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Written by Kari A. Gregory
Invest some time and maybe some money into fixing up what we invest a lifetime in – our bodies.
When you hear the expression “fixer-upper,” it provokes heart-felt memories of the first car or the starter home. Refocus your thoughts to something a little more personal: your body. We all have our glitches: the nagging sore back, the carpal tunnel pain in the arm, the sciatic pain in the butt. And what about those ten extra pounds that didn’t disappear between beers at the lake all summer? It’s time to invest some time and maybe some money into fixing up what we invest a lifetime in - our bodies.
I can’t avoid sounding like the English teacher I once was as I write this article. The best essay will be written from the most thorough notes. Scratch and scribble away:
- What are my goals? Be very precise here. Do I want to: lose weight; run a 5km race next spring; rehabilitate my knee from an old injury; or eliminate my chronic back pain?
- Who can help me out? Ask around. Do I need to see a physical therapist? Will regular massage treatments help? I’ve tried to exercise on my own and that doesn’t work. What if I join a class or hire a personal trainer? Maybe I have a couple of friends who are interested in sharing small group sessions with a trainer.
- How much time can I allocate to this body renovation? Be realistic. From zero exercise to six days a week is unrealistic and likely not manageable. “I don’t have enough time” is a common response to those who aren’t exercising. Can you plan for three, 30-minute walks to start you moving? When it comes to rehabilitation, many physical therapists, massage therapists or chiropractors work weekends and evenings to accommodate clients. Some even make house calls!
- What’s my reward? We all like the carrot at the end of the stick. When I’m making significant progress with my knee pain, can I start to play my favorite sport again? Maybe, I can get back to skiing by Christmas. New skis sound like a good pat on the back. That treat at the end can be as simple as a new outfit for an upcoming season or taking a supportive friend out for dinner. The reward can also be renewed energy and absence of pain.
The idea for this article is coming right from my heart. No, make that my knee. I’ve been nursing torn cartilage in my left knee for several months now. It’s a cumulative injury from thinking my body could run two marathons within six months. You can’t blame me; the second marathon was going to be Boston. I qualified in October, but my knee sent me some prohibitive messages. The past few months have really tested me (and my family and friends) as I haven’t been able to run; and I hurt. Many hours with my butt in a bike saddle have prompted me to reassess what will eventually be my post-surgery knee rehabilitation and my future goals.
If I want to run again, I need to have a gait-assessment. Plan B: Mix me with Dr. Reed Ferber and his business, The Running Injury Clinic, in his new location at the University of Calgary; I’m determined to get ‘fixed.’ The birthday money from my parents that was going to buy a tri-suit for triathlon season will be better spent with Dr. Ferber. This ‘dog’ is ready for some new running tricks to redirect my form and my attitude. Is Boston in my future? Maybe. However, will I settle for some pain-free 6am runs with my dear friend, Shannon? Absolutely. I have a lotta miles to go and this body deserves the investment.
Kari is a personal fitness trainer who is accepting new clients and a mother of four. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 249-0963.
