We train for months and get to a great point of fitness wellness. We go out and perform the same workout, we run the same route hat we have done many times before. Except this time, we get injured.
Believe me, I know all about this. I am currently awaiting surgery for a torn meniscus and torn femeropatellar tendon. I haven’t been able to run since October, and I have been going crazy. But, I am still trying to keep active as much as I can.
With a knee injury, my leg workouts are limited. But there are some ways around it. Any impact is painful, any bend of the knee past 90 degrees is painful. So what can I do? My leg workouts have consisted of stabilization and balance exercises. Instead of squats, I choose kettlebell swings. Instead of single leg plyometric jumps, I choose single leg glute bridges.
Since I can’t run, my biggest challenge has been how to get my heart rate up. This I have struggled with but have recently found a way. Tabata/HIIT workouts. These type of workouts are a combination of exercises performed with little to no breaks. Talk about a real sweat angel on the floor at the end.
Look to the upper body! I’m able to perform all upper body workouts with no issues. I can still engage in upper body activity as needed. I chose to also perform 100 pushups a day on top of my regular workouts.
Now, these exercises are not running. It doesn’t provide the same endorphins as running does. So mentally, how can we manage? We need to be thankful. We need to remind ourselves that things can be worse. We could be bed ridden. Heck, we could have a certain respiratory virus that lands us on a ventilator. Find the joy in movement. Find the joy in activity.
Whether you’re like me and can’t run, or have a shoulder injury and can’t throw. Find the good, find the ways, and you can stay active during your injury!
Stay happy, stay healthy!
-Dr. Jose
