Month: November 2024

Ever step into the gym feeling a little less energetic than usual? We’re right there with you! We know that every day doesn’t have to be high-energy to be productive. In fact, science shows that even a modified workout can lead to positive results—and sometimes, those low-energy days can surprise you with unexpected wins.

Why Moving Matters on Low-Energy Days

We stand by our Core Value #3: Moving better = feeling better. Studies show that even gentle movement can stimulate endorphins, reduce stress, and improve mental focus, all of which can leave you feeling a lot better than when you walked in (Harvard Medical School, 2021).

On days when your energy is low, our coaches are ready to make adjustments to your training plan, prioritizing movement that feels good and helps you feel accomplished without overdoing it. Sometimes, that means shifting the focus to lighter weight, fewer reps, or mobility work, giving your body what it needs to recover and recharge.

How We Tackle Low Energy with You

Our coaches know that “people are capable of much more than they think they are” (Core Value #5). Low-energy days can actually help you develop resilience, teach you to listen to your body, and show you that progress isn’t always linear.

Research from the American College of Sports Medicine (2018) also suggests that even a light workout can maintain muscle memory and boost cardiovascular health, supporting long-term progress.

Here’s how we would adjust for you:

1. Low-Impact Options: We shift to gentler exercises that still challenge you safely, focusing on movement that feels restorative.
2. Mobility and Flexibility: Low-energy days are perfect for emphasizing mobility, which can reduce soreness and prevent injury.
3. Modified Strength Work: Instead of heavy weights, we’ll work on technique, form, and control, setting you up for future success when your energy returns.

Remember, fitness is a journey—and every day doesn’t have to be perfect to be beneficial. Our goal is for you to leave SSP feeling better than when you arrived, energized or not!

Let’s be honest—dragging yourself to do something you don’t enjoy? That’s a recipe for burnout. It’s the #1 reason so many fitness routines fall apart.

When your workouts are fun, they stop feeling like a chore. They become something you look forward to, a highlight of your day, not just another item on your to-do list. And when you enjoy the process, consistency becomes second nature.

This idea is baked into one of our core values: If we’re not having fun, we’re doing something wrong. Fitness doesn’t have to be all grit and grind, it should make you smile, lift your spirits, and feel like time well spent. We don’t just want you to show up; we want you to enjoy the process. Because when you’re having fun, sticking with it doesn’t feel like work.

We love seeing this core value in action with our members like in this recent review from Sarah:

“I started here in January 2024. I had very little experience in fitness, but I knew that I needed to make a change. Not only are the coaches great and just wonderful people, the other members are encouraging and motivated to help and support you. There is such a great community that helps me keep motivated and excited to exercise.”

————–

There’s a lot of science behind this. Your brain is wired to seek rewards. When you find joy in an activity, your body releases dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical that makes you want to do it again. This creates a positive feedback loop: the more fun you have, the more likely you are to keep showing up. Habits that feel rewarding are far easier to build and maintain because they don’t rely on sheer willpower. 

But let’s be clear: “fun” doesn’t mean “easy.” Fun means finding joy in the challenge from working up to a max lift you’ve been working on, finishing your first strength training program, or laughing with a friend through a tough session. It’s about feeling supported, encouraged, and proud of what your body can do. The more positive experiences you have in the gym, the more motivated you’ll feel to come back, week after week.

We work hard to make this happen in our space and with our programming. Our coaching ensures your workouts match your goals and abilities, so you’re always challenged but never overwhelmed. On top of that, our community makes every session feel like time spent with friends—because when you’re surrounded by people cheering you on, it’s hard not to smile. 

This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s central to our philosophy. If fitness isn’t fun, it’s not sustainable. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to create an environment where you can work hard, have a good time, and leave feeling good.

Ready to see how we do fitness differently? Book your movement assessment with us here to get started on your individualized program.