Each of us can recall a time where we were unable to do the thing that unites each of us – show up to train, get after a workout and cop a high five and bum slap on our way out the gym doors. 

Maybe we got caught up at work one day and missed our usual 4pm class.

Perhaps our kids have been particularly fired up and we’ve thrashed ourselves running around after them and putting out fires.

Many of us have been injured and unable to participate fully in class WODs.

We’ve been sick and for a week we curl up in front of the TV with a box of tissues and a sore throat. 

Or we’ve run ourselves into the ground ‘Keeping Up With The Jones’. 

These times are great opportunities to feel sorry for ourselves and reflect on how we may have done things differently. 

I for one definitely would have acknowledged the niggle I felt in my mid back a week prior during a bunch of overhead presses. 

But… 

We can also use this as an opportunity to appreciate the times when we do get to train.

We realise in these moments how good it is to be able to express ourselves physically, to get a sweat on and lift some heavy sh*t every once in a while.

Because the fact that we get to move and train, is an absolute privilege.

As the old saying goes: “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” 

And if we reflect on the times that we weren’t able to train, we realise what a blessing it is to swing a kettlebell, drop under a snatch… and yes, even do a burpee.

Spend some time this week reflecting on this.

And if you’re in the same boat as me – unable to fully experience the joy of movement due to an injury – use this time to do the rehab; some active recovery; de-stress; do something for your mental health, and know, that when we are able to train again, we’ll have a new appreciation for a burpee.

Movement is a gift my friends.

Will you take that minute to recognise this?