Activity is the goal, NOT exercise
Most people that come to me usually have some sort of pain with movement, exercise, or activity. They are prescribed a treatment plan, and when ready, move into the activity and exercise portion of care where their strength and conditioning is addressed. Movement quality, such as how a person performs a squat, a pushup, a press up, or a plank are also addressed and corrected so that releasing them from care would assure minimal flare ups in the future. For some, this process can take 1-2 weeks, and others, as determined by their own ability and history of injury.
Though exercise and releasing someone to freely visit the gym is a good goal, it is shouldn’t be the final goal. The final goal is returning to life’s activities and demands, and even more lofty, a chance to participate in recreational and competitive-like events. An example of competitive-like activities include running a 3K, 5K, Marathons, Mud Runs, or any number of obstacle based runs that are super popular like the Spartan races.
If a running event is too monotonous for you, the obstacle based runs maybe your next event. These events emphasize climbing, throwing, and traversing obstacles like walls, mud pools, balance beams and monkey bars in order to complete the event. Not only that, most or all of these events emphasize teamwork…meaning if you had a partner or acquired a partner on an obstacle, they can help you with pulling or climbing so you don’t have to do it alone!
Event based activities like runs and obstacle courses are a great way to look forward into the future to help you overcome past injuries, and ignite present day motivation to exercise and maintain a level of fitness. If you’ve never done an event before, ask a friend to join you, or join a local group like the Pasadena Pacers, a great running group for all levels that meets at the Rose Bowl weekly.
If you are familiar with these events, do a destination event where you might take a day or two in order to travel to another city or state to do the activity. Obstacle and running events are fun and exciting, and can be stressful only if you think you have a shot at the podium. Take your time at these events, and celebrate any that you complete this year or next! There is a gratification to seeing a wall full of medals and race bibs you’ve completed…but remember to not live in the past, but look forward to the future!
Dr. Adrian has been a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Doctor of Chiropractic in South Pasadena. He has helped all levels of athletic youth and adults achieve their fitness goals for the last 20 years.
