Being able to ASK OF YOUR BODY is a GIFT... thoughts after a group fitness class today
Being able to feel your chest pumping, to get after, to ASK of our bodies, to push, to simply show up for a fitness class is A GIFT. And today I’m so thankful I was able to do so.
Going months on end where I simply could not exercise. Couldn’t push my body. This time last year, shoot. Simply struggling to take anything more than a 30 minute call for my business as it was mentally exhausted was difficult. I learned how to say no to just about everything and could only say yes to the things I truly could do. Exercise was out of the picture for months on end. I tried, but couldn’t
So today when I’m able to walk into a group fitness class simply because I want to, priceless. I don’t think we realize how much of a gift simple things like this are. Not everyone CAN do this. And not because they’re out of shape, lazy, etc. Because their bodies may not allow them to to a degree – people fighting cancer, those with autoimmune issues, mental health concerns etc.
BUT I do have to make another point too. I don’t particularly love group fitness classes all the time, specifically as I’ve gotten older. My right shoulder hurts from my days of softball and I have to modify exercises sometimes. Once in awhile my back flares up from the time I “threw it out” deadlifting #245. There are other reasons as well but I feel many time they’re too much about “hitting it hard” rather than having good form and allowing modificaitons so you can keep doing this for life. Even as a PT who knows how to modify exercises I struggle with this sometimes. So I can only imagine those without a background like mine struggle as well. Although it might look a little bit more like avoiding group workouts/exercises all together or just pusing through and hurting yourself more.
And another point to make is I have done this for awhile. I’ve had shoulder and back issues that will flare up from time to time and I tend to modify. BUT truthfully spoken I don’t think I’ve ever fully rehabbed either of these injures. I never SLOWED DOWN to create new movement patterns to the movements were hurting me. Focused on where I was weak MULTIPLE TIMES a week, at the intensity needed to actually REHAB SOMETHING. I’ve always been really good at adding “rehab like exercises” to my lifting routine, to lifting 2-3x/week CONSISTENTLY. I don’t struggle here and MAYBE YOU CAN RELATE.
If you have an ongoing injury. If you’ve avoided certain movements for years – for me it’s been overhead lifting and things like kettlebell swings at times for my back. I’d ask yourself if you’ve OBJECTIVELY had someone assess where you’re weak or your movement patterns could be improved. And then have you actually implemented it at a rehab intensity – at least every other day and continuing to increase the difficulty of the exercises done. The exercises should feel someone challenging.
Anyways, I’m thinking of this today as I was mainly able to do the whole workout and not feel so limited. I did modify a bit for my shoulder still as there was A LOT of overhead movements in today’s workout. But just some food for thought.
And I will add by saying when you’re injured it’s these little things you often can’t do. When I tore my plantar fasica, simply going to a group class would have been a challenge and likely not in my best interest. Only reason I could maybe do it is because I know how to MODIFY but most people would not be able to do this,
Just some food for thought on all ends. If you’re healthy and able right now as I am it is truly a blessing. If you know someone who is sick or injured – check in on them. And if you currently are sick or injured – find a way to still get out in the community you love if you can. And lastly, I feel you. It’s tough but what you’re going through will only make you stronger.
And lastly, lastly, I highly encourage you to read the paragraph “If you have an ongoing injury” if you consider yourself a “washed up athlete”, you avoid movmeents or exercises, or if you’re an athlete who would love to be dong more but just can’t right now. I’d love to bet there’s more you could be doing and you have to find someone who’s going to listen to you and challenge you. Please reach out if I can be of any help in you finding that person to help you.
Until next time – KEEP RUNNING YOUR LIVES!!
