No sense in ignoring the pink elephant in the room…

I haven’t posted in way too long, but enough about what we already know. Let me fill you in on the things you do not know.

I’ll consider this my re-entry into the world of sharing my workouts, thoughts, rants, and many other possibilities with you.

Last you read, I was working my way through a terrible injury and actually started to feel relief and regain strength and movement. Up until a few weeks ago I was almost back to doing all the things I used to do, but then I started getting this weird hip flexor weakness. Like down and out, stop yourself from stumbling to the floor weakness. I made the choice to call Mr. Mike Robertson to help me with this new issue. New issue it was not, most likely directly related to my previous problem, more on that at a later time.

Long story short, I’m doing very basic workouts these days in an effort to heal myself AND get back to doing what I do.

What happens to your motivation when all this spirals down a dark path of inactivity? It goes to hell, that’s where it goes. I know, I said it. Truth is, it’s the truth, but it’s also a lame ass truth at best.

As I previously wrote, I felt sorry for myself. Recently though I found myself realizing that this is the lamest thing I could feel. The other day as a matter of fact I decided that I wasn’t going to approach things that way anymore. Why, what changed?

The biggest thing is that things are better. My movement is better. It’s not perfect but it could be worse. I’m able to workout, just not the fun and challenging workouts that I’m used to, but that too will come. Life is a big part of this, it doesn’t stop moving because you do, literally. I decided I needed to get back into my life, the one I was used to, the one you are used to interacting with.

So, I’m making some changes to my current habits.

Check in tomorrow for the list.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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