Rest to accelerate

Build in the time to rest and restore, and you might be surprised by the results. 

It’s been a minute, ya’ll. I’ve been on a hiatus from the blog. And, I just returned from my first true vacation in more than a year. 

I needed the break. As you probably know, I welcomed a puppy into our family last fall. He’s been keeping us busy! Juggling this addition has certainly been an adjustment. But this is life. It’s full of new beginnings, endings, and transitions. 

Certain things in our lives will take priority during different phases. Sometimes our fitness, as important as it may be, takes a backseat. And you know what – that is okay. We’re all human and we can’t do everything. Trying to do everything may only burn you out. Know yourself and your needs. 

For me, I’ve kept my coaching humming and maintained my own training to the essentials. But I’ve missed building the community with my athletes through my blog and emails – and thanks to the recharge from my hiatus + vacation, I’m ready to be back! 

During my vacation, I worked out only once. For the most part, I reveled in working on my tan, eating tons of good food, and drinking probably more beer and mezcal than I “should have.” When we train, we put our bodies under stress. The stress makes our bodies stronger, yes. But our bodies also deserve love and enjoyment. I really believe that rest can help accelerate us toward reaching our goals. 

Coming back from this break, I…: 

• Added 20 lbs to my previous week of front squats

• Hit an overhead squat PR

• Benched 215 lbs and attempted a one rep max of 225 lbs 

Training is more than just the workouts. Build in the time to rest and restore, and you might be surprised by the results. 

Excited about firing this thing back up! Let me know what you’re up to – I’d love to hear from you. 

See you out there, 

Andrew

P.S. This story, “Impossible Weight” on Snap Judgment, really inspired me. Weightlifting is not just about weightlifting. Check it out.