things, without paying attention to whatever other life goals they have. Just as you said, right now you have more important goals to attain, and I think it’s great that you’re listening to your body.
Basically, you’re Super Awesome
Funny you should write about this! I was actually on day 60 when I *had* to quit the program. I ended up with a case of double pnuemonia that landed me in the hospital for a week and on short term disability from work for almost a month. My lower body fat (I am a healthy weight typically, but a case of pneumonia did a quick job of lowering my total body weight very quickly) was actually making the situation worse according to the doctor! No, it absolutely was not the program-which is awesome. It was me. I was getting sick too often and ignoring it. I wasn’t listening to the signs my body was clearly giving me. Now that I am better (though not completely healed), I am taking my time and doing an even more modified version of the LiveFit program. My body just cannot handle 6 workouts a week!
Good for you for listening to your body and it’s needs! I wish I had listened a little sooner.
Oh wow! It sounds like you had to go through a lot! I’m hoping you are feeling better and healthy again!
It’s so inspiring to see other people listening to their bodies. I’m trying to do the same myself, but it’s definitely hard! I’m still trying to get my body to feel normal again. I hope I’m doing the right things, but I’ll just have to keep up the faith that it will all be worth it in the end.
Chelsey, I bet this was the best decision you could possibly make.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
I wish you best of luck that you come on terms with your body.
So glad your listening to your body!
Good for you! I know how difficult it can be to take a step back…I bregrudgingly went to my first gentle/restorative yoga class after injuring both wrists (officially discharged from hand therapy today! yay!). Turns out, I fell in love with it and have met some of my closest friends because of that class. And it allows me more power and flexibility because I am taking the time to open my body at the deepest level.
Your body knows best…taking the time to tune in is as healthy as working out to the max (some would probs argue more so…). Good luck on this next part of your journey.
Wow! I am a new reader and this post is amazing. YOU are amazing! My husband and I are trying to conceive and like you, I have issues with my hormones. I am also trying to do what’s best for my body and, hopefully soon, our baby. Have you noticed that in trying to prepare our bodies for a baby, we are adviced to follow what good “expert” advice is. What I mean is, I have followed a lot of advice, work out as much as possible, eat only super clean/”healthy”, lose as much body fat as possible, etc. But, that wasn’t “expert” advice. That was magazines, other people, athletes, etc. Now, I am hearing, “An ideal bmi to conceive, which is a healthy bmi, is %&” and, “Make sure you get in a MINIMUM of all these great foods and make sure you eat full fat stuff.” And, working out 20 minutes 2-3 days a week is healthy! I don’t know if you are having any of these experiences, but I am and I am not starting to see what my body was really designed to be and it’s beautiful- maybe not by the world’s standards, but by God’s standards and what I was created to be and do. Good luck Chelsey! I can’t wait to keep reading! You are an inspiration!
Thanks so much for the support Karla. I have been given some of those same pieces of advice, and I am actually so much more at ease with my body right now because I’m not putting so much pressure on myself. It’s actually a wonderful, beautiful thing. I feel the best I have in YEARS.
I think that this is the problem with the “healthy” living community. I mean really, a lot of these girls are a bit quirky or have real exercise and food issues (that even they don’t acknowledge)…working out ALL the time + talking and photographing food all the time is not necessarily considered totally norm to anyone who doesn’t read this stuff….depends…there is a fine line.
SO< when you step out of this "blog land" and into the real world you actually see people that eat with family with socialness and not numbers, who actually work all day and take a 20 minute walk only ONLY per day and they are doing more than the average American.
I think I might stop reading these blogs altogether for a long while. It is hard to focus only on YOU and what you need to go when people are throwing the opposite lectures in your face. (Like me, my doctor is saying none of these unsweetened milks or low cal yogurts or stuff….so for example while a gazillion blogs show and preach about unsweetened milks vs. sweetened, I go and do the opposite…why set myself up for the guilt for only walking each day and eating opposite to what all society promotes…no sense to it).
Good for you! I only wish I were as smart and in - tune with my body two years ago when I ran my body into the ground. Keep us posted.
I will Jenny!
Chelsey, you are a rock star. I know how hart it was for you to make this decision. You are the bravest person I’ve ever known! I wish you all the best, and only the best on your journey.
Thanks Marina, I really appreciate your support. I’ll keep everyone updated!
I can relate a bit! Obviously I am not trying to get pregnant or anything like that but I am learning to listen to my body more and have scaled my workouts WAAAAY down recently. I am just trying to tell myself that this is only temporary because I do really miss my normal routine. But I know that this is whats best for right now…so i am just trying to cope and do what feel right! Good for you for making the right choice!!
Chelsey, what a profound statement, and one I can personally sympathize with. I just recently found your blog, but am happy I did when i did! I find I am struggling w my own health issues (mostly hormonal or rather lack there of) and am more than 99% sure they are directly linked to my exercise routines. I was (and am even still) recovering from my hair falling out. We as females require a certain amount of body fat, which is a struggle for people like myself who gain muscle quickly. I am still mentally and emotionally struggling on my cut back. I feel like fitness is such a natural part of my daily routine it would be difficult to cut it out. Plus, I’m pretty sure I would become a bit of a “b” without some stress relief. I have since changed my routine a bit and feel better. I wish you the BEST of luck. And thank you for Sharing your story !
Hi Eiren, I’m glad you found me! I have found that by going on a quick walk when I get home from work (even 15-20 minutes) is enough time for me to destress and unwind. I actually thought the same thing about me being cranky about not working out, but I actually feel relieved because I know it’s best for my body at the time!
I think you are completely doing whats best for your body. Even with walks and yoga it probably wont be that easy to gain weight!
Take the time to rest up and explore new hobbies and activities!
I think it’s great that you are listening to your body! It encourages me to do the same, which is something that I am not very good at.
Good for you! We know that whatever you choose, you are doing it to better yourself!
bath salts, good book and candle…you can do it!
That sounds divine!
I totally understand your reasons for stopping the program. I stopped after 4 weeks, it just got to be a lot. It’s a huge commitment and definitely left me really tired, especially because I’d have to wake up extra early to fit in the longer workouts.
I had the same issue as you did. I didn’t have a period for two years. Mine stemmed from an ED and over-exercising, but even when I got my weight up to what was considered healthy, I still did not get my period for another 8mos. I finally got it last month. I saw a nutritionist, and I had to/still have to eat a huge amount of fat. I have almond butter for bfast, half an avocado for lunch, at least 2% dairy and lots of nuts. I also had to stop running and do yoga. It really was amazing how much my body responded. Hang in there and you are doing the right thing. It might be hard, but it is pretty exciting to finally get your hormones back.
It’s great to hear you had a positive response!
Gee, wish I could talk to you too Kellie. Sounds like I’m in a similar state and extremely confused
Wow! That is a big step. Good for you for listening to your body and doing what is right for you. Keep us updated on how your body feels over the next few weeks!
You are so aware of yourself sometimes…I am in awe. You are very reflective and I love that. Thanks for sharing.
I’m sometimes TOO reflective - ha! I’ve learned over the course of the past two years that I have to do what’s best for me and that might not necessarily be what’s best for someone else.
good for you for listening to your body, my family has been telling me if i stop working out for awhile and put on weight my period should come back..and like you said its sorta just to weird not working out like i feel just blahhh. but yoga should do the trick for you def! and its still a great workout, i use body by bethenny its like 40mins its pretty easy but its a good workout not crazy just nice stretches and moves that i usually do in the summer bc its to hot to do anything.. hows your skin doing anyway is it clearing up at all?
Wow Chelsey I really admire you! Kudos for doing what you know is best for you, even if it’s not necessarily the choice you want to make. That takes such guts and willpower!
Sometimes it is hard to realize it is okay to slow down, especially being so involved in fitness and a healthy living blog. I know I have a hard time with that. I love being in shape, but there is more to life than that. I’ve been reading your blog for the last few months and am inspired by you taking on the necessary steps to continue to live the most healthy life that aligns with your life goals! I am looking forward to seeing how you are feeling in the near future!
I’m so proud of you for listening to your body. I used to be the girl who worked out when I was sick, heck, I even worked out after I had surgery. Looking back, I see how silly that was! You will probably feel so much better once you start sleeping more, and your hormones will start to regulate. I wish you the best!
This was such a great post and I’m so glad you are doing what you know is best for you. Sometimes just being kind to ourselves is one of the hardest things. But the hardest things are always the most rewarding
Proud of you for this post, Chels. When everyone is running marathons and every celebrity is ripped as hell, it’s hard to stop and admit that, maybe that’s not right for my body. As much as I love to run and wish I could be a super athlete, my body just isn’t up for it right now and it takes a lot of courage to say that. You rock. Honestly.
It is so amazing that you’re able to see what needs to be done and act on it. Especially when you have to change something that has played such a major role in your life for so long. I admire you for that! This is something I worry about A LOT. I know that my body fat percentage is low as well and I fear that getting pregnant in the future will be a struggle. So, being able to follow your journey has been amazing and I look forward to seeing what results from giving your body even more rest. I wish you all the best- stay positive! <3
chelsey, i am so proud of you. it took me WAY longer to accept that certain changes needed to happen but as you know i’m so happy i finally did! will be thinking of you!!!!
you are a strong and beautiful woman, doing the best thing for YOU right now. this post is amazing and you are so right that it is not forever, and that it will all be worth it in the end.
You should be so proud of yourself for really doing what’s best for you! I definitely find it inspiring, and this post came at the perfect time. I committed myself (though not officially registered) for my first half marathon in May but due to a whole bunch of things (wedding in June, student teaching, moving soon, etc.) I just don’t think I can add any more stress of sticking to a training plan right now. I finally had to decide that I had to do what was best for me and not just run because other people were expecting me to-not an easy thing to do!
It is inspiring to hear you choosing what is most important at this stage of your life. And as you have said - it is not forever. I went through some similar things when trying to get pg - significantly decreased my exercise, increased protein and fat intake and gained 10 lbs. It was hard in some ways (I have history of ED) but truly I did not think of other options b/c having a baby was most important to me. I ended up pg with triplets (no IVF - kind of a fluke) - had to eat 4000 calories a day and do NO physical activity. WOW - that was a huge change but again , I was focused on my babies . After I had them I fairly quickly got back to my normal weight and started running shorter runs when I could. I now trust that my body will adjust and there are times in life that demand physical activity be a lower priority (though it is always there is some amount - even walking the dog) than others - whether due to my body’s messages (pg, injury…) or life stage issues (baby care, job situation….). So kudos to you for being true to yourself and being so honest and inspiring to others. I will be sending you lots of healing energy …
Hey Suzanne, if you are open to chat I’d love to email you or something. I’m going through a toughish and confusing time myself.
Great post Chelsey!!!! I’m still so happy you decided to join the forum - I as well have learned so much from those amazing ladies and still continue to do so. Our time will come and it will be all the more amazing after having gone through this journey. I’m so proud of you for doing what you need to do and we have to remember that we can workout all we want after babies!!!
xo
Listening to your body and what it needs is the best thing you can do!!! I’ve been taking more rest during the livefit trainer than in the plan, but know that is what my body needs. I’m not in any hurry…I know I’ll get there
I cannot thank you enough for being so open and honest with all your situations you have going on. As Women, we expect our bodies to do exactly what they should be doing NATURALLY but there are a few of us that it just does not happen that way. It almost makes you feel shameful because you are different and you dont work like everyone else around you… it is just a really tough place to be! I hope you can tell Im speaking about all this from personal preference and seeing someone else go through these same struggles is such an encouragement to know I am not ALONE..I cant thank you enough for being so open and honest…You have helped me more than you know!
Hi Chelsey,
I have kind of a weird question, and if you don’t want to answer it/if it’s too personal that’s totally fine… I (along with so many other people commenting here) obviously really appreciate and admire how open you’re being about your experience, I think it’s hitting home for a lot of us struggling with similar issues.
My question is- have you experienced any random hormonal consequences as a result of your… reproductive system being temporarily shut down? About 3 years I lost my period for about a full year, and I’m quite sure it was a result of over-exercising (overdoing cardio, losing too much body weight, etc.) Even though I thought I was eating enough to compensate, I guess I wasn’t. Anyway, at about the 9th month of not getting my period, the hair on my head started thinning (and falling, a lot) and I started getting hair in other.. random places. Like my cheeks and my neck. (Sorry if that’s TMI…) Anyway, it’s been 3 years since that happened. My period came back after I gained a little bit of weight and cut back on exercising. But I still have hair in places no woman would ever want hair. I’m not sure why that’s still happening, nor am I really sure if it’s still a side effect of what happened 3 years ago (maybe it’s my body hormonal new equilibrium?) Anyway, I’m just trying to better understand my body and was curious if you’ve experienced anything vaguely like this.
Thanks again for sharing your story
-S
Hi Shelly,
Not too personal a question at all! I did not experience any hair growth in other places as a result of my hormonal issues. I have to say that up until recently (before I started working with my TCM doctor and reducing exercise) that my smptoms were more fatigue and really really crabby ALL the time - so much that it was really affecting my life.
Hi,
I used to be a runner and without giving details, I want you to know that I’m taking this approach also. I’m just doing one walk per day and eating up a lot. But I don’t plan to do it long-term. I plan to do it for at least one full year. I just know with my body , it needs 100% rest. Years of mental and physical exhaustion haven’t helped me with my current goals (similar to yours maybe). My body is worn and needs little else but a lot of calories and just a daily walk.
I feel like it is all “wrong’ and it makes me feel guilty . But I need to think about long, long term and my body can’t just take a “break” and come back in a few months. It needs time. Do it now and the future can be brighter.
Listening to your body is always the best thing to do - I often have to remind myself to do the same.
First off, I have to say….YOU GO GIRL! I think so many women (myself included) struggle with actually honoring their own body; we rely more on the outside world/media for confirmation on what we should/should not be doing. That being said, we can into some major trouble if we keep that process up.
I’m currently in recovery from anorexia, and after being hospitalized/gaining some weight/discharging/relapsing…I’m finally trying to conquer this beast once and for all (albeit out of the hospital…)! Literally two days ago I decided to take hold of my exercise obsession/compulsion and start strength training whilst increasing my calories to what I ACTUALLY need to build muscle (which I still try to convince myself may be lower than what I actually think) — granted this revelation/motivation came almost specifically from reading your blog along with Katie’s over at Faith Food & Fitness - so thank you! A woman I met with today though shot down my caloric intake, stating that I should be taking in nearly 800 LESS than my doctor is telling me - What on earth?! Needless to say, it threw me off and I feel like once again I’m trying to swim against the “typical” American.
SO SORRY for the ramble - I just wanted to let you know that you ARE doing the right thing and are SUCH an inspiration (am I creepin’ ya out much? haha) - thank you, again - and keep doing what you’re doing chica!
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