 |
| Straight from my couch to you |
I've been dealing with tendonitis for four months, but admittedly haven't been a very good patient for most of that time. Since January, I have buckled down, put on a boot, and took a break from any and all potentially cardiovascular exercise. This means no hiking, no running, no horseback riding (the true tragedy), NOTHING.
Staying positive hasn't been easy, but I've kept myself from going crazy thanks to a few things:
- Working with my physical therapist on a recovery plan. Planning out a regiment for getting back in shape gives me something to look forward to, and my therapist's never-ending optimism that I'll be healthy in no time has been a huge help.
- Finding out what I can do. Strength training and basic yoga were both on that list, so I've focused on getting stronger and more flexible. This will not only (hopefully) decrease the chance that I will re-injure myself, but also has kept me from going stir-crazy.
- Staying involved in my normal activities as much as possible. I continued to walk to work in the boot because I would have lost it if I had to go from sitting in my car to sitting in an office all day. I couldn't ride, but I went to the barn anyways and petted some horses and tried to absorb knowledge from others' lessons. I couldn't walk dogs at the shelter, but I could play with the cats and give them some loving.
Tone It Up has been a life saver on the strength training front. It's not difficult to find a plethora of workouts online, but the major obstacle for me is managing to pick out which ones you want to do. With Tone It Up, they pick out everything for you!
Literally all you have to do is go on the website each day and see what that day's workout is. I started their six week workout challenge at the beginning of the year, and while skeptical at first I must admit it's awesome. I can now make it through two circuits of their workouts without feeling like death is imminent, which is a really exciting milestone!
I've also relied heavily on Yoga With Adriene. It's free and caters to all levels. Adriene is super down to earth and has some great beginner videos. I do Gentle Morning Practice during the week and spice it up with Energizing Morning Practice over the weekends. Both are excellent and will help you feel more limber and ultimately more relaxed.
Literally all you have to do is go on the website each day and see what that day's workout is. I started their six week workout challenge at the beginning of the year, and while skeptical at first I must admit it's awesome. I can now make it through two circuits of their workouts without feeling like death is imminent, which is a really exciting milestone!
I've also relied heavily on Yoga With Adriene. It's free and caters to all levels. Adriene is super down to earth and has some great beginner videos. I do Gentle Morning Practice during the week and spice it up with Energizing Morning Practice over the weekends. Both are excellent and will help you feel more limber and ultimately more relaxed.
Friday was a big day for me as it was my first walk-run since getting injured (10k here I come!). I am admittedly struggling with being positive today since I'm stuck on the couch and it's 70 and sunny. I want to go play with dogs at the shelter or go hiking or running or ANYTHING on this absolutely gorgeous day, but it's a rest day for me and I'm feeling a little sore (another negativity I'm trying to push out of my mind). Plus, walking rambunctious shelter dogs in a boot (I still have to wear it for part of the day) is not recommended by my doctor.
 |
| The view from the other direction on the couch. |
I know that this is all far from expert advice, but it's what is keeping me sane on this gorgeous day that I'm stuck inside. I won't let the boot keep me down today, though - you better believe I'm still going to hobble up to the park!
