Continueing to exercise despite the set back

[Pippadog1]

Hi Cathe and everyone

I would just like to share my recent change in exercise routine. I recently suffered a damaged knee which due to my chiropractor will mean I will not be able to step or do lunges for the time being. As an avid Cathe exerciser this left me somewhat depressed about the prospect of no step training for the near future. Especially whilst recovering. Anyhow the past couple of weeks I've been very fed up. Especially as I have just been viewing my new Cathe 4 day split over and over. Only being able to do the upper body sculpting.

Anyway my chiropractor and husband suggested doing my workouts without the step. To be honest the idea of no step just doing the combos on the floor made me think whats the point. I love the original interval max and the older Cathe DVDs as well as the new material. So this afternoon rather than sit about sulking about it, I thought I'd give it a try.

I was able to do IMAX very successfully without using the step. Fair enough I probably didn't get my heart rate up to how high it usually gets but I was still participating. Which is the main thing. My knee was fine and I worked up a sweat. Part way through Cathe says 'it doesn't matter where you're at, you're here and thats all that matters.'

That made me view the whole injury issue in a new light. Rather than looking at my situation as a negative. I should see it as an oppurtunity to do things a little differently and also safely for myself.

Now I will continue to exercise at a reasonable pace doing the thing I love to do most my Cathe workouts.

Sorry about the long post but I just wanted to emphasise that we can all modify Cathes workouts for our own personal levels.
Thanks again Cathe for all you do and keep up the excellent work.

Laura from the UK
XX

 

[singinggoddess]

Laura,
Good for you!!!! I have learned after some long drawn out injuries of my own, that there is SO much you can do without jumping around and without step. We all get so set in our ways of working out that it really throws us when we have to change it. Having these setbacks I think is just a reminder that there are different ways to workout and the body needs a gentler approach sometimes. That is great that you have a great and positive attitude. I know how frustrating and depressing it can be not do something that we love. You will be doing the new workouts before you know it. Good luck with the knee and thanks for sharing

Susan

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Laura! I'm sorry to hear of your injury and I do hope you get better very soon. That being said, I have to say that your post was music to my ears. I am soooo thrilled that you have found a positive way to work around your situation. And you know what? When I make those statements in my workouts, your situation along with others are exactly why I say these things. I REALLY MEAN THAT!!! No matter what your circumstances....you're here and that's all that matters. Any effort equals effort and that's something to be proud of and motivated by. Do you know when I had my knee surgery, I had to cut back on all exercise for weeks, then graduate to doing step on a yoga mat for a long time. Sure, it wasn't the same level workout but it was something...a mood lifter for one thing....and rather then throw in the towel, you keep moving (as long as your doc permits it). Now THAT'S the way to work.

Keep going Laura, and I wish you the best recovery with lots of modifications and inspirations along the way!

 

[Pippadog1]

Hello Cathe and Susan

Thank you so much for replying. Just to let you know I went back to my chiropractor today and everythings going well with my injury. I will continue to practice my 'step without a step' routines. Tomorrow HIS with no step from the new 4 day split series. It will be great to get the moves down, before I can safely graduate to doing it with the step.

Cathe thank you so much for replying. I know your schedule is extremely busy. Its very kind of you to reply. You really are a motivation to alot of people.

Thanks again
Laura

 

[SirenSongWoman]

About six weeks ago I noticed pain in my right shoulder (rear, at the joint) but since, between my very physical job and working out, I always have some kind of pain I blew it off and kept using bands and heavy weights because serious weight training has gotten me awesome results. Big mistake. The pain got worse- fast (I couldn't sleep on my right side) - until I finally couldn't lift weight at all without risking real damage. I did nothing about it, however, because I was working A LOT of hours and preparing for my first REAL vacation (16 days in the Greek Islands... just got back). I'd hoped the rest would... I don't know... FIX the problem. Wrong. The pain has lessoned somewhat but is still there. I have an appointment for tests (MRI, etc.) at the Ohio State University sports medicine clinic on Wednesday and I'm hoping the damage is fixable with physical therapy. However, because I knew the heavy weight training was key to my big weight loss I got it in my head that if I couldn't lift heavy weights there was no point to exercising at all. Not having exercised in several months and eating very well on my big vacation has, predictably, resulted in some weight gain - and paranoia about getting really fat again... Reading the responses to your post make me realize I'm making a big mistake. Looks like I need to come up with a plan and get moving, with or without weights, regardless of what Wednesdays' tests results tell me.

I haven't even looked at the new 4 Day Split dvd yet...

 

[delicatesteph]

Good luck tomorrow! Keep us posted. I too have neglected pain and kept "pushing through it". No pain, no gain, right? WRONG! I am healed now but I play it safe and don't use weights for squats and lunges because I know what the end result will be. Just be aware of what you do and listen to what your doctor and your body says! It's hard, believe me, but you will be happy with the end results.

Keep your head up!

Stephanie

 

[blkblt]

Hi Laura,

I just want to share my experience also not using the step. I live in Luxembourg (so a little closer to you than the US) and travel a lot within Europe or with my husband. We both share a passion for regular exercise so I had to find a way to keep exercising even if there's no gym around. I love Step more than anything else for cardio but of course I can't take it with me. So I have a small portable DVD player and I use Low Max or other step workouts without the step. I just try to make all the moves bigger and trust me I get a good sweat, especially if I do the complete Low Max with the blasts. So yes there is a way to exercise and adapt. Another thing I do is carry bands or tubes with me for strenght exercises. You just modify and still get the benefits of strenght training.
Good luck with your recovery.
Christiane from Luxembourg

 

[Pippadog1]

Hi All

Yes thank you all for your responses. I continue with my cardio without the step, and doing Cathes workouts without the step is like having a new workout again. Its good being able to continue to enjoy Cathe whilst not risking further injury. Its great to know I can workout still.

I'm looking forward to the November rotation so I can modify it and still participate. With Cathe theres always ways of taking part. We just have to find our way safely and effectively.

Good luck to us all. I hope everyone whose nursing injuries at the moment a speedy recovery.

Take care everyone.
Laura