There was a time when I would have given up exercising and eating properly if everything wasn't perfect. If I went over my calorie allotment for the day (or in the days of Weight Watchers - my points) I just went hog wild and ate whatever I wanted. If I was injured, I figured I must not be athletic and quit.
Not anymore, and I've been through my fair share of injuries in the past several months. So, I figured, I'd share what I've learned along the way about pain, injuries and how to keep going.
First, I don't believe in the "No pain, no gain" theory. If you're hurt, stop that particular exercise. But, maybe the word "pain" should be defined, because I know when I'm working my muscles it's not like a slow stroll through the park - it's work! Pain is caused by an injury, discomfort from working your muscles is not pain.
Yes, my muscles burn! I work hard and my muscles sometimes feel fatigued, but if I feel even a hint of pain - like joint pain, or a muscle strain, I stop immediately! And so should you. Continuing to do an activity that is causing injury will only make things worse.
But then what? Try a different activity, that's what! I first tried the Couch 2 5K program in November. The first run out, I injured my knee and I only jogged 30 seconds! Clearly, I wasn't ready. It was discouraging and I thought I may never run. But, I joined a gym and started with using the elliptical. That didn't hurt my knee. I was building up my cardiovascular system and getting stronger without injuring myself. I found something that worked for me.
For another person, it may be just going for a walk, at whatever speed works. At the gym, there was a woman, probably in her 70's, who clearly had osteoporosis. Her body was hunched over and her spine was twisted. She couldn't go probably faster than a slow walk on the treadmill, but she was there every day. Maybe riding a bike works better, or even swimming or water aerobics. There are so many choices for low impact exercising, that there is something out there for everyone.
I have my heart set on running a 5K. The Couch 2 5K program is a 10 week program, which I started in November. It's August and now in the last couple of weeks I finally finished the program. I will be running a 5K. It took a lot longer than I thought and I may not be the fastest runner, but I will be running. I'm here because I didn't give up.
Set aside a time for exercising - keep the routine, even if all you can manage that day is stretching. It's not about perfection, it's about consistency.
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