I lay in a sweaty shavasana after a gruelling hot yoga class. Nothing new for a fitness enthusiast, but this time I couldn’t get up off the floor.
With 17 years of ballet in my youth, my 20’s filled with running and gym, and my early 30’s committed to bendy, twisty yoga, my hips were in a perilous state. I crawled out of my beloved studio in agony, tears adding to my runny mascara mess, and conceded it was time to call the surgeon.
So began ‘my year without exercise’, filled with X-rays, MRIs, two hip arthroscopy surgeries, time off work, cortisone injections, painful remedial massages, weekly physio sessions, crutches and endless hobbling about.
Add to that an extra eight kilograms and a restless, frustrated mind from inactivity.
Facing up to chronic pain and surgeries has been a trial. But no life event is without its lessons and as I venture on the path back to health and fitness, I’ve gathered some life gems along the way.
1. Health is a price tag worth saving for: It costs thousands for a healthcare army – in my case doctors, surgeons, physios and masseuses; plus scans, medicine and more. I’ve always valued money for immediate life experiences, like travel, theatre and socialising, but I’ve seen first-hand it’s vital to have a safety net. And health insurance is essential.
2. Recovery takes time, and serious effort: You can get expert help, but when it comes to physical recovery, the hard yards count. Attend appointments, push through painful exercises, and understand you have to rest.
3. Appreciate what you have: When it’s hard to simply get out of bed or walk to the tram, you’ll discover a newfound appreciation for what your body can do when it’s well. I resisted surgery for four years, hoping I could fix the injuries myself with less invasive remedies, but will never ignore my body’s messages again.
4. Disabilities are everywhere: Hobble around the city on crutches and you’ll become mindful of people struggling everywhere. Wheelchairs, canes, the elderly – I adopted more compassion. I felt vulnerable travelling home after dark with my slow steps.
5. People can be brilliant or damn rude: From dad doing the office ‘coffee run’ while I was working at my parent’s home healing with ice packs, to housemates carrying my shopping around the market, those close will rally when you’re unwell. But strangers seated on the tram can stare at phones and blatantly ignore two crutches if it pleases them.
6. Exercise is worth it (when you’re well): I used to exercise an hour a day, and a year of inactivity has seen the scale rise. You might hate it, but it goes to show that setting the alarm, pulling on your sneakers and hitting the gym keeps you in check.
7. Mental health can take a beating: Keeping fit is great for managing stress and anxiety, but without it, it’s easy to get in a fug. I quickly realised the pressure of constant work deadlines needed a new counter balance. Without yoga classes, it was easy to reach for a wine after a chaotic day, but I delved into books (Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking Fast and Slow, and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See are recommended!), I trawled new music on Spotify (on repeat: Tame Impala, Father John Misty, War on Drugs, La Roux, Alex Turner, Rodriguez, Laura Marling, Future Islands, Flight Facilities and so much more…) and I made more time for friends.
8. There’s life outside of the gym: I used to berate myself for missing a day of exercise, but barking instructors don’t match a stroll around the park, a gentle swim in an outdoor pool, or lying in the park with a book instead of pounding around it. Sometimes, that is just what you need.
9. Finally a fashion point: Flat shoes rule – floral Vans sneakers in every colour to be specific! My year without exercise also meant a year without ridiculous high heels, and life is quite pleasant for it!