My first tree pose since April

[indysteel]

I know this may seem like a small victory, but I did my first bonafide tree pose today since my hip and groin starting really hurting in April. I started going to PT twice a week about six weeks ago, and it's worked wonders in that time. My hip pain, while not completely gone, it so negligible that I rarely think about it anymore. I still have a bit of limitation in my range of motion but it, too, has gotten better. The only pose that still gives me fits is Lotus (cross legged). If you recall, my PT diagnosed me with "gluteal amnesia." After A LOT of exercises, I think that's getting better, too. I don't have buns o' steel by any stretch, but my glutes are alive again.

Beyond that, my new home spin bike is helping me regain my old exercise routine. Right now, I'm using it twice a week and am hoping to add a third day. I also started back with a toning class that's offered by a personal trainer who comes to my office building once a week.

And I went to a yoga class that's offered a couple blocks from my house this morning. I've been meaning to go to it for a long time, but it starts at 8 on Saturday morning, and for whatever reason, I've had a hard time pulling myself out of bed. I typically go to a studio in Indianapolis, but come weekends, I don't always feel like going all the way up there. I walked to thhe class this morning in the pre-dawn light. It was snowing and SO peaceful. That, alone, was worth the price of admission. Then I came home and practiced a bit more on my own. No music. No DVD. Just me and my breath and my body.

I feel like I'm getting closer to my old self. I've missed her like nobody's business. It's one thing to hurt here and there, but when the physical pain makes you feel like a stranger in your own body, it's tough. Add to that a new marriage, a new routine (or a lack thereof), a new town, and a new home (plus lots of other ups and downs over the last 18 months), and I have felt sort of adrift. I'd really like to think on my way to putting the pieces back together. There's still progress to be made, but I feel more energized about it today than I have in ages.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share. Thanks!

[Catrin]

This all sounds wonderful and am very glad to hear it! Congratulations on your improvement and being past the pain - and being able to find a class in walking distance from your house is just awesome

[indysteel]

Thanks! The class itself isn't ideal for me in that it's more or less for beginners, but I still think there's something there for me. It gives me a chance to REALLY focus on my breath and the smaller details of the poses. I just wish the class was longer. My regular class is an hour and 15 minutes. Those 15 minutes make a big difference.

I'm hoping the class helps me find some connection in this town. It's been hard to feel at home here.

[Catrin]

Sounds like a very good beginning - and it is indeed hard to get to feeling at home in a new town especially if you are commuting to another city for work.

I think in a few weeks I will try out the mat pilates class at my club on Sat mornings - IF my improvement continues.

I just had a nice little walk in the snow in the park - which irritated my hammie tendon for some odd reason - so am going to take a little nap - just cause I can

[malkin]

Way to go; happy Arbor Day in December!

[OakLeaf]

Yay! So good to hear that things are looking up.

[jelee1311]

Good for you! I hope you continue to recover

[Kiwi Stoker]

I totally get what you say about feeling like missing your old self. After my accident my right arm feels like the doctors has transplanted someone elses arm on me but kept my hand. There's still a bit of nerve damage which doesn't help. I so want my arm back...

And everything being new- I got made redundant, moved countires for my husbands job and lost our independance. It's all very unsettling, so even what looks like a small achievement is actually HUGE. So a big well done in reclaiming yourself back (or actually rebuilding a better you).

It does get easier as time passes too and now I have come to believe that life is a series of phases, some great and some not so great, but sooner or later another phase will begin.