Like most trainers, people usually come to me when something is wrong---their bodies have been injured from too much pounding and lifting, they're overweight and not feeling comfortable in their bodies, and they’re sensing a lack of balance in every area of their life: they work too long, move too little, eat too much, sleep hardly at all, laugh not nearly enough. They have back, shoulder, knee or hip pain--sometimes all together!
When they were younger, they were very active--they biked and hiked, did gymnastics and team sports. They were runners and jumpers and they took risks with their bodies. Sure they sprained things a few times, maybe broke a couple of bones, did things even when they were in pain—but that's how they thought you got into shape! “no pain, no gain!” :(
As they grew older, they moved less and sat more-- mainly because of their work and family commitments, but also because they were in pain. They began to hunch over from fatigue, their abdominal muscles slackened, upper back muscles weakened, hip flexors tightened, and lower back started hurting. Too much driving and sitting, not enough stretching and strengthening. So when they come to me, I evaluate what’s going on and we talk about where they want to be with their health in a few months. I create a unique program just for them and we start the process of working their way back to a time that when they felt stronger, moved with ease and felt more joyful about life in general.
“But what do I do for exercise when I’m not working out with you?” They ask. We talk about walking, biking, swimming and dancing—but no boot camp, no high impact activity like running, or anything that would cause more pain and prevent healing. That would be dumb. I tell them “Yoga is calling you!” At first they resist, thinking it’s not enough of a workout. They feel a little self-conscious about their weight in a group setting and they unconsciously use their self-blame as an excuse. I get it, it’s so easy to fall into that trap! I have to remind them several times that the way to where they want to be is lined with challenges, courage, body love and being excessively gentle with themselves. They have to learn to be their own best friend AND their own boss. Eventually they start getting into yoga and feeling what it’s like to be in their bodies, instead of a critical onlooker. They notice the pain lessening, they move with more ease, and they feel taller, lighter and more energized! The two of us officially become co-conspirators in their recovery and rejuvenation. And all the more so if they work with me as their wellness and nutrition coach—the 1-2 punch!
It is my own journey with back pain—a congenital issue—that brought me to a yoga practice. It taught me to respect my limitations on those few days a year that my back pain would tell me to be still, to not worry about picking up those weights or move the furniture around my living room. I was so grateful for the mindfulness of it, for the deep breath work that assisted my efforts and gave me the focus and energy needed to be in that moment holding that pose and feeling my own expansive strength, for being present in my body—not a critical onlooker.
I could feel muscles, and also memories—the feelings and thoughts--long stored in the body, awaken—because everything is connected! Yoga combined with pilates and weight lifting have become the center of my personal workouts and my personal trainer and fitness instructor philosophy.
Our bodies tell the truth, even when our minds are in denial. We are called to respect that truth and do all that we can to treat ourselves and others with love and care.
xoxo! Carol
P.S. Need help restoring your strength and flexibility? You know your life could be so much better and you want to make lifestyle changes— but can’t figure out where to start and what to do? Contact me! I’d love to help you!