Exercise- It’s a Privilege Not Punishment


 

 

fractured-toe-buddy-taping

 

When I owned my training studio, I would often tell my clients that exercise is not a punishment, it’s a privilege. My clients would give me an odd look as ask, “How’s it a privilege? It’s not fun.”

Well, I suppose it’s all in how you look at it. I am one of those people that takes stair steps two at a time. Every time I reach the top of the stairs I am thankful for the strength, agility and balance to be able to do that. Being active is not only good for your health, it’s also a way of honoring a body that allows us to do so much.

The fact that I  am healthy and able to be active is something I never take for granted. Every time I go out for a run, walk or bike ride I am grateful. I was reminded of this just a couple of days ago when I fractured my toe.

My daughter had just agreed to train with me to do her very first 1/2 marathon. Thrilled at the opportunity to train with my daughter, we set out our training schedule and ran our first 3 mile training session last week. The next day was an off day, so I did a bit of strength training, looking forward to our next training run on Saturday.

However, the running Gods had different plans for me. While out with friends on Friday, the rain slicked up the grass and I banged the crapoli out of my toe on a makeshift walkway. Yes, I saw stars.

I limped back to my crew and was reminded I had to walk about a mile or so back home. I complained the whole way wondering if it was a sprain or actual break. Either way, treatment is simply ice and patience. Ugh.

I woke up to a black and blue foot, discomfort and pain that was not even suited for walking much less running. My daughter had to go out on her own while I stayed at home “resting”. I don’t like to rest, it makes me crabby.

So here I am, 3 days post  injury and wondering how quickly I can get back to running or even walking  pain free. Every day I think about how much I miss my running  and realize that exercise of any kind really is a privilege. And like other things in life, sometimes you don’t appreciate what you’ve got until it’s gone.

At this point, I’ll cheer my daughter on and kick up my strength training. But I’ll be counting the days until I can get back to my training.  With every step I’ll think about how lucky I am.   180133_10150106878560929_760825928_6127386_1997986_a

Exercise- punishment or privilege, what do you think?

 

 

Here’s to never wishing for more time rather making the most of it!

Nicki

 

 

 

 

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11 responses to “Exercise- It’s a Privilege Not Punishment”

  1. When I had my toe joint fused last summer, the 8 weeks of forced modified activity made me crazy. Even though I found ways to exercise that didn’t involve putting weight on that part of my foot (yeah, walking on the side of my foot on the treadmill was special), I was super frustrated. So it’s a privilege when I can’t, and a habit when I’m in perfect health.

    • Love this Alexandra! It’s amazing how quickly I feel muscles I have to use as compensation are already bothering me. Argh! Good habits = Good health!

  2. I hope you can recover ASAP and start runnning again pain-free! 🙂 Sending you good vibes! Woozaa!

    I definitely agree that we tend to take things for granted. We don’t appreciate things until they are gone. Exercise IS a privilege as is walking and anything else but yet we tend to see it as a chore when it is SO not. Great post.

  3. It is most certainly a privilege, and one not granted to everyone. I am so grateful for my achy knees and sore back after exercising, because it means I have been active.

    Thanks for the dose of perspective. And I hope your foot gets better soon, so you can get back on the street!

  4. You know, when you put it like this, it *is* a privilege, even if I still don’t like it, lol. But I think I’d like it less if I injured myself and was not able to do it. Thanks for putting things into perspective!

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