Injuries can be disappointing, uncomfortable and frustrating to say the least. At some point we will all experience a much unwelcomed injury that either slows us down or forces us to take an alternate route.
With most spring recreation programs commencing this week and next, one may ask if they should still sign up for a yoga, pilates or fitness class if they are injured?
I turned to Madeleine Harrington to get her advice both as a former fitness instructor and someone committed to staying fit in the presence of arthritic pain.
Madeleine started Summerland’s most popular fitness program, Nifty Fifties, almost 25 years ago.
She was a teacher, fitness instructor, and owned a fitness centre in Kelowna for 15 years.
At the age of 50, she moved to Summerland and rallied to create a fitness program for those 50+ years of age. Many didn’t think she could gather the numbers for a successful program, and her answer was “Let me try.”
And she did.
Within two years, she had to cap the class at 50 participants and add a second class.
About six years ago, Madeleine handed the class over and now instructors Lynn Ellis and Claire Waterman run what remains today as the highest participated classes in Summerland.
Madeleine’s tips to move forward with injury:
Moderation: Continue exercise in moderation when having pain or injury.
Adapt: If you can’t do a move, adapt. If you are taking a class, ask and the instructor will modify it for you.
Always continue. Never, never stop. If you stop your body will deteriorate. You will go from excellent condition to poor, to in bed, to totally immobile.
Work with your injuries, not against them. There is always an alternative. For some people it’s yoga, for others it’s walking. My favourite exercise equipment is the elliptical trainer. It’s easy on your joints, it’s safe and you can get a good cardio workout compared to walking where your heart rate stays low.
Be a priority. Your priority each day should be to take care of yourself. Then you will be able to function well for the day, with each other, at work, with society and be a productive individual.
Remember to:
o Confirm with your family doctor that you are able to continue physical activity with your injury.
o Always inform your fitness instructor at the beginning of class of your injury so they can adapt the program to your needs.
o If weight bearing exercise is painful, remember that swimming is a non-weight bearing exercise and a total body workout. You can swim laps (or learn to), put on a running belt to run in the deep water or join an Aquafit class.
Brenda Ingram, recreation manager reminds us that, “Sometimes we feel that we don’t want to take a class if we are not 100 per cent as we don’t want to be judged. Know that people aren’t here to judge you, they are here to accept you. The Recreation staff is here to make you feel welcome and help you reach your goals.”
Joanne Malar is the program coordination for Summerland Recreation, three-time Olympic swimmer, 2012 Olympic Commentator, kinesiologist and holistic nutritionist.
