We’ve all been there. You’re making great gains in your fitness program when—WHAM!—you sprain your ankle, tweak your hamstring, or do something (you’re not quite sure what exactly) to your shoulder. Now you feel like your progress will come to a screeching halt and you’re feeling down in the dumps because you won’t be getting that endorphin rush from exercise.
Stay strong, Warriors. You don’t always have to sit on the sidelines when you’ve got a routine injury.
As someone who has black belts in both Tae Kwon Do and Kenpo karate, you can bet I’ve experienced my share of bruises and muscle strains. But I don’t let them hold me back completely. Just like in life, you need to find ways to work around any nagging physical issues and SHOW UP!
If you’ve read my book, The Brain Warrior’s Way, you know that engaging in smart exercise is one of the seven daily habits and routines of Brain Warriors. But how do you keep it up when you’ve been smacked down?
So you sprained your ankle and can’t do your favorite dance class at the gym? Switch it up and ride the stationary bike or use the rowing machine until you’re back on your feet. Hurt your wrist playing tennis? Try taking brisk walks or hiking while your wrist is on the mend. Pulled a muscle in your back? Do some gentle stretching and strolling just to help get your blood flowing. You may feel a little discomfort and that’s okay, but if you experience a lot of pain ease off on the activity.
Moving your body as you heal helps in so many ways:
- Keeps you in the habit of exercising on a regular basis, which helps strengthen the neural pathways that help you keep your healthy routines
- Gives you energy
- Reduces stress
- Boosts mood
- Maintains metabolism
- Decreases inflammation
- Reduces cravings
After you’ve rehabbed your injury and are ready to return to your favorite activities, don’t overdo it. Ease back into it to prevent reinjury.
For more tips on exercise, check out my #WorkoutWednesday posts on my Facebook page at TanaAmenBSNRN.
Read about one Warrior’s journey dealing with severe injury here.
