Equanimity: The Overlooked Skill That Could Transform Your Training Results
Let’s address something that might be on your mind. You’re showing up, putting in the work, and chasing your goals, but when things don’t go as planned—when progress slows or a workout feels off—it’s frustrating. Believe me, I get it.
Here’s what I want you to remember: no training journey is a perfect, straight line. You’ve likely heard this before, but it’s true—progress comes in waves. Setbacks, plateaus, and failures happen to everyone. The key is how you respond. If you let frustration take over, it can hold you back from your long-term goals. That’s where equanimity comes in.
What is Equanimity?
Equanimity is the ability to stay calm and level-headed, especially when things get tough. In training, that means not getting too discouraged by a setback and not getting too wrapped up in a single success. No one workout defines you. Phew, right?
When you stay balanced, you keep the big picture in focus. The goal isn’t just one great day in the gym—it’s to build a lifetime of fitness, health, and strength.
Equanimity in Your Training
Think about it. You’ve had days where you crushed a workout or hit a personal best. It feels awesome, right? But then there are those days when things don’t click—when a lift feels heavier, or your endurance isn’t quite there.
Here’s the truth: neither of those days defines your progress. A bad day doesn’t mean you’re falling behind, just like a great day doesn’t mean you’ve reached the top. It’s about the consistency you bring over time.
Fostering Equanimity
To cultivate this mindset, focus on two things:
Consistency: Keep showing up. Whether the day is great or tough, the fact that you’re here and putting in the effort is what counts.
Long-term trends: Look at your progress over months and years, not just day-to-day. Are you getting stronger and healthier over time? That’s the true measure of success.
Feel the frustration when things don’t go as planned, but use it to learn and improve. And when you hit a win? Celebrate it, but remember, it’s just part of your journey. It’s not the finish line.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Training
If you find yourself riding a rollercoaster of emotions—feeling on top of the world one day and defeated the next—it’s often because we attach too much meaning to individual results. If you’re thinking, “I suck” or “I’m getting weaker,” that’s a sign you’re letting short-term results affect your mindset.
Remember, you control the process—your effort, attitude, and commitment. You don’t control every outcome. When you realize that, it’s easier to stay grounded and not let one day’s results weigh too heavily on you.
Moving Forward with Perspective
So here’s the bottom line: zoom out. Look at the bigger picture. Yes, training is about getting stronger and healthier, but it’s also about building resilience—physically and mentally. When you stay balanced through both setbacks and wins, you set yourself up for long-term success.
At Findlay Movement, we’re here to help you play the long game. It’s not about quick fixes or one-time achievements. It’s about sustainable progress that lasts. Your coach is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you stay grounded, focused, and consistently improving.
So keep showing up, keep learning from every session, and trust the process. You’ve got this—one step, one lift, one day at a time.
By Maia Gilbert
