Work:Life Balance

• Career transition difficulties
• * How I appreciate my client’s struggles more

The last few weeks I’ve been out of my comfort zone, not only by no longer working in a gym!

In fact, moving flat, city and jobs has been a fair transition and stressful to say the least.

I’ve still renewed my PT licence and will be focusing on online PT (and possibly outdoor group fitness in summer).

I must admit that I can empathise with my client’s predicaments much more now. Working 50 hours a week, finding time to meal plan, go to the gym, write these blogs and of course commute makes it exceptionally challenging. Although I must admit that not having the certainty of being self-employed is a huge relief.

Meal planning suddenly becomes a much bigger issue; uncertainty of meal times, quantities and pre gym meals becomes vital. Thankfully, I managed to get a substantial food shopping in last weekend so I’m better equipped. Eating on the go simply doesn’t work when you’re working longer days (without a plan).

Also, with short lunch breaks and so much to do, prioritisation is difficult. Having to make time to write and finish blogs, publish social media content, eat and catch up with outstanding errands in 30 minutes means it’s gone before I can even blink.

I’ve been fortunate that I’m Monday to Friday at the moment but that will change soon meaning I need to adjust my routine again.

I love a challenge and it’s certainly something that I’m trying to coordinate. Having recently changed my gym membership, I have a lot more flexibility than cycling across the city then back again.

Small things like being a member of a gym en route home (which is also quiet at peak time) is a boost. The 40 minutes saved every session soon adds up and means I can alter my routine.

The cycling 4 miles everyday is more consistent cardio than I have been used to and has varied my cardio routine.

I’ve created the LEN health check to provide personalised feedback on how to improve your lifestyle (without too much effort). By reviewing your health, lifestyle, exercise and nutritional habits, a couple of small hints you can discover how to make the changes that will help you most. All you need to do is visit www.RYPT.info now.

Overall, my nutrition has been slightly wayward with relying on soup for lunch (besides a few cereal bars) to keep my going. Once I iron out the smaller things, I’m sure that I’ll be able to optimise my energy levels.

The main problem with my client’s following nutritional plans was eating well at work and preparing meals (exactly the same situation that I’m in at the moment).

As I’ve worked around a plan, consistency has helped. If I know the foods I’m going to eat, it becomes a routine (not only the shopping but the eating too).

The opposite is eating on the go and invariably choosing the unhealthy options.

On a personal level, I now enjoy the gym more (as I’m not there all the time) and find it’s even more of an effective stress alleviating mechanism. My routine has been a realistic three sessions per week but I find it easier to spend more time there (as the old Bus driver’s holiday analogy goes).

I appreciate that the gym is not something that everybody wants to revolve their life around but if you can enjoy a routine then it becomes less daunting to include.

Sustainability is a big part of RYPT and if you can nail the consistency element then you will achieve your goals.

See what RYPT can do for you today!

Ross

www.RYPT.info