My poor body! It has tried many times over the last week and a half to gently remind me, with subtle yet increasing muscle tenderness and joint aches, that I am pushing too hard. You see, I have been testing my physical limits lately: “Let’s just see what I can do if I give it a push.”
In my much younger years, I enjoyed “playing” at gymnastics tricks, and later regretted never pursuing it more seriously. (Now I see the wisdom of that decision as I hear stories from people who competed and are now faced with lingering issues from past injuries.)
Then I saw this video, and I thought “If she can do that at 86, . . . ”
So . . . a week ago, I took a private gymnastics lesson and did many assisted “tricks” that left me feeling a little impressed with what I could do, and very aware of my less limber back and legs.
Feeling inspired, over the course of the next week, I took a vigorous, long, and hilly bike ride with my husband and a longer than usual run. That left me feeling a little more impressed and a lot sorer. Then I did a strength training class that was much harder than what I usually do. Again, I was a little more impressed with myself yet very aware of the physical toll on my body.
But, was I aware enough to rest after any of these challenges? NOOOO! I was a little bit “high” from the accomplishments and a little too stupid to stop.
My muscles finally ached so much that I got the message my body had been trying to send for a while. I went to a therapeutic yoga class during which we never got up from a seated position. It was forced relaxation and stretching for me, and it was just what I needed.
Sometimes we all need a kick in the pants to get moving toward more challenging activities, but it is also possible that a reminder to rest is more important at the moment. I found myself re-visiting my overall fitness and health goals: TO FEEL HEALTHY AND HAVE NO PAIN. It’s good to remember that JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN DOESN’T MEAN YOU SHOULD! Balance is best.
