A Month Off Fitness: My Injury and the Lessons Learned

The Perfect Storm of Painful Events

It was supposed to be an exciting adventure. Traveling, exploring, and sleeping at the base of a volcano. But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. Life's surprises can bring physical challenges, A combination of a long airplane ride, uncomfortable beds at our hostel, and a night on a mat at the volcano's base led to a pinched nerve limiting my right arm's mobility.

I remember thinking, "Is this what it feels like to lose control over your body?" We often believe we have complete agency over our bodies, but in reality, all we control is our response to events. This pain reminded me how much I'd taken my health for granted.

But it wasn't just about the physical pain. It was the realization of how challenging it must be for newcomers to fitness. The initial hurdles, the mental blocks, the constant reminders of how "hard" it is. Yet, if we keep focusing on the difficulty, we set ourselves up for failure. Instead, imagine how rewarding it will feel once you've trained your body to a point of pride.

The Road to Recovery and a Ten-Day Reset

Recovering was a challenging endeavor. There were moments of despair, especially when the numbness in my arm was so intense that I relied on painkillers and muscle relaxation techniques for daily tasks. But in these moments, gratitude became my anchor. Gratitude for a mostly functioning body, for friends who were chiropractors and massage therapists, and for and for the insight to recognize when to exert effort and when to allow for recovery.

Fitness, I realized, is a long-term game. It's about sustainability and longevity. And while lifting weights is my passion, I had to find alternatives. This led me to prioritize stretching, physical therapy exercises, and, most unexpectedly, beach runs.

Running on the beach became more than just a cardio exercise. It was meditation, mindfulness, and a lesson in presence. Bonus points if you can stand to do it without headphones. The sound of the waves and hearing how out of breath I was, was all I needed to motivate me to keep going!

But recovery wasn't just about movement. Nutrition played a crucial role. This realization led me to create a ten-day diet reset plan. It's an elimination diet designed to reset your metabolism and prepare your body for a fitness regimen. If you're struggling to kickstart your health journey, I highly recommend giving it a try. Download my ten-day reset plan here.

Embracing New Forms of Activity and Lessons Learned

The injury was a wake-up call. I recognized that my lack of mobility and poor stretching habits might have contributed to it. So, I made a personal commitment to enhancing my mobility, aiming to prevent any incidents in the future.

Cross-training, incorporating stretching excercises, and discovering new forms of activity became my new mantra. While gradually reintegrating into my fitness regimen, I realized that every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger.

To anyone reading this, remember that our bodies are incredible, resilient machines. But they also need care, love, and sometimes, a little reset. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or are a seasoned pro, always listen to your body, prioritize your well-being, and never take your health for granted.

Ready to reset your fitness journey? Download my ten-day reset plan and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. And if you ever find yourself on a beach, try a run without headphones. Trust me… it's a game-changer.