Injuries suck. One week you’re killing your sessions, hitting PBs, feeling like the strongest b*tch on the planet and then all of a sudden, you’re dealing with some pain that makes it hard to even walk, let alone hit the gym. It’s easy to get discouraged and convince yourself that you need to quit, especially when you’re in the pits of it. You want to know the truth? There’s always a way to work around it.
First, Let’s Chat About The Struggle
One thing that is important to remember, is that when you get injured, it’s not just your body that feels defeated – it’s your mind too.
It’s easy to spiral into thoughts like, “It’s going to take me ages to get back to where I was”, or “What’s the point of going if I can’t do what I want?”
It’ is totally normal to feel frustrated and helpless, but always remember injuries are temporary.
What matters most right now, is how you handle the injury and what you’re doing to help not only the physical aspect, but the mental too.
The Secret Sauce: Modifications
Okay, so you can’t do your usual workout because your shoulder hurts or your knee is a mess – that doesn’t mean you have to quit entirely. There are always ways to modify your routine so you can keep moving without making things worse.
You don’t have to stop – you just have to be a little creative.
However, everyones situation is different so if needed, please see the relevant professional as well xx
Progress Doesn’t Have To Stop When You’re Injured
It’s easy to think that if you’re not doing your usual routine, you’re not making progress. But that’s not true.
Even if your workouts look a little different right now, you’re still building strength in other ways. This could be your mobility, endurance, or your resilience and outlook on training.
Tackling an injury, working with it and pushing through the mental battles is only going to make you mentally stronger for the future.
Do You Really Think It’s The Best Thing To Give Up?
Let’s be real. When people become injured, the first thing to go is any form of training. I get it. That makes the most sense right?
WRONG.
What you’re ultimately doing is getting rid of that one thing that you love, your one escape to switch off from the world, the one thing that you’re doing for YOU.
By doing this, it will most likely lead to frustration and resentment toward your injury, making the healing process feel like it’s dragging on forever. But if you adjust your sessions and focus on what your body can still do, you might find the recovery isn’t as tough as it seems – because you’re still staying connected to the thing you love, just at a different pace.
So, next time you feel like throwing in the towel – reflect on what is important to YOU and how you are able to work this into your day-to-day. This might seem tricky to start off with but allow yourself to give it a go with an open mind.
Don’t let an injury make you feel like a failure. You are so much more than that – and prove this to yourself!
Keep doing what you love and come back even stronger. Most importantly, always remember that injuries are only temporary and you will get past them!