Exercise – Live&Work 4healthyu

OMG, the finish line!

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Fitness, I Feel Good!

I wanted to experience the waves and adulation of cheering crowds and the loud bells and whistles on race day! A lovely professional photograph and medal would be sweet too! Instead, I arrived at the finish line of my virtual 10K alone, but with a new appreciation for all that motivates, inspires, and strengthens me in my health and wellness journey.

I worked diligently with a local YMCA training club. I was well prepared but wasn’t crazy about the logistics of getting to and from the big event, let alone twenty-five thousand athletes and visitors. Finally, after an awful night with little sleep, I woke late and set out on a personal timed race. At this moment, I saw my first motivation (me!) and an intense need to get the job done! I told myself that this day was like every other one, that I needed to move, and that the exercise made me feel great! Days like this are often solitary for me but no less powerful.

As I completed my 10K, I realized how inspired I’ve been by family members no longer with us. Some had significant health issues. Some wished they could have been more active in their adult years. I also thought about people I know who wish they could be more physically active right now but can’t. But then, I saw their faces as I exercised – grinning, smiling, waving, and encouraging me on race day!

I previously shared how much I enjoyed practicing with the YMCA training group and missed my team! But on race day, I felt their presence and was empowered and inspired by their stories. Some had injuries and overcame illnesses. Some managed busy schedules and stressful jobs. One shared how depression and a breakup challenged her. Today, we’re all now on the other side of everyday challenges. This realization made me feel pretty darn good!

I approached the finish line (a hot, sweaty mess!) with a smile. The sun shone, the clouds held the rain, and the day was unseasonably warm. Once again, I realized the outdoors and exercise can feel like a spiritual, grounding and life-affirming experience. I cooled down and thanked God for my safe journey. I felt great at the finish line and look forward to doing this again!

OMG, give me a break!

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

In this country, we treat vacations like one big buffet! We’re ravenous and must devour everything to get our money’s worth! Admittedly, I’m greedy too, but I understand what feeds our collective hunger!

Many of us need more time for travel! When you’ve only a few weeks of vacation time, personal time off (PTO), or, sadly, no paid leave in this country, you feel pressured to maximize the experience. So you rush to your destination and try to see and do as much as possible! Add the misery of traveling today(air, train, and road traffic), and we’re all more stressed.

Travel is wicked expensive! Lodging, transportation, meals, and entertainment can break the bank! Still, we often seek to squeeze in as much as we can. Have you ever splurged on an over-the-top vacation experience? On the other hand, have you ever stayed with family and friends to reduce expenses? Your overspending or thriftiness reflects your response to the cost of travel.

We desperately seek diversions from our daily lives! On the one hand, our minds and bodies beg for variety, stimulation & excitement; on the other, we need rest and a break. When we go on vacation, we feel like the moment is fleeting! So, we rush to get all that we can!

I recently planned a long weekend in the nation’s capital. I had ten things on my list (including museums, monuments, restaurants, etc.). But then, it suddenly hit me that I need R&R too! So, I crossed off most of my list and focused on a few good memories rather than demanding more!

Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi on Pexels.com

Feeling good from head to toe!

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Fitness, I Feel Good!, Lifestyles, Physical Therapy

I just “graduated” from physical therapy! Today, I’m feeling like a million bucks relative to the PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, and SPIRITUAL dimensions of wellness!

As I worked on the health challenge that brought me to physical therapy, I realized how much I missed the gym! Honestly, my exercise routine suffered a lot since Corvid. I didn’t feel comfortable in the health club and avoided mine for the last two-plus years.

Physical Therapy or “PT” helped reignite my excitement about exercising! It took me back to cardio (loving a great sweat!), stretching, and strength training. Suddenly, I could hear Patti Labelle in my ears, singing about my “New Attitude!” and that “I know where I’m going and I know what to do!” I’m now excited about smartly working out, and feeling that special “high” I missed. Oddly enough, I feel freer now and yet more grounded.

I normally go in a different direction with each post. For example, I recently completed one about how much I dreaded returning to physical therapy! So, this moment is about remembering the pure joy of exercise! But it’s also about having a deeper understanding of my experience, and response to the Pandemic. I know I’m not alone.

My graduation day didn’t include speeches, beautiful flowers, family gatherings, and gift cards! But I have to tell you that I loved my t-shirt (a parting gift!). Finally, I’m grateful for a more positive outlook on life, thankful for fabulous professional support, and I look forward to the future!

**Graduation T-Shirt From Physical Therapy**

“Please, let me help you…”

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Lifestyles, Uncategorized

While this is the graduation season for students, I’m excited to be graduating soon from physical therapy! Seriously, let’s talk about physical therapy. Once again, I’ve discovered how important “PT” is after my body demands attention.

I recently met my new therapist. First, we spoke about why I came to therapy, she then instructed me to walk and observed my gait. Later, she proposed a treatment plan for my sore knees. I’ve had PT a few times and know that I always feel the worst before feeling better. So yes, I was feeling cynical and not happy to be back.

I dreaded the practice of prescribing lots of exercises with confusing instructions! I’m great at following directions in therapy, but I don’t do well at home. So, this time, my PT offered fewer exercises and focused on my mastery of a few. She also provided pictures, a mobile app, and a website. So, on my phone, computer, or smart tv, I could check-in, record my progress, and see each exercise performed slowly and flawlessly by a coach.

My therapy team is working to incorporate my exercises into my home exercise regimen. The student in me appreciates lessons in anatomy & physiology, and I enjoy enthusiastic teachers. While they frequently inquire about my comfort and pain level, they also remind me how amazing the body is and why specific movements are critical. As a result, I’m gaining greater flexibility, strength, and confidence in my mind and body.

I’m in awe of the patience, professionalism, and extensive training of physical therapists. I understand why adults must go back to basics, training the body to work again after illness and injury. Of course, we love to praise our excellent doctors and nurses, but don’t forget, physical therapists are heroes too!