How much load can you handle?

How much load do you take on?

In the world of exercise, the term "load" is often used to describe the weight or resistance we apply to our bodies. Whether it’s lifting weights, running on a treadmill, or swimming laps, each activity involves managing a certain load.

When we workout, we manipulate load in various ways.

🏃🏽‍♂️ On a treadmill, we adjust the speed and incline to challenge ourselves.

🚴🏼‍♂️ On a stationary bike, we tweak the cadence and resistance.

🏊🏿‍♂️ In the pool, we modify our movements to increase or decrease resistance as we glide through the water.

🪑 Even gravity is a load; every time you stand up from a chair, your body experiences the force of gravity pulling you down.

But load isn’t just about physical weight.

It’s also about the mental and emotional burdens we carry.

Think about a time when you were asked to move in a way that was uncomfortable or even painful. That’s not just a physical load; it’s a load on your mind and emotions as well.

When we take on too much load, whether physical, mental, or emotional, our bodies can struggle to cope. This can lead to compensatory movements or patterns that aren’t natural and in some cases not healthy.

As a kinesiologist, I don’t just focus on how your joints move; I look at how your entire body moves as a system.

I use load as a gauge to assess what’s working well and what isn’t. We can adjust the load—adding or removing it—to help your body move more efficiently and comfortably.

Sometimes, to make real progress, we need to take some of that load off. It’s like the song, The Weight says, “Take a load off Annie.”

So, what load are you putting on yourself?

Consider not only the physical load but also the mental and emotional ones. Past experiences that didn’t go well can weigh heavily on your mind. Maybe you had a negative experience at the pool or in a group fitness class, and the thought of trying again feels overwhelming.

That’s a load, too.

Load is a powerful tool.

It can push us to new levels of fitness and wellness, but it’s a delicate balance. Adding too much too quickly can be counterproductive.

This Fall, I encourage you to consider the load you’re carrying. What’s manageable for you? Remember, your capacity may change daily depending on your physical health, mood, and mental state. So be sure to check in when you need.

To help you find the right balance, I’m offering several group classes this Fall, each designed to help you manage your load effectively.

Additionally, my new virtual program, Mindful Movement, starts this September, providing a gentle way to offload stress and tension. To learn more about it, be sure to RSVP to The MedFit Movement Studio's Community Connections Launch Party. Join us virtually on Sunday, September 8, at 3 PM for a sample class with movement and opportunity to connect with yourself.

​RSVP today! 

And for a more personalized approach, you can work with me one-on-one in my signature program, Movement Momentum, where we’ll customize the perfect load for you.

Take a moment to reflect on the loads you carry—both seen and unseen—and let’s find a way to make them work for you, not against you.

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa