I reviewed a client last week who over the years has periodically immersed herself in our reformer classes with huge benefits to her body, but also loves the adrenalin hit of fast paced and loaded circuit gym classes, which include boxing. Anyone who knows me will know that I love boxing so this is not about trashing boxing or any form of exercise.
Anyway, some months ago, she had taken a break from her beloved reformer for the gym. It doesn’t take long for her body to become tight and unbalanced again. This form of exercise combined with her work of mostly sitting at a computer does not encourage her to fly. The strength work at the gym just does not satisfy her body needs. Please don’t get me wrong, for many it may… and does… and I encourage gym work for clients where I know or can predict it is going to be beneficial for them. Many of our clients who present for physiotherapy treatment progress on to exercise programs in the gym, pool, sea, park, home.
For this client … not.
Each time she has a flare up of soreness in her spine, we discuss this element of her care and ultimately her health and wellbeing. She comes to see me in pieces, worn out by repeated episodes of back pain requiring manual physiotherapy and lots of reassurance that her pain is temporary and she can change this.
She restarts pilates with a dabble of GYROKINESIS method because her body needs to move in a way that decompresses her joints and opens up so she can bend and flex and turn with greater ease. Within a week, she is feeling great and ready to get back on the bike.
But which bike is she going to choose this time?
She had two physiotherapy treatments and during these she says, “I know what my body needs… I’m craving movement and strengthening in a way that my mind and body know is good, reformer pilates and walking. I’m done with smashing my body in the way I have been. I want to feel good all the time, like I do with my pilates once-twice a week and regular walking. When the weather permits I can’t wait to jump on my SUP (stand up paddle board) and take the wave from Fremantle to Cottesloe.” She prances out the door with a huge smile on her face.
The form/s of exercise and movement that work best for you are multi faceted and changing and must consider you as a whole – mind and body. What worked in your 20s may well be different to your 30s, 40s, 50s and so on. If you are unsure, it is always best to seek advice from an experienced health professional in the field be it Physiotherapist, exercise physiologist and alike. Don’t be frightened to get second opinion on exercise prescription especially if your current exercise causes you discomfort.
Find what you love.
Get on your exercise groove.
