Hmmmmm....I started this draft on 5/23/11. A lot has changed since then, but I am going to post it as is because it is where I was at the time....
Original post from 5/23/11:
Ok....so I started strong and then came to a screetching halt! Actually, not really. I have been busy with life. And the reality of life is that sometimes you have to make decisions that you don't want to make, to prioritize things you don't want to have to prioritize, and then live with the outcomes.
In my case, the issue is a pinched nerve in my neck. It is something that has been reoccuring for years, but generally requires one quick adjustment from the chiropractor and I'm good as new for another 6-8 months. After I had the baby, it started again, so I ran to the chiropractor for a quick adjustment, and nothing happened. No relief, and the pain intensified. So I ran back the next week for another adjustment, and the same outcome. I was trying to just live with it, but then it started limiting my workouts. First I noticed a shooting pain when doing flat bench press, and then issues with decline chest press, and then I couldn't even go through the motion to do dips. I started noticing my mobility was severely limited after workouts, and the only thing I could work comfortably in the gym were pull motion exercises, like back & biceps. The pain progressed to where it was happening all of the time, and it was disruptive to not only my workouts, but also my work, sleep and my ability to do certain things with the baby. I decided to try a new chiropractor, and after an assessment and x-rays, was presented with a plan of action, which included sessions three times per week for a month, two times per week for a month, and then one time per week for the final month.
So...back to the original topic of prioritizing things... If I have to go to the chiropractor three times per week, and I already have a commitment on Wednesdays, that leaves Monday, Tuesday and Thursday after work to schedule appointments. And since I have to get Jenna from daycare by a certain time, and JP works many afternoons/evenings, that means probably no gym Monday through Thursday. And since we have been out of town the last three weekends - and will also be out of town this weekend - that means no gym on the weekends. Meaning I am having to prioritize things in order of importance and time limitations. Since the pinched nerve limits by abilities in the gym, it takes precedence over the gym. And Jenna takes precedence over it all. So no gym for me for the last couple of weeks. :(
I do have to say a week and a half at the chiropractor has resulted in much less pain and more mobility for me. I am still experiencing some pain and some limitations, but this is going to work, and I am excited that I have been feeling a little better each time I go. Having muscle stimulation, muscle ultrasounds and massage is a nice addition to the manual adjustments, too, so the benefits of making this a priority are apparant (even if I long for the gym).
The danger for me in this is the fact that your schedule becomes your schedule, and prioritizing things differently, even for a short time period, than normal makes it extremely difficult to get back into the old routine. As a result, I have asked JP to race home in the evenings so I can try to get to the gym - even if only for a short cardio session - to keep it in my routine. I have found this is important, as I can easily forget how much I love the gym, especially when I am exhasuted and wanting to veg a bit!
And that is my solution. As tired as I am, and as just as I don't want to leave the munchkin in the evenings or go to the gym at a later, less convenient time, I have to push through and go. Like a muscle that doesn't get worked not only doesn't grow, but can actually atrophy, me not making the process of going to the gym a part of my schedule, no matter the reasoning, can result in an increased desire not to go. It's funny how this works, isn't it? So, I will push through and reprioritize....and go later...
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