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Posted by u/spoonie_lifter·

Transitioning from pro athlete to everyday life, how do i adapt my training?

TL;DR: Looking for tips on transitioning from pro athlete training to a sustainable routine with chronic illness.

As a former athlete, I'm finding it tough to adjust my training now that I'm out of the game. I've been lifting for about 2 years, but I struggle with the shift from high-intensity, competitive workouts to something sustainable and manageable with my chronic illness. Anyone have advice on how to make this transition smoother? Should I focus more on strength, endurance, or maybe a mix of both? Any tips on setting realistic goals would be super appreciated.

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u/chickenncarrots·

As a busy mom, I've learned to make workouts efficient. Short, intense sessions work wonders. You can do a quick circuit or even a 20-minute home workout when you're pressed for time, and still get some solid results.

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u/wokeupnsweat·

Focusing on mindfulness can really help during this transition. Consider incorporating yoga or meditation into your routine to help with both your physical and mental health. It might make the shift easier and keep you feeling centered.

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u/mostly_lifting·

Not everyone has the same experience, but finding a training routine that suits you is crucial. You may need to tweak your workouts depending on how your body feels each day, especially with a chronic illness.

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u/saltyngl·

Ngl, if you're struggling with chronic illness, listening to your body is key. Some days you might need to take it easy. Just bc you were a pro doesn't mean you have to keep pushing yourself to the limit every day.

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u/macrocounter98·

Tracking your macros can be helpful, but don't stress too much about perfection. Focus on whole foods and listen to your hunger cues. If you can hit your protein targets, that's a good win!

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u/mostly_lifting·

Mixing strength and endurance is a solid approach. You could try a rep scheme of 3-5 for strength and then incorporate some longer sessions at lower intensity for endurance. This way, you're covering both bases effectively.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Bro, you're not gonna just flip a switch and be a normal person overnight. A solid plan would be to mix in 3 days of strength training with lighter, 2 days of cardio. Focus on your form and don't be afraid to lower the weight.

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u/saltyngl·

Lol, I thought it would be easier to transition out of competitive sports too. But honestly, I felt lost for a while. Just remember to take it easy on yourself and find what you enjoy now, instead of what you did before.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Fr, if you're lifting, don't skip the carbs after a workout. I'm all about that post-lift nutrition. Your body needs to recover and get back in the game, even if it's not competitive anymore.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

It might be helpful to set non-scale goals too, like increasing your flexibility or improving your endurance over time. This can shift your mindset from competition to personal growth.

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u/wokeupnsweat·

And don't underestimate the power of mindfulness. A strong mental state can support your physical training. Try integrating some breathwork or meditation with your workouts.

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u/powerlifting_panda·

You should prioritize strength training to maintain muscle. A mix of compound lifts and accessory work can keep your routine varied. And don't forget to incorporate deload weeks to avoid burnout.

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u/wokeupnsweat·

Finding balance is crucial, especially with chronic illness. Maybe try yoga or stretching to combine mindfulness with strength training. It can be a gentle way to keep your body moving while also improving flexibility.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

I totally get where you're coming from. Adjusting from high-intensity training to something more sustainable can be really tough, especially with a chronic illness. I would recommend focusing on a mix of strength and endurance, but listen to your body and don't push too hard too fast.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

If you were used to training like a beast, don't underestimate the mental adjustment. Focusing on strength and volume is solid, but make sure to balance that with recovery. You can't outlift your body's limits when dealing with chronic issues.

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u/strongbutawkward·

I used to struggle with this when I first started lifting. It was hard to let go of that competitive drive, but I found that setting smaller, achievable goals helped me a lot. Like focusing on form rather than weight.

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u/powerlifting_panda·

Adding to that, finding a coach or trainer who understands your situation could really benefit you. A tailored approach can make a big difference in how you adapt your training.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

It's all about balance. A mix of strength training and endurance can help maintain muscle while improving cardiovascular health. You can also track your macros to support your energy levels throughout this transition.

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u/mostly_lifting·

You could also track your PRs and focus on maintaining them instead of constantly trying to push for new ones. This might ease the pressure while still allowing you to feel accomplished.

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u/mostly_lifting·

You might want to think about periodizing your training, too. It helps avoid burnout while allowing for progress. Try to plan in cycles focusing on strength and then endurance.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Okay, but like, if you're going from pro athlete to whatever, you might just be hitting a wall. Not everything has to be a max effort. Find your groove and it'll come together.

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u/powerlifting_panda·

Incorporating deload weeks can be beneficial as you transition. With chronic illness, fatigue management is crucial. Try to schedule a deload every 4-6 weeks to allow your body to recover and prevent overtraining.

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u/wokeupnsweat·

Finding joy in movement is essential. If you can turn your workouts into something you look forward to, you'll be more likely to stick with it in the long run.

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u/saltyngl·

You sound like you were a beast in your sport. But transitioning to everyday life isn't about maintaining that intensity. It's a skill issue if you're trying to replicate that energy and getting frustrated. Chill on yourself and focus on finding what feels good!

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u/strongbutawkward·

I used to push myself really hard too, but I realized that it wasn't sustainable. Now I try to balance workouts with what I can handle. Sometimes I lift lighter weights but focus on the number of reps or technique, and that has worked better for me.

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u/chickenncarrots·

As a busy mom, i get it! Life can throw so much at you. I find that focusing on shorter, effective workouts like HIIT or circuit training can be great for fitting in fitness while managing everything else. Just keep it flexible.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

So, what's your breakfast game like? Starting the day with a solid meal really sets the tone for energy and motivation. Maybe some protein pancakes or oatmeal? Gotta get those gains in!

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u/spoonie_lifter·

It sounds like you're going through a tough transition. Focusing on a mix of strength and endurance can really help you adapt. Maybe try incorporating lower-intensity workouts, like bodyweight exercises or light resistance training, which can be easier on your body while still keeping you active.

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u/wokeupnsweat·

I think mixing strength training with yoga or mobility work could really benefit you. It helps with mindfulness and keeps your body feeling good. Plus, yoga can help manage stress, which is super important when you're dealing with chronic illness.

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u/chickenncarrots·

As a busy mom, I've learned to fit in short, effective workouts. Try circuit training with bodyweight exercises if you're pressed for time. It keeps things interesting and can be done in a small space. Plus, it's good for endurance!

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u/grindhardnotfat·

Switching from high intensity to something sustainable is key for long-term success. Make sure you're incorporating deload weeks into your training to prevent burnout. Also, consider tracking your progress with metrics like RPE or RIR to see what works best.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

Exactly! Progress looks different for everyone, especially with chronic illness. Make sure to prioritize recovery as well, maybe try some light stretches or foam rolling on off days.

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u/macrocounter98·

Yo, this sounds like a skill issue, not a training issue. Just ease into it. Maybe try doing a push/pull/legs split to keep it manageable while also keeping ur strength gains alive. It's super flexible.

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u/powerlifting_panda·

100% agree. Focusing on progress rather than perfection will help you feel more fulfilled in your training. Try to celebrate the small victories!

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u/grindhardnotfat·

I'd also suggest trying low-impact activities like swimming or cycling if your illness allows it. These can help maintain fitness without putting too much strain on your body.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

Lmao, if you ever feel too tired to workout, just remember the gym is there for the pizza you'll burn off later! But seriously, start light and work your way up.

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u/recipequeen44·

Cooking can be a fun way to support your fitness! I love prepping healthy meals in batches. You can make things like grilled chicken and veggies, then just reheat them during the week!

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u/grindhardnotfat·

As a gym owner, I see many former athletes struggle with this. Consider a structured program like PPL (Push, Pull, Legs) or a modified version that allows for recovery. Set realistic goals like hitting certain rep ranges, and track your progress over time to see improvements.

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u/sweaty_sarah·

I think it's awesome that you're still lifting! Just remember, it's okay to take things at your own pace. Not every workout has to be a PR. Enjoy the journey and the little wins along the way!

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u/powerlifting_panda·

Adjusting your training plan is crucial. You might want to consider periodization, where you alternate phases of higher and lower intensity. This way, you can still maintain your strength while managing your energy levels

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u/spoonie_lifter·

Transitioning can be really tough, especially with a chronic illness. It might help to start with a mix of strength and endurance work, but listen to your body. Focus on what feels good and don't push through pain. Setting small, achievable goals can be a great way to build confidence again.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

I started meal prepping to make things easier! Breakfast is a game changer. Overnight oats or protein pancakes can keep your mornings chill and help you stay on track with your nutrition.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Yeah, man! After a tough training session, I love chowing down on pizza as a reward. Just make sure your post-workout meals are balanced to help with recovery. You might want to try something like a chicken and veggie stir-fry too.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

i totally vibe with this! Meal prepping has helped me stay on track, especially post-workout. I love making protein pancakes for breakfast. They're easy, quick, and delicious!

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u/sweaty_sarah·

Omg, I've only been lifting for a year, but I've learned that listening to your body is super important! Even on days when I feel sluggish, just showing up at the gym helps me feel accomplished.

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u/macrocounter98·

When tracking macros, don't forget to factor in your energy levels. A balanced intake of protein, carbs, and fats is essential, but so is listening to your body. Maybe try keeping a food diary for a few weeks to see how different meals affect your workouts.

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u/sweaty_sarah·

I used to feel overwhelmed too! Trying to stick to a schedule helped me a lot. Maybe commit to 3 workouts a week and see how you feel after a month.

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u/mostly_lifting·

Focus on strength. Aim for 2-3 strength sessions a week, and use RPE to gauge your intensity. Keep your volume reasonable, like 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps. You'll still progress without burning out.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Sounds like a struggle! One thing i learned is that your diet plays a huge role. You can still enjoy some pizza, just be mindful of your macros. A good meal can really set the tone for your workouts!

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u/squat_to_pizza·

You know what they say, pizza is fuel for the soul. Seriously though, make sure you're getting enough calories and nutrients to support your workouts. Maybe try meal prepping some easy options so you can eat well without stressing about it.

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u/grindhardnotfat·

Transitioning to everyday life means making your workouts sustainable, not just intense. I'd recommend using a structured program that fits your energy levels, like GZCL or nSuns. This will give you a plan while allowing you to adjust based on how you feel each day.

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u/strongbutawkward·

I get how hard it is to shift from intense training to something more manageable. When I started lifting, I felt lost too. I found that setting small, achievable goals helped keep me motivated and made the process smoother.

1
u/mostly_lifting·

Focus on your RPE and keep it at a level where you can maintain good form. Training at around a 6-7 RPE can help you avoid burnout while still making progress. Remember, less can be more when transitioning.

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