Finding Balance in Health and Wellness
Do you remember the mantra “No Pain, No Gain”?
That sure has changed for me now that I am over 60 and faced several changes with my health! Instead of thinking “No Pain, No Gain” I think about “Pushing the limits!” I want to continue experimenting and challenging myself, but in a safe and gentle way that does not put my body through pain or trauma.
Adapting to new ways of Pushing the Limits!
The ways I am “pushing the limits” on myself likely look differently from the way you’re imagining it. Especially after my challenging recovery from knee replacement surgery, cataract surgery on both my eyes, lipedema diagnosis, and more…
These days, I am often “pushing the limits” of what I eat, how I eat, when I eat. I believe that food can have a healing or harming effect on a body that is already working very hard to survive. I have had to go to extremes in many ways, to not have the embarrassing experience of pooping myself in public!
I find myself “pushing the limits” and experimenting with exercise classes. I joined the YMCA 5 months ago. There are many good classes, but not all the classes have been good for me…
I tried Tai Chi and it felt great! I have done it 3 more times since. I tried pilates classes and they caused high pain in my knee. The 90-minute yoga class I tried was good, but I felt exhausted afterwards for 3 days! I also tried Aquafit. My knee hurt and so did my feet. Next time, I will try going to the deep end with no contact with the bottom instead of the shallow end. Everything is an experiment and I am pushing my limits, while being mindful of what causes pain and discomfort.
Adapted Chair Yoga is ALWAYS good. I never feel pain, and I feel motivated and inspired afterward. If you’re interested in trying an Adapted Yoga class, click here to book a free consult call with Heather.
Systematically, I have ruled out what works for now, and what does not. When I have created more pain by doing an activity, I try it again with some adaptations. I have no desire to increase the pain in my knee and in my body, although I want to find pleasant and effective ways to move. If I still find an activity painful, I stop and try something new. Pushing the limits should not be painful!
Now, when I think about the mantra “No Pain, No Gain,” I cringe! My brain says, “Pain? STOP!”. I hope that whatever you do that causes pain, that you stop. Regroup, realign, and try again. If it still hurts, I hope that you STOP. I do not encourage pushing through anything if there is pain. I do encourage listening to the body. Push your limits and move outside your comfort zone to find activities that motivate and inspire you. Not exhausted and in pain! Pain is a limit that you do not want to push!
Thanks for reading!
Check out my other recent blogs:
- Grateful Aging: Finding gratitude despite life’s challenges.
- My brain is broken: Regaining normal brain function after trauma.
- Changes with Aging: Navigating health & dietary changes that come with aging.
The challenges I faced during my recovery from knee replacement surgery are what inspired these blogs. I would love to hear from you and whether any of this series has been relatable or helpful in any way.
