The gym and chronic pain

You feel like you’re finally getting somewhere -
Eating the most you’ve ever eaten,
Lifting heavier than you were,
Staying consistent with your routine -
Then, SURPRISE!
Chronic pain hits.

It’s a strange, isolating feeling. everyone around you seems able-bodied, moving forward without a second thought. meanwhile, you’re frozen in this void. Paralysed by painkillers and health anxiety.

They keep going.
You’re just… here.

My health journey started in 2019.
Six years later, I was given a diagnosis of chronic DVTs, which affect my entire body - meaning often I have to go months without even contemplating getting myself to the gym.

There were times I thought it was over, that I’d finally beaten it.
Though I’d only won the battles, not the war.

Through the on going battles, I came to the realisation that this isn’t the first time I’ve been here. Being knocked down and clawing my way back up.
It’s a cycle I live, that we all live over and over- no matter if you live with chronic pain or not.

yet, each time it happens, It still feels heavy. 

So what the hell do we do?

When everyone around you is flourishing and you're drowning?

Sit Down. Recalibrate. Collect Yourself.

Take a moment to breathe and ground yourself. Sometimes pausing is the first step to moving forward, and often breaks are a great way to build muscle! muscles need rest too!

Listen More

Friends, doctors, peers - listen closely. You’ll notice that not a single person on this planet is thriving exactly how they’d like to be. Everyone struggles in ways you can’t always see.

Respect Your Body’s Voice

Take as much time out of the gym as your body is asking for. Rest isn’t weakness; it’s part of recovery. Your body has a voice- listen to it. 

Stop Treating It Like a Race

You have forever. Healing and progress don’t have a deadline.

EAT. GOOD. FOOD.

Fuel your body. Even if it’s the last thing you want to do - EAT! 

Focus on Your Own Path

Stop watching what everyone else does, on the internet, in the gym. Do what works for you, at your own pace.

Understand Your Medications

Learn how your meds affect your energy, strength, and recovery. Then adjust your training around them.

We only get one body, and it will thank you.