I originally wanted to start this website to document my start to getting healthy again but I was still figuring out what to name this new site and all the other little details needed before launching a website again.
Here, I will be documenting my journey back to health. If you’ve read my other posts, you’ll know I’ve been through a rainstorm of injuries. I figured I’d start strong and join the DDPY Transformation University program to jump-start my exercise routine slowly. So, I took the required photos on December 31st of last year (to see my flexibility or lack there of) and then on January 1st of this year, I began the journey.
I started strong, doing the standing w/chair program on the DDPY app but the toes on my right foot protested fiercely and I was in pain again and had to use the walker for stability because my legs have gotten soo weak, even the action of sitting required what little strength I had. So I stopped for a few days and started again and I was doing well in April but then my right arm was in soo much pain in my shoulder due to that impingement so I stopped. I then tried the mini elliptical I have and bam my the ligaments on the toes of my right foot just got swollen and I had to use a cane to walk.
The little progress I was seeing like being able to bend forward and reach my shins was disappearing, Sitting all day, my body gets tight and then I could only reach my knees. The pain getting up was really bad and my exhaustion levels which fluctuate already due to IBS and Gastritis were getting even worse.
I then tried a chair exercise program that was supposed to be 7 days, figuring, it’s a chair exercise routine, I can do this!! Yes the first two days I could do it, then I took a day off, got back into it and then I had a nasty back spasm that lasted almost a week. I could barely move without yelping in pain.
Then my friend had mentioned an infomercial she saw on some peddles you use while you are sitting down which are good for those with mobility issues. I honestly cannot remember the name but it got me thinking about an air walker I purchased over 20 years ago which I LOVED using but it broke so I chucked it and never got a replacement.
I figured this would be easy on my joints so I start looking and I found Sunny Fitness Smart Air Walk Trainer. The description was enticing. “low impact full body workout, suitable for adults, seniors of all ages and fitness levels.”
PERFECT!! So I saved up a bit of money and got it…crossed my fingers that this time my body could keep up with the exercises. Sure enough, I got this on Tuesday, May 13th, and I started slow. 5 minutes on Wednesday in the morning and 5 minutes in the afternoon. Then I kept it going the rest of the week, doing a session of 5 minutes four times a day.
Last week was a big one. Last week, I went four more times on the air walker. Doing anywhere between 7 to 11 minutes at least 2 to 3 times a day and have been a little less tight, although I have a long way to go.
Yesterday for example I did a total of 20 minutes of straight arm pullbacks with resistance bands but then slept the rest of the day due to stomach issues that just wiped me out and made me miss an outing with my mom. This morning I woke up super stiff and tight and in pain, but I got in my 11 minutes before breakfast and felt relief from the stiffness.
The bonus from these morning sessions I’ve noticed is that not only does it get and got my blood pumping, but it really lifts my mood! I can breath easier and look forward to the rest of the day with a bit more energy.
Today started out the same. Energy, elation after 11minutes on the air walking to and then the exhaustion hit hard after I took a quick break from work. I could barely do 5 minutes but was able to go slow and push it to 7 so I can’t complain. All this is better than how I have been and was weeks ago let alone last year.
And while I was not able to complete the DDPY Transformation University program, DDPY is always there for me to go back to and there is always next semester.
“Never Give Up” as John Cena always promoted till he turned heel.
“Rise from the ashes like the Phoenix Bird”, as my mom has always told me.
“Fall Down 7 Times, Stand Up Eight” As the Japanese proverb states.
All these are reminders to keep going. Keep my head up and for me, as I mentioned, this is the point on the check ins on here. To hold myself accountable and document my progress. Even if I’m the only one reading this for now. It will be inspiring to look back on and see the progress.
Mind Body Synergylia 