Chronic Pain, Disease and Overcoming Obstacles

I have been working in the Fitness Industry now for over 15 years, and throughout the years I  have come across  many serious cases where individuals have such high levels of chronic pain that the thought of trying to exercise is worse than death. This is somewhat of a “Catch 22”, as in most of these cases, movement is exactly what is needed for them to get better. This is the time where there has to be the right kind of balance between the program design and empathy for the person dealing with the pain. I had this conversation just the other day with a very special client who has lived with chronic pain for many years and then had to battle breast cancer. We have worked together for four years now and her trust in me and her willingness to move has kept her on top of what would have certainly been  physical and mental devastation. She is a walking testimony to the power of exercise, even in small doses, to heal the body and help keep steady the emotional journey of cancer. We celebrate even the smallest accomplishments, this is key.

 I have another client who has lived most of her life in a wheel chair( Pictured above) she has never  allowed fear to stop her from doing whatever she could to stay healthy and mobile. She has trained with me for a year now and has gained strength, definition and a remarkable ability to stabilize her core; which she was told would never happen. She continues to overcome her obstacles daily and she has done this by accepting help and meeting her fears head on. She also is a true inspiration!

Anyone who has been overcome by chronic pain, disease, obesity or any other form of physical ailment or disability, not only has a very limited range in which they can move, but emotionally there is a deeply embedded fear of movement, along with a range of other emotions.  This is real and it takes great sensitivity from those involved, the family, professionals and the client, to allow healing to occur through an exercise prescription.  Fear is as paralyzing as the infliction itself and it takes great resolve to be able to overcome this emotion.

There is hope when it comes to finding a new beginning and it just takes the willingness to meet fears head on and take personal responsibility for your health and the quality of your life. Call upon  your “willpower”, yes “willpower” is necessary, and decide to take the steps to bring you back to a life you want to live, the life you DESERVE.  I have some bullet points to offer  help for  anyone who is looking to overcome their obstacles to a healthy lifestyle, the following are some steps you may take to change the course of your life:

• Speak to your doctor about your desire to exercise
• Take Control: Understand and recognize fears, appreciate that change is gradual, SET GOALS
•  Look for a Certified Fitness Professional with a background in “Special Populations”  this MATTERS!
• Get a  Fitness Evaluation done to establish your risk factors and baselines. There is always somewhere to begin. Success looks different for everyone.

Here at our facility we use multi-modalities to heal the body with exercise: Pilates, Yoga and Weight Training while also utilizing a variety of tools and props. We have been a safe place, a sanctuary for many, find your safe place and begin today! Godspeed…..