The average woman will experience over 450 periods in her life. That's anywhere from 1300 to 3000+ days. Days in which we do what we need and want to do. But when you have a period problem, it becomes more challenging. If you are doubled over in pain or have to change your tampon every 45 minutes for several days each month, of course your productivity is going to suffer. (which we know is not normal and warrants a doctor's visit!) While figuring out a treatment plan for improvement, it’d be nice to have the option to plan around the times you feel the most awful, however, how many women can actually do that? The show must go on. While we may not be able to plan around it completely, we can develop a better understanding of what’s going on at different points during the cycle and become aware of symptoms and how they respond to various activities. It’s important to give yourself grace too. Sometimes sweatpants and a hot water bottle is required!
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The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as an “unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.” It is more than data received from the body. The reason we perceive physical pain is not always simply due to tissue damage. Pain is complex. One thing is for sure, everybody hurts…sometimes. And it seems more of us are in pain more frequently.
When we are in pain, we don’t want to move. The more it hurts, the less you move. The less you move, the more things hurt. It's a vicious loop. Maintaining regular movement is absolutely critical to a healthy, functional body and a fulfilling life. Not only that but studies suggest that exercise can provide pain relief equal to medication in some cases. Your body was meant to move but how do you do that when you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain? Of course, it's imperative to be checked out by a medical professional; pain can be a sign of underlying pathology. Second opinions are also a great idea. You want to be cleared for exercise so that you do not exacerbate any injuries or medical conditions. If your doctor or physical therapist tells you that you can proceed, you should! I am asked about pain in some form every few weeks. A certified personal trainer (CPT) cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions. But a CPT can help you get moving if you are ready, able, willing (and cleared!) Here are a few important things to keep in mind. Information on eating well and exercise has never been more complicated, convoluted, and overwhelming. But I have some great news! If you are asking, “where do I start?”, you have decided that what you are currently doing isn’t working for you anymore. Technically, one could argue that you have already started.
I spend a fair amount of time learning from others. Books, podcasts, social media, etc. Experienced and knowledgeable fitness and health professionals help me become a better trainer because I can incorporate their ideas into my programming and the information I share with clients. One such brilliant individual is Katy Bowman. Her books have opened my eyes to the importance of movement outside of exercise and how convenience is tied to changes in our bodies, our health, and our environment.
I live in a culture that values convenience. If you live in the US, you probably do too. Products that make tasks easier are often number one sellers. We build our daily and weekly routines to make living more streamlined and efficient. We pay more for pre-processed packaged products and order goods to be delivered directly to our car or our front door. And all of this has a cost beyond the bank account. We have largely reduced the amount of energy, time, AND movement needed to complete activities required for living, at least on our end. Katy refers to this as outsourcing movement. (Others work, so we don't have to as much. If you are interested in learning more about that as well as environmental impacts, read her book Movement Matters). This is supposed to free up our valuable time for other endeavors: presumably leisure and life-enhancing activities. But often it ends up that we spend that “extra” time working more hours or in activities where we are sedentary. Many of us can lead very productive lives without moving much from our desks, couches, and cars. We can also be entertained and socialize without leaving home or even getting up. BUT we need movement for healthy, functioning bodies. A few exercise sessions per week, while important, aren’t a replacement for regular and varied movement throughout the day. We aren’t lazy. We are working. But we aren’t moving and it’s costing us. One of those costs is that it has literally become harder for us to move. Our jobs and habits keep us tied to our desks and computers or phones. As a result, our bodies adapt to the positions in which we spend a lot of time. Shoulders become rounded. Weaker gluteus muscles. Tight, short hip flexors. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with greater incidence of arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. Our bodies are meant to move and we have "convenienced" ourselves out of that movement. As with most things, improvement is much easier said than done! A lot of jobs require hours spent on the computer and if you have deadlines or are very busy, regular breaks aren’t always available. Building more movement into your day is a necessity that requires a bit of forethought and planning. In addition, research suggests human beings are predisposed to conserve energy. Many of us may have gotten a little too good at it! Let's go over some ways you can bring more movement back into your life. |
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