Your Wellness Practice
Question: What’s your wellness practice??
I’ve struggled with osteoarthritis since my mid-30s. My mother, grandmother and aunt were being crippled by it when they reached their 60s. My first knee replacement was at the young age of 46. Some people asked why I would have a surgery like that at such a young age? Some doctors might even advise that it’s a procedure that should be delayed as long as possible because a prosthetic knee is only projected to last 15 to 20 years. But the pain in my left knee had become constant and excruciating and it was affecting how I walked. At 46, with a youthful active life, I made the decision that I would rather be fully functioning than endure the pain and wait until my 60s or 70s to get relief. After all, tomorrow is not promised! I want to live to the fullest in the present and, to the degree I can, be able to enjoy it. Besides, science continues to improve and there is now a procedure called a “revision” that is basically a tune up on an aging prosthetic. I may be candidate for it at some point.
Beyond supplements like, glucosamine, chondroitin , turmeric, ginger, etc., the practice that has helped me battle arthritis the most is yoga and the benefits from deep stretching that comes with it. I’ve participated in a few in person yoga classes over the years but have found the modifications I need to make for my own bodily weaknesses, leave me feeling self-conscious when in the company of others. A few years back I discovered a DVD by — which I did for so long that I eventually didn’t even need to watch it because I knew the routine so well. Now I have incorporated some of my own moves into that practice to address my specific aches and pains. I try to do at least 30 minutes a minimum of four days a week. If I slack off from that schedule, my body wastes no time in letting me know. During quarantine I also added a Zumba warm up to the routine, as well as 5 lb. weights to add some cardio and strength building. I would love to walk more for exercise, but like I said, my knees are bionic so some days they are just not feeling it!
Question: Do you have an exercise routine? What is it? Share in the comments.
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