Growing Into You

“Exercise: you don’t have time not to.” -Unknown

About four months ago, I had my second shoulder surgery repairing both my labrum and rotator cuff. So, for the past four months, I have sat on the couch and not done a whole lot of physical activity. The first two months weren’t my fault, I was in a sling unable to move. The last two months, however, have just been laziness. It is hard motivating myself to run. Running is the only thing I was really allowed to do, and since I am so used to doing all explosive workouts, the thought of jogging just did not sound appealing to me. The result: A gain of 30 pounds, 4 inches on my waist, and huffing and puffing walking up and down the stairs.

Today was the first day I truly did any physical activity, and I paid for it…DEARLY!! I volunteer for one of the local high school baseball teams as a coach. Today was the first day I was really able to do anything. So, I grabbed a bat and began hitting groundballs to the infielders. Now, you have to remember, for the past five years I have paid my way through college hitting baseballs, and I have spent the last 18 years swinging a bat hundreds of times daily. Six months ago, I could have gone out and taken batting practice for hours, swinging as hard as I could every single time. Not today, however.

The first couple of swings I took were very light because I did not know how my shoulder would react. After the first few swings, I was warmed up and ready to go. So, I hit about 20 baseballs pretty hard, and I had to stop; I was out of breath. Then, about five minutes later, I felt a burning sensation on my hand. I look down and noticed I had blood all over. In the ten minutes I had been swinging, I had already formed a blister AND ripped it open! Then, after another few minutes, my hamstring cramped up. Finally, I let somebody else hit, and I went out and coached before I hurt something bad…like my shoulder for the third time.

Now, I do not want you to think I am complaining about my experience. I most certainly am not. I thoroughly enjoy my time out on the baseball field. These “injuries” are the result of my actions. Every one of these could have been prevented if I had just maintained my physical ability instead of letting myself completely go.

I have decided to compile a list of the top reasons as to why you should not make the same mistake as me.

1. Weight gain: This is probably the most obvious result of letting yourself go. As the weight pours on, it leads you into a dark hole that is very hard to get out of. Depression can sink in as well as a lack of self-confidence.
2. Injuries: As your muscles begin to get weaker, you are much more prone to a muscle strain or pull. Everyday activity, whether it be picking up something off of the ground or just walking can lead to an injury (O.K. walking is a little bit of a stretch, but the other day I took a quick step to get onto a curb, and my achilles tendon locked up. It was the weirdest thing).
3. Back problems: This is a repeat of number 2, but back injuries belong in their own separate category. The back is very delicate, and even when you are in top notch shape, it is very easily injured. When your core muscles begin to break down, the chance of injury is heightened that much more. Bending over to pick up your one month old baby can lead to WEEKS of pain!
4. Difficulty getting to sleep: I have found that since I have gotten out of shape, it is much harder for me to fall asleep and sleep deeply. When I was working out hard, I would be able to fall asleep within five minutes of lying down. Now, on most nights it takes well over 30. I am restless, and my mind wanders all over the place.
5. Built up stress: I know for me, and a lot of people, exercising is a great way to relieve stress. As I have been sitting around, I have noticed my neck being much tighter and an overall feeling of being stressed out quite a bit. Lifting weights and hitting baseballs were a great way to just let all of my stress out by being able to have some time alone enjoying what I love doing. Without it, I have a lot of negative energy that is being bottled up with no where to go.
6. Increased physical ailments: As you continue to slide down the “out of shape” pole, it is much easier for you to become sick or develop some other physical problems such as heart problems.
7. Shorter lifespan: While this problem may not arise for a long time down the road, it is a harsh reality. The problems that develop as a result of a lack of exercising can, and most likely will, lead to a shorter life.
8. It is MUCH easier to stay in shape then get back in it: If you have ever let yourself go and then decided it was time for a change, you know EXACTLY what I am talking about. I have had four surgeries requiring extensive time sitting out, and getting back in shape is always hard. The first two weeks, you are in a constant “soreness-pain-tightness” state. Even if you would have just done 20 minutes of SOMETHING a few days a week, getting serious about workouts again would be much easier. You would maintain your base, and when the time comes to improve, it is just a matter of increasing your workout intensity. When you have let yourself go, you have to first build your strength/conditioning base before you can even attempt to make gains.

Obviously there are multitudes more reasons to keep yourself in shape. If you are out of shape however, there is no need to fret. You can begin the process of getting in shape any time you feel committed. By getting in shape, you will have more self-confidence and be on your way to a healthier life.

Now that I have been truly out of shape and have seen the terrible effects on my body and my mind, I have definitely learned my lesson.

If you liked this article, please share it on StumbleUpon, Del.icio.us or on Digg. I’d appreciate it.