Move That Body!
My last Zumba Class at Century Body before moving to Charleston
Weeks ago, I experienced pain in my lower back and my hip was a little jacked up. I believe the pain was the result of poor form while doing a back exercise routine with weights. But I wasn’t sure.
When I moved from Ohio, I interrupted my weekly exercise routine of three days of Zumba with one day of strength training. I stopped so that I could create a plan of action to not lose all I had gained over the years.
I began a virtual workout plan following a trainer from Charlotte who was originally from Cincinnati. The 30 day-kick start plan proved great results. I felt stronger and was down 6 pounds. The eating and exercise plan was one that I could easily incorporate into my life.
When I began the program, my husband began to join me on walks. He was challenged to close his rings as directed by his iPhone. I was happy to see him get movement and to spend time with him.
Our time paused when I suffered about a week in pain. I didn’t work out as much and began taking Tylenol for the pain. I performed stretches which felt good but, there was still a little ache.
The last day, I grabbed my earbuds and decided to go for a walk. I felt lousy when I started, honestly. I walked slowly because I didn’t want to get too far, still in pain, and have to limp back home.
What actually happened, was the opposite. The more I walked, the better my stride as I stepped to the beat of the music. The more I got into the music, the further I walked. The further I walked, the better I felt. Eventually, I no longer felt any pain.
I learned someplace that our bodies are machines that are built to be in motion. Without movement, they can “rust.” This was an example of that.
Because I was in pain, I didn’t want to exercise, in order to heal my self-diagnosed injury. I thought I would do more harm. As I completed the walk, I learned that was not true.
My mother suffered with back and hip pain for years, even after surgeries. I am concerned about aging with physical pain impacting my everyday way of living. I also think about arthritis.
For basic goals of maintaining weight and getting a cardio workout, walking for an hour 3-4 times a week works. Additional exercises with weights will help with bone and muscle strength as well as stability.
Now I know, diet combined with exercise, is the best course of action. That part I am still working on. I want to live my best life as I grow older. I am responsible for my health and have to make choices to have a healthy body.
