I almost can’t believe I took two whole months off the gym, and I only realized it once heading back recently. Was it intentional? Kind of, but it felt necessary. So here’s how, why and what happened after two months off the gym as someone who has long history of restrictive eating, and “must workout” attitude.
Why I Took Two Months Off The Gym
This was somewhat on purpose, somewhat not. However, I knew I had to do it. I started going to the gym in 2021 and I hadn’t taken a long break since. I had always found a way to workout; hotel gyms while travelling, outdoor workouts, home workouts and so on. It wasn’t the best combination with restrictive eating; besides, I went to the gym to eat more or to “make up” for foods eaten or to be eaten during the day. I did enjoy the other benefits too, such as mental clarity, challenging myself, and feeling stronger. Only if it was only about those things (the focus was heavily around my weight and food).
This year has been the year I have truly taken care of myself. I tried various things; I started going to the gym in the evenings instead of the mornings, I dropped my workouts from 4 days to 3. even 2 at one point. Nonetheless, I was overly tired, not really gaining healthy body fat, periods were gone, messed up hormones. I was simply stuck in a starvation mode, even after gaining some weight.
Then some changes happened in my life, I started a new job, moved to a new apartment AND my family was on their way to visit me. As I was moving I had to cancel my that time current gym membership and I thought to myself; “there’s no point in starting a new membership when my family is here”. And that’s how I simply couldn’t go to the gym.
How Did I manage Those Two Months?
At first I was stressed out. I did a few home workouts in my new apartment, I went for a run, and I did a lot of stretching and mobility work. The last one is the only one I enjoyed doing at home, so that’s what I did for a couple of weeks. Then my family came to visit and I simply didn’t have the time to workout; nor to think about it. I guess that was the best outcome. I know I would have gone to the gym sooner if my family weren’t here.
What Happened After Two Months Off The Gym?
Nothing? Honestly, nothing happened. I’m saying nothing because many in my situation fear what would happen; as in something BAD. But here’s a list of things that happened, which are good things only.
Out of starvation mode
I continued doing what I was doing; eating when and what I wanted. After some weeks, I found myself quite satisfied throughout the day. I started receiving signals of hunger and fullness. But these signs of hunger were not loudly crumbling stomach or upset mood; rather, knowing I was hungry and knowing what my body wanted to eat.
Yes, I gained weight and fat
This was a huge fear for me. But I got through the uncomfortable. Currently I’m replacing my whole wardrobe with better fitting clothes. I would say that’s a reward! How fun is it to shop for new clothes? And for anyone out there with smaller chest and who might think this is impossible; well I went up in bra sizes too…
Improved social life
At some point I also started enjoying the way I looked. I became ok with it, and I feared for noting as I didn’t gain weight or fat overnight. In fact, for 3 weeks I ate outside with my family EVERY DAY. How fun was that? We tried some amazing restaurants, had great meals and most importantly great time. I didn’t know restaurants could be about being social more than about eating. At some point I stopped checking the menus ahead of time, I didn’t order the food with lowest calories and I took dessert even when I was full. Also, how fun!
I strongly feel like my body had the “reset” it needed. My hormones are definitely working better than in 3 years. My hair is growing stronger and healthier than ever. I don’t have the time to stress about what I’m eating and when anymore – I don’t want it to take some much out of my life when I can focus on other fun things.
Stop fearing for something that is most likely not going to happen.