Doing physio exercises day after day can become a repetitive time suck if I allow it. As was mentioned in a previous blog, I had decided to listen to podcasts or audio books while doing physio to help keep me motivated. Also, Mrs Kohut and I have been poking and cheering each other to keep us both on track and accountable. This helps immensely and I am so grateful! Thank you Mrs. Kohut!
On most days for the past month I have been listening to Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance while doing my physio routine. This is not an easy read at the best of times and has been tricky to concentrate on the content while counting and keeping track of reps and sets. I see this as a great way to also incorporate some beneficial brain exercise. I know that I will be needing to read or listen at least a few more times as much of the content is getting missed, but it has been a great introduction to the book. There are some days though that I just need the quiet and pure focus on what I am doing without the distractions.
At some point while doing my physio exercises, I realized that I had started to utilize my Kung Fu training and was mindfully applying what I know to my physio routine. Working on forms over the years has given me great tools and the ability to be more aware of what is going on within my own body.
I have been actively working on the following when doing my exercises and stretches:
- Isolate my abdominal muscles while working on the legs and core exercises.
- Work at keeping my body relaxed while working or stretching a specific muscle group.
- Breathing consciously
- Releasing between reps
- Executing reps with control
- Using proper technique and re-evaluating periodically
- Make adjustments for my body and be aware of what needs to be addressed with assistance from the physiotherapist.
Even though I want to get through the exercises as quickly as possible, I also want to do them correctly and get the most out of them. My knees may never be 100% but I am hoping to at least have increased strength, stability and flexibility. An injury may mean more than just a few steps back, but there is a vast amount of knowledge to be gained and applied as you work through and with the injury or chronic issue. I am not a fan of all the extra work, the process and the limitations these knee issues have caused, but I am thankful for the realizations and knowledge gained in many related areas. This process will be on going and I also know the benefits will flow into other areas of my life as well.
Namaste
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