From That to This

We all know it’s a struggle. I am not going to be the one who tries to sugar coat it. I’m just going to continue to relate my experiences so you have something to compare to, so you know someone else might be going through the same crap.

I sometimes wonder if the impact would have been different if I started posting about the ‘event’ as it occurred, but I came to realize that it would probably be far less significant, as 6 weeks ago I had no idea I wouldn’t touch a weight let alone a workout.

We reach today: my first workout, at least that I will classify as a workout, but outside of this scenario I’d classify today’s workout as a warm up…anyways, I worked out today.

Two sets of 12 swings and 5 push ups followed by three sets of 8 ring rows and 8 squats. Impressive I know.

In my head I should be happy that I got that much done with minimal pain, but instead I see what I used to do:

And compare it to what I’m able to do right now:

It’s a significant difference.

Yet, I’m taking care of myself, and trying to be the role model that actually rests when bad injuries creep up and not just push through despite the pain.

In the meantime I’m anxiously waiting to see how I feel tomorrow.

Tags: Uncategorized by Pamela
2 Comments »

Workout Review

And the verdict is…

I was a little worried, earlier in the week I opted for a very brief workout (if you can call it a workout) of modified side planks, some band stretches, and pigeon holds. The next day I was extremely stiff and had increased the amount of every day pain.

Not good.

I went back in for some adjustments from the chiropractor, typical post adjustment stiffness, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Enter a change in my thought process…

Before I continue let me first say that resting is crucial in many circumstances, and if something hurts you shouldn’t do it. That’s precisely what I’ve been doing for 8 weeks now and nothing really changed. The plus side of resting is that the constant pain went away, only certain movements generate any pain now, and I walk pretty well.

I began to think that my body is used to movement and now I wasn’t getting any. I’m used to being on my feet and moving around, showing multiple exercise demonstrations an hour, and just being on the go. Since I was moving around well, I decided I would demo more during one training session and do some of the work with the team I was training. The whole time I felt good. I didn’t end up doing any movements that caused me any pain. Granted it wasn’t a workout but I was moving.

I was extremely nervous to wake up the next morning.

Although I felt good the entire time I was doing some of the exercises, I was nervous that I would wake up with a significant amount of pain, that I’d be hobbling around again, and that I throw myself back a few steps into the annoying drama of my lower back.

Thankfully…I felt pretty damn good. Actually given my inactivity, movement restriction, and pain, I was ELATED.

Next step: continue to be cautious while adding in a few more movement patterns.

Tags: Uncategorized by Pamela
No Comments »

The Truth of It Is…

I didn’t write my earlier post to illicit any type of ‘poor girl’ thought process from anyone. (although I do appreciate the gestures and kind words.) The main point is that I wanted those of you, who are passionate about health and fitness as am I, to know that other people get injured too. The extent of all of our injuries may not be the same and the treatment and length of time being injured is also not the same, but never the less, the pink elephant in the room is the injury.

For me, exercise is a part of my everyday life.
I believe in exercise as a natural stress reducer.
I believe in the mental toughness that is gained through challenging workouts.
I believe in the empowerment that is achieved by gaining physical strength.


I still believe in these things, but it’s been 55 days since I was able to tap in to these things that are so important to me. I’ve been forced to find a way to deal without them or find something to replace them.

As Erica mentioned in the comment section of my previous post, my main goal now is taking care of myself, working through the injury and resting. She’s right, and she knows. Not to mention that because of her focus on doing what she needed to do, she is back on the path to being even stronger than she was before her injury. Yet, much like you would probably feel…It’s killing me. Will I live? Sure. If you’re in the same place as I am, you’ll live too.

It’s far better to rest and rehab it now then it is to over-do-it and have to sit out longer later on because you can’t physically move. That’s the part I have to remember.

So, it’s been a long and grueling 55 days since I’ve done a workout. I messed around with a few lunges about 3-4 weeks ago and it sent me back to pain central, so I’ve completely taken everything off the table except for walking. Walking!! Ugh.

Today though, I’m going to do a few small sets of push ups, rows, and the only exercise I’m “allowed” to do, side planks. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

Tags: Uncategorized by Pamela
1 Comment »

Where Do We (I) Go From Here?

Awhile back I had written a post about a little project that I had written for myself. I was pretty excited about it at the time, and had planned to blog about it regularly to keep you all posted on what was going on and how I was progressing.

Operation FAIL.

I wish FAIL stood for something.
Something profound.
Something meaningful.
Something epic.

It doesn’t. It stands for fail, not completing, nothing to report.

Now you are probably wondering why? I agree, I would be too.

Enter The Wrench…

Yes, a nasty huge wrench was thrown into the picture about 6 weeks ago. An injury, that to this point in my life has trumped all injuries. I have been unable to workout for the past 6 weeks and it’s killing me. Before all this I was deadlifting heavy weights, increasing my pull ups, jumping around, and swinging my kettlebells.

Now all I want to do is pick up something small and light off the floor. Ridiculous sounding for me, but complete and total truth. It’s painful on many levels. I know I’m not dying, but this is hard for me to deal with. It’s hard for me to work. It’s also hard for me, as exercise has been my outlet and my strength.

After weeks of rest, ice, heating pads, massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, trying to sit still and my clients moving things around the gym for me, I made an appointment with a spine specialist.

Although he came from a trusted referral, I assumed that like most doctors (no offense if you are one) he’d send me for an MRI, tell me to rest some more, and ship me off to physical therapy. We aren’t there yet, thankfully, I think.

An hour later, with multiple manipulations, adjustments, stretches, and holds, I walk around with relative ease. My first question, “Can I try to workout now?”

NO!

Ugh, when is this going to get any better? The advice? “Stick with this, see how you feel in a few days.” If the manipulations, adjustments, stretches and holds stick, then I can ease back into it. In the mean time I can do side planks. That’s it side planks!

It’s a struggle…I’ve spent the past ten years consistently working out, and working out right (well for the most part.) I’ve spent almost the past 6 years walking into the gym every day moving around weights that I don’t even think about, Helping friends move and being able to do more than ‘the guy friends’ who are also there to help, Running up and down the stairs at home with laundry, Helping my dad do renovations on my house, Moving furniture…

Now, six weeks later, I still struggle to stand up without additional support. I’m certainly not springy or quick or even strong right now, although my doctor says I am. It blows. For one of the first times ever I’m actually doing what I’m supposed to, nothing. As one of my clients said to me just today, I need to be doing my #1 job and take care of myself.

So here we go, this has to be the upside of the well curve (inverted bell curve), at least I hope that it is.

Tags: Uncategorized by Pamela
2 Comments »