Written By: Coach MJ
This is a question I have been asked a lot lately…How do you keep exercising and coaching with your hip issues? This can be asked with anyone who has an injury or other limited forms of mobility.
The exercise demos are only a part of what you see, that’s what editing is for! When coaching you ask someone to demonstrate the movement as you talk them through it which is something we do from time to time already.
What you don’t see are the struggles we all take for granted … getting socks and shoes on, getting up and down, getting out of bed, sleeping well, climbing stairs, walking for long periods of time.
Day to day activities can be difficult some days let alone work and exercise!
But if I don’t move the options are letting everything tighten up, reducing range of motion and increase in pain.
I find for me (and everyone is different) I have generally less pain and better mobility if I keep active with a regular fitness routine. That doesn’t mean just go for it and do whatever is the workout of the day. It means figuring out the correct movements, learning my limits but not limiting myself.
I often hear in my head Coach Kelly’s advice, “Focus on something other than the discomfort. BUT know the difference between pain and discomfort”.
I work closely with my Coaches if something isn’t working, adjusting the movements or changing them completely if needed. I keep regular appointments with my chiropractor and have stretches to work on at home, to keep as much mobility and range of motion as possible. I also love my regular massage times to relieve tense muscles.
Good nutrition and water intake are important ways to stay on track, they are also easy to lose sight of when your body is stressed by pain but they are a continuous work in progress that can always be improved on.
Building a team to keep moving to the best of your ability is the best advice I have.
Remembering that everyone is different and needs to find what works for them with professional help, chiro , physio, personal training or ways that work for you! Allowing your team to work together with you to keep you moving as safely and efficiently as possible.
Communication is a key element and we need to be more open to saying when something doesn’t feel right.
So as I wait to get my hip repaired I will keep moving forward the best I can, take the good days as they come and hope there are more of them than hard days. There might be a time I have to slow down more or stop but I hope not. I do know I am learning new ways to keep moving and will continue to share as I learn to help others move, build strength and be the best that they can be too! Together we will support and encourage each other and be unstoppable!
Coach MJ is ready to be part of your own team to help you reach your fitness and health goals! Email her at
[email protected] today for more information on how you can work 1-on-1 with her.
