Rein It In, Jenn

I forgot how much of a stress release working out can be.

There's a whole lot of stress and aggression I have discovered inside myself of late.  This, boys and girls, is a posting on how not to let that stress and aggression get on top of you.

This morning I spent some time on the treadmill, easy half mile, just to get the heart rate up.  Then I returned to my addiction...that gorgeous heavy bag just waiting to meet my fists.  I attacked that heavy bag like it was every freaking thing that was pissing me off.  I jabbed, hooked, crossed and whaled the stuffing outta that thing for fifteen minutes.  The issues I was laboring under materialized on the pleather surface of the heavy bag, sometimes words, sometimes feelings, and yes - now and then a face.  None were spared the wrath of my pummeling fists and pent-up aggression...I think I was even growling a bit...and it felt great!


Until...

I lost focus and hooked wrong, losing my wrist position.  Right fist landed wonky on the bag and I felt my wrist spang in outrage.  It's just a little sore, nothing that will stop me, but if that wasn't a big REIN. IT. IN. red flag warning I don't know what is.

So what can I do?  Well, number one is the physical.  I MUST wrap my hands.  I cheated and thought I could do my sets bare-knuckle.  Not a brilliant move and I am going to pay for it by having to deny myself my favorite cardio for a few days.  Can't risk a wrist sprain, or my nails.  My nails are one of my vanities. I don't have many vanities, but I indulge with my nails.  Can't risk tearing them off on the bag.  So, yes, we will be taping from here on out.

Number two is mental.  I cannot go in and picture every damn thing that is pissing me off superimposed on the heavy bag.  I will be discovered on the floor of the weight room with shredded pleather and stuffing strewn all around me, most likely hanging from my teeth.  Probably growling and muttering epithets as well.

It seems to me that allowing these issues to build to the point where I lose control is a potential downfall, in workouts and in life in general.  It is how you roll with it, not how you beat it down.  So, I stopped the physical assault on the heavy bag and moved to the freeweights.  That is good for concentration, and I already feel the results.  Tomorrow may be a slow-moving day of stretching and asking people to rub me down, but I choose to bear that discomfort.

After a shower and a tuna sandwich, I feel pretty damn good.  Had a nice chat with my best friend Chris and am happy to report feel the footing for new foundation being built under me.

There's only two things I need right now...a massage and a glass of orange juice.

And maybe...just maybe...some boxing gloves!