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So what do we do when we have an injury or a physical problem that prevents us from exercising?
This is a problem that I have been faced with a number of times over the years, and has plagued me throughout my adult life. It seems that every time I have gotten in shape or have lost weight...something physically goes wrong!
In the past this has happened because I was playing sports like volleyball or softball, and I would get hurt playing in a game.
It's funny that most of my major sports injuries didn't come from baseball (which I played for many years) but from volleyball...2 back surgeries, 2 shoulder surgeries, 3 broken fingers, 4 knee scopes to repair torn cartilage and 1 ACL surgery. So when I've gotten hurt in the past...it's been my own fault for participating. But over the years I have stopped playing competitive organized sports because even though it's usually a fun league, the competitive athlete in me comes out and then I will go all out when I play...full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes!
Because if you can't over do it...why do it at all?!?!
So, for the past year I have done EVERYTHING I possibly could to take care of my self, most importantly I lost excess weight off my body so my feet would not have to bare over 300 pounds on them. I have not played in any type of sports, as a matter of fact I barely golfed last summer. At the gym, I've purposely avoided the treadmill and doing any kind of classes because of all the jumping around. I even avoided doing machines that would put strain on my feet. I am even buying extra wide shoes (that are really ugly) just so my feet have room. I have even been getting pedicures to pamper my feet...btw guys, pedicures are not just for women...they feel amazing! And no, you don't have to get polish on your toes.
So this morning at my doctor's appointment, when he and I were discussing my options, my heart sank and I felt a wave of depression come over me that I haven't felt in a long time. I won't get into it but the prognosis for my feet is not very good. Two very painful surgeries with an even a longer recovery time of about 12 months is what I have to look forward to. So needless to say, it is not the sort of thing you want to hear right away in the morning...or actually EVER.
What do we do when you can't exercise? Am I going to gain all my weight back again?
These are real questions, that don't have easy answers.
What do you do when exercise is not much of an option?
Well...you do what you can. You find out what your limits are and stay within them. The biggest thing when you can't exercise is going to be your diet. If you have been working on healthy eating habits and a healthier lifestyle, the eating habits are already in place. What we need to fight is emotional eating. More than likely, and especially in my case, I would eat because I'm going to get BORED and maybe a little depressed from not getting out and exercising. That's why even if you can't do something like cardio, it doesn't mean you still can't get to the gym and find something to do. Here's where a personal trainer would come in handy.
Am I going to gain all my weight back again?
Once again, if the good eating habits are in place, and you can still somehow get out and do some type of exercising, you might not gain that weight back. There is NO EASY answer to this question. Because personally...I have failed in the past when I've gone down with an injury. But over the years and in these last few months I have changed my lifestyle, and I am eating so much better now. And if I get laid up sometime soon I will have a plan laid out and I will follow it, so the BIG FAT GUY doesn't show up again in my mirror.
There are many reasons that sometimes we need to cut back from exercising, and some are a WHOLE LOT MORE SERIOUS than some bad feet. And I thank GOD that if this is my medical issue over the next 20 years than I am a lucky man. And a little pain and discomfort will NEVER stop me! I am really grateful that my major medical problems have been orthopedic in nature and not something more serious.
When an injury occurs, and when you see your doctor, don't be afraid to ask them what your limitations are and for how long. Just because you get hurt doesn't mean you give up going to the gym and using it as an excuse. Remember..."Don't give up...Never give up!" You will get better, and you will get back to full strength someday. Have some determination, fortitude and push through. Keep yourself motivated to get back to where you were before the injury and before you know it you will be. Believe in yourself!
I will be back later to go over Day 25 of Phase 2!
Dan
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