Do you take your physical ability for granted?

ninerbuff
ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
edited December 17 in Chit-Chat
If some of you don't know it, I work in a Wellness facility and we have lots of members who are people recovering from ailments like cancer, surgery, heart attack, stroke etc.
I was working out and one of my peers was working out with one of her very fit but a little "chubby" clients who kept complaining that she couldn't lose any weight for the past month. This female was blowing out some really hard functional training moves on a Bosu ball along with good plyometric movements (I happen to be nearby stretching). Anyway we have an ALTER G, which is an "anti gravity" treadmill for those who have a hard time supporting their full weight but having the need to walk, jog or run can be done on it by reducing the weight they have on their joints. One of our specialists was assisting a stroke victim on the machine when I overheard the person say "So when can I do that again?" referring to the female on the Bosu. Specialist replied "Well that's what we're working on." and the person replied back "I USED to be able to do that."
I see it on an everyday basis and appreciate how fortunate I am just to be able to move the way I want and control my own physical body. Just reminding everyone that your "looks" can be improved on with patience. Don't take for granted what you can physically do now because it only takes a second for it to change. It's better to be fit and overweight so for those who don't want to exercise while trying to lose weight, realize that one day it could be reality.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Replies

  • PapaverSomniferum
    PapaverSomniferum Posts: 2,670 Member
    Nope. I hang out with people who have disabilities all day. Makes me really appreciate my average-functioning body and mind.

    I am often surprised, though, when other people do take their abilities for granted.

    and I get livid when public spaces lack accessibility :grumble:
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    nope, I like to push it to see how much more I can do. I've already spent enough time not respecting my body, this time it's full on appreciation.
  • KristyJoy123
    KristyJoy123 Posts: 84 Member
    This is awesome. I try very hard not to take my physical ability for granted! I take every opportunity to use my strength. I love being strong. A friend needed help carrying a heavy box up the stairs the other day and nobody volunteered to help, I jumped at the chance!
  • LittleElephant
    LittleElephant Posts: 106 Member
    Having spent a lot of my teens and twenties either bed bound or in a wheelchair I can honestly say I don't take my ability to now walk 10 miles in under 3 hours once or twice each week for granted. I just love every minute of it!
  • StarIsMoving
    StarIsMoving Posts: 437
    I can honestly say I don't. I don't know how much you have paid attention to my posts on my wall, but my oldest daughter has severe polyarticular juvenile rhuematoid arthitis. A year ago December, she was wheelchair bound...this just 6 months after she had been running competitively. I also have juvenile RA and keep pushing. That same daughter is walking without assistive devices now (which is huge), but still is not able to run, nor will she be able to in any predictable future. I have been told not to run, however, also fortunate enough to have a PCP dr who knows I am determined to keep moving so I don't lose it and has shown me the safest ways to do so. My mother and grandmother also suffer from this and my mom pushes herself and limits as well - my grandmother had a hip replacement, my daughter is looking at a VERY early knee replacement... and then I will hear someone say "I have TOM cramps and can't move"... ummm... suck it up and appreciate that you CAN move...I thank my lucky stars daily for my mobility
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,190 Member
    Thank you, niner, for reminding me that "gratitude" is the right attitude for me to have!
  • rachmaree
    rachmaree Posts: 782 Member
    A great reminder, ninerbuff. We have a friend that has been in a wheelchair for the past 10 years (injured in a car accident that killed his father), and spending time with him always reminds me how lucky I am.
  • solarpower4
    solarpower4 Posts: 250 Member
    My 90-yr old grandmother - who has always been very active and healthy (and usually assumed to be 20 years younger than she is) - had one leg amputated at the knee this January. Very unexpectedly. I run or walk every day and when I feel tired or sore, I still thank my lucky stars that I have all my body parts and they all function well. My grandma is already doing almost everything she did before, but now with a prosthesis and it takes much much longer, but she refuses to give up her mobility just because she lost part of a leg. Man, I HOPE I never forget that kind of determination and perseverance and that I have some of it! As she said, "Amputation? Honey, that's a whole lot better than the alternative (of not being alive)!! Whack it off and let's move forward. And don't forget, you only need to knit me one sock at a time from now on." It made me laugh, but really, I don't know how she maintains such a positive outlook.
  • 42kgirl
    42kgirl Posts: 692 Member
    What an awesome job! I'm often surprised at what I can do. I work in a gym that offers the Silver Sneakers program. Our oldest member is 92. I find them very inspiring. One of our members just took home a world record in running. She's 75. I know if I do I it now, I will be able to keep moving when I'm older.
  • crisanderson27
    crisanderson27 Posts: 5,343 Member
    Amen man.

    I never took my physical abilities 'for granted' perse...I always understood and respected the fact that there were others far, far less fortunate than I in that respect.

    But.

    It wasn't until I ruptured my distal biceps tendon (basically ripping the lower biceps off of my forearm, rendering the entire muscle useless as it was no longer connected) 9 weeks ago (surgery 7wks ago today), that I really comprehended what being disabled in a very physical manner meant. I mean, to be honest...it was mostly an inconvenience, and in no way am I comparing it to a real disability, but the effect on my outlook was profound. I spent a good part of my first few weeks post surgery wondering (more like worrying) if I'd be able to pick up my kids, or even move my hand and arm properly.

    Definitely an excellent post.
  • InnerFatGirl
    InnerFatGirl Posts: 2,687 Member
    All the time.
  • blazergrad
    blazergrad Posts: 603 Member
    Even as someone in a wheelchair, I am FULLY thankful for what I CAN still do!

    I realize that my accident could have been worse and things could have been much, much worse for me, but as it is, I'm still able to work out my upper body, I'm still able to mow my yard, I'm still able to take care of myself, I'm still able to hug my wife .... heck, I'm still able to do pretty much all I could do before with the exception of climbing stairs and jumping over ditches, and technically I could even probably still do that if I was daring enough. :wink:

    You're so right ... it can all change in a heartbeat.
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    I think maybe I did up until I hurt my back and then I realized how limiting something as minor as that could be. I definitely have more appreciation for my strength and mobility.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    No, I don't take it for granted. I have a constant reminder of just how lucky I am and he's quite an inspiration.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Even as someone in a wheelchair, I am FULLY thankful for what I CAN still do!

    I realize that my accident could have been worse and things could have been much, much worse for me, but as it is, I'm still able to work out my upper body, I'm still able to mow my yard, I'm still able to take care of myself, I'm still able to hug my wife .... heck, I'm still able to do pretty much all I could do before with the exception of climbing stairs and jumping over ditches, and technically I could even probably still do that if I was daring enough. :wink:

    You're so right ... it can all change in a heartbeat.
    People like you inspire others who "think" they have physical disadvantages because they think they have to run a mile to just be able to consider it running.
    Kudos to you for still using what you have and not letting a setback hold you down. Much respect here.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • xraylady33
    xraylady33 Posts: 222 Member
    ABSOLUTELY...
    Rt knee ACL tear, and repair x5...
    Rt foot tendons ruptured last year, SERIOUS RECOVERY, Unable to manipulate, maneuver, or just flex.

    NEVER AGAIN, Power of now, peace and calmness from who I have become and a true found respect for each part that works even 85% of its potential. I will for ever more be so thankful for the DR who saved me, yet to myself for stepping back and realizing, you get one body, work it correctly and cherish it, or destroy it along with your well being.
  • Grimmerick
    Grimmerick Posts: 3,342 Member
    I work at a spine institute.................I appreciate everyday.
  • docdrd
    docdrd Posts: 174 Member
    I used to be a pretty good tennis player (got recruited to play at some colleges) and now can't serve because of rotator cuff issues. I also have to spend a half hour icing my whole arm when done hitting. But I realize that I can still play and move, just not like I used to and am grateful for that because it is such fun. You make a good point in reminding us that for many, it is something they can no longer do and we ought to appreciate it more. Cheers!
  • Caro1991
    Caro1991 Posts: 97
    I dont, never do. I have a tear on my right knee on my meniscus, been like this for 6 years since I cant afford surgery or anything. I can walk for 15minutes but then my leg will start hurting and because of this I been having more back problems... Either way I dont give up because I know that I am still blessed to have my legs and my childrens health.
  • emmamcblain
    emmamcblain Posts: 342
    nope, I like to push it to see how much more I can do. I've already spent enough time not respecting my body, this time it's full on appreciation.

    Snap!
  • thinclo
    thinclo Posts: 164 Member
    thanks for posting this, its very easy to take mobility for-granted. i think i do most of the time :blushing:
  • rammsteinsoldier
    rammsteinsoldier Posts: 1,552 Member
    Thanks for helping keep things in perspective.
  • SmartAlec03211988
    SmartAlec03211988 Posts: 1,896 Member
    Absolutely not. I'm in a wheelchair. I'm thankful that I am able to do anything at all, and am always challenging myself.
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
    YES! Last summer I sprained my ankle in an exercise class, and was off cardio for about two weeks, minus swimming. I hated it. For another month or so, I was really limited on what I could do. Really made me appreciate what I could do before.

    A couple weeks ago, I was hit by a car while crossing the street, and the impact was on my knees. I am currently in physical therapy, and am off running until the doctor says so. I am lucky I can still do elliptical and bike, but I have been missing running like CRAZY!

    Definitely more appreciative now! <3
  • ThePhoenixRose
    ThePhoenixRose Posts: 1,978 Member
    i used to. until i had a stroke and became a quadriplegic for a while. some of you know my story, most don't. i was paralyzed from the neck down. i was conscious the entire time, but couldn't move. now i can run a 10k. it's a super-long story, but just know that i absolutely don't take it for granted anymore.

    if you're interested in what happened, let me know. i'm happy to share, just don't wanna hijack the thread!
  • cyberskirt
    cyberskirt Posts: 218
    I was at wellness for recovery from a loss of mobility... I think I cried the first week when I was forced to admit I couldn't do what I used to...

    like walk... and of course, run
    get up from the floor
    jump
    climb a ladder
    balance...

    so many things I had to relearn or learn new ways of doing.
  • WhitneyAnnabelle
    WhitneyAnnabelle Posts: 724 Member
    I've had periods in my life when I couldn't walk at all. I try not to take anything for granted, but we're all human and naturally take the things we have for granted occasionally.
  • gemiwing
    gemiwing Posts: 1,525 Member
    Yes, sometimes I do.

    Some days I forget that there was a long time that going to the bathroom by myself was my goal. There was a time when bathing myself was worthy of a celebratory dinner. Then came the new goal of standing up on my own and cooking. Of being able to read again. Of 'graduating' from my chair to Scoots. Then later from Scoots to pushing Scoots.

    I forget how far I've come and beat myself up because I still can't run, can't stand for very long, can't squat with good form, can't turn around in a little circle without doing 'whiplash arms'.

    I use my handicap to beat myself up more often than I should. thanks for the reminder that I do know what it's like and my journey is not completed just yet.
  • Fit4Evolution
    Fit4Evolution Posts: 375 Member
    I just Blogged my story on my profile , I had 2 broken arms back in 2001 , the road to recovery was a difficult one. I still dont have my full range of motion in my right wrist but i now can lift with the best.! ive become a personal trainer and started helping other as a result.
  • Vonnie2006
    Vonnie2006 Posts: 246 Member
    Nope not at all! I have Lupus so I have MANY days where simply supporting my own body weight on my joints is a chore. That's why I try to go so hard when I'm in remission! I look longingly at people doing workouts like Insanity because the spirit is willing but the body...ehhh the body isn't having it. But I will bust a modified version in a NY minute!
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