There is no denying that injuries suck. I have had my fair share of injuries that have meant I had to miss the gym for a few days. Every time I would throw myself back into the routine as soon as I was able to, which was a lot sooner than I should have! Why? I felt like training had become such a big part of my life, it truly made me happy and I hated to be away from it, for even a short time.
Stubbornness.
I absolutely hated any time I had to skip the gym to rest. I felt useless, I worried I would overeat, lose my strength and feared I would gain lots of weight. I would cut corners and act against everyone’s advice. I would try to work around the parts of me hurting and still healing, just causing more injury along the way.
The signs were there but I pushed on, ignoring them. Fast-forward to when I was in work 3, almost 4 weeks ago, my back went into a spasm like never before. I was forced off my feet. I haven’t trained since and couldn’t move for 5 painful days.
Today
While feeling down has been inevitable, I’m not freaking out like I used to.
I seem to have had a switch in mind-set these past couple of weeks. At first it was forced rest, I simply didn’t have a choice but to stay sitting all day. The difference came as I felt the slight improvements… I started to walk quicker, to bend down and sit up without pain BUT I still knew not to, I know I can’t push myself yet, I just have to be patient.
It’s been one of those light bulb moments that comes up every now and then. I miss training so much and working in the industry I haven’t been able to even avoid the gym to avoid what I’m missing, but that’s ok…
Choosing to look at time off (through injury) in a positive way.
I don’t feel like competing with myself. I don’t feel like I have to prove what I can do or what I can lift. I’m not defined by how many times I made it to the gym or by how much I deadlifted. I’m taking it back to basics and appreciating the ability to go for a walk. I forgot how much I enjoyed a simple stroll around the woods and how much I love the orange leaves at this time of year, walking wrapped up through the crisp air.
So it might take me a bit longer to reach my goals but it’s time that I have and I know I will come out of this stronger than ever.
A few things to take away…
- Listen to the professionals. I should’ve listened the first 20 times I was told to take more time… don’t be like me!
- Give your body all the time it needs to rest. Rushing back into the old routine will do more harm than good
- Find other ways to exercise! There is no ‘right’ way to do it. Appreciate the basics… take short walks and try gentle activities like swimming or yoga if you can.
- Eat up! While being injured is not an excuse to just eat anything you like it’s also not a time to restrict yourself. Healthy whole foods are still needed to fuel your mind, body and recovery! Remember everyone MUST eat whether you can move or not.
- Don’t isolate yourself. It’s easy to feel fed up and sorry for yourself but friends and family will want to be there. It’s a good time to spend some quality time with loved ones who want to care for you. Don’t resist when they offer to help!
