Sometimes Life Throws Us Curveballs

Taking a Step Back: What 3 Weeks Away from Exercise Taught Me About Myself

Sometimes life throws us curveballs that force us to slow down, even when we don’t want to. For me, that curveball came in the form of surgery, requiring me to take a three-week break from exercise. While I knew it was necessary for my recovery, I didn’t realize how much this pause would affect not just my body, but also my mind and emotions.

Here’s how those three weeks off taught me to appreciate movement even more—and how I’m easing back into fitness after getting the all-clear from my doctor.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Rest

At first, I tried to embrace the downtime, telling myself that rest was part of the healing process. But as the days turned into weeks, I began to notice subtle (and not-so-subtle) changes in my mood and self-perception.

Without my usual workouts to energize me, I felt sluggish and irritable. My confidence level took a drastic nose dive.  Negative thoughts crept in, and I found myself feeling disconnected from the version of myself I was used to—active, strong, and capable.

Realizing the True Impact of Movement

This time off wasn’t just about healing my body; it was a lesson in how much exercise affects my overall well-being. It’s not just about building strength or endurance—it’s about mental clarity, emotional balance, and the confidence that comes from showing up for yourself.

During those weeks, I gained a deeper appreciation for the role exercise plays in my life. It’s not a chore or a box to check—it’s a form of self-care that impacts every aspect of my day.

The All-Clear: Getting Back into It

When I finally got the green light from my doctor to exercise again, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I wanted to get right back to where I was, but knew I would need to take it slow - even though that was the last thing I truly wanted to do. Especially considering I am teaching TWO workouts on New Years day and I needed to start practicing.

When I put the weight on the bar - I put the lowest amount I felt comfortable with - I felt like I was just going through the motions. I mean come on - I wanted to use heavy weights.  I wanted to sweat.  I wanted to struggle.  I wanted a GOOD workout.  But I started small.  And while the past two days of working out wasn’t exactly the workouts I wanted, I am glad I didn’t overdo it. Let’s just say, I’m feeling it today.

Easing Back in Without Overdoing It

Here’s what I learned about easing back into exercise after time off:

1. Listen to Your Body: Pushing too hard too soon can set you back.  And after the rollercoaster of emotions I felt when I couldn’t workout, now that I can I don’t want any setbacks.

   
   

2. Celebrate Small Wins: My first workout left me sore, but it also reminded me how much I’d missed lifting. I might have to use light weights right now but it doesn’t mean I can’t work on and perfect my form.

3. Be Kind to Yourself: It’s easy to compare yourself to where you were before the break, but progress takes time. I reminded myself that consistency, not perfection, is what matters.

The Takeaway: Rest is a Lesson in Resilience

While I wouldn’t have chosen to take three weeks off, this experience taught me an important lesson: rest is not the enemy. Sometimes, stepping back is necessary for growth—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

Getting back into exercise wasn’t easy, but it was worth every sore muscle and every small step forward. If you ever find yourself in a similar position, remember that healing takes time, and so does rebuilding. Be patient, be kind to yourself, and trust the process.

Here’s to appreciating the gift of movement—and to finding strength in every step, no matter how small.