This is a story that some can relate to, others can empathize with, and only a few have experienced.
I am a super active person. I experience the world kinesthetically. I move because it feels good to me. It calms my mind, body, and soul. It stabilizes my moods and helps me manage my auto-immune condition. I have always gravitated towards an active job. That’s why it is not a surprise to anyone that knows me, that I have made a career out of fitness, movement, and overall health and well-being.
I have been a fitness instructor, personal trainer, nutrition coach and lifestyle coach for over 25 years now. For the past 10 of that 25 years I have incorporated martial arts. I originally started in martial arts as a means of supporting my daughter through her martial arts journey, as well as doing something for myself. I never saw myself ranking up past 2nd or 3rd degree Black Belt. I just thought it would be a fun thing to do to challenge myself. I not only ranked up, but moved into leadership and became a martial arts instructor, which is more rewarding then I can put into words.
As you can imagine, between teaching fitness and martial arts, there is a big physical demand on my body and nervous system. About two years ago, I started dealing with some pain in my left hip. I figured it was something muscular, so I began to really focus on a variety of ways to heal any potentially strained muscles. I continued to teach and train and work through the pain. Gradually the pain became worse, and my range of motion became more compromised.
On one of my many visits to my chiropractor, it was proposed to me that I might have a torn labrum (the ring of cartilage that follows the outside rim of your hip joint socket). After pouting and sulking my way out of his office and into my primary care doctor’s office, X-rays and MRIs were ordered. I did not see nor predict the results and was sucker punched when my doctor called me with the results. Apparently, I did have a torn labrum but that wasn’t the biggest issue. I had virtually no cartilage to speak of and was bone on bone. I needed a full hip replacement. Because of my age, it was suggested that I wait, if possible. They felt I was too young to have a hip replacement and that I might need another one in 15 years when I am a bit older and recovery would be more difficult.
I thought about it for a minute and said, “Let’s schedule it now.” My mindset was: my quality of life is being greatly lessened. I am not able to ride my bike, teach my fitness, participate in martial arts classes, or do my own training. I am young, active, and this is when I want to be able to move and do the things I want to do. I also had my heart set on earning my 4th degree Black Belt (which I was told would no longer be and option).
It was suggested to me that if I had the surgery, I should investigate a new line of work or, at the very least, no longer train in martial arts. I listened to the suggestion, absorbed the information, and pressed on. I continued exercising and teaching my classes with lots of modification as I waited for my surgery date.
My surgery day finally rolled around, and I had all my recovery ducks in order. My daughter bejeweled a walker for me and put pink tennis balls on the legs of it because I swore I was going to walk out on my own and I was not going to use a walker. I was told that I would not be able to put weight on that hip for weeks and outside of my physical therapy, my butt was going to be in bed resting. Needless to say, the bejeweled walker was greatly appreciated.
In the days, weeks, and months to follow, I experienced reality and a rude awakening. I was so grateful for that walker. Not only was I not able to kick and punch, but walking was the biggest challenge of the day. I have a history of not being super patient with the healing process, so mentally as well as physically this was proving to be quite the challenge for me.
I have always been a goal-oriented individual and I am typically an optimist, so, I pulled from those characteristics to get me through the most difficult times. I decided to focus on the things I could do rather than the things I could not do. I had someone bring me a variety of hand weights and I would do a circuit of my physical therapy and upper body weight training, which I did seated. I would shuffle to a bench with my bejeweled walker and pump iron for a good 30 minutes.
As I mentioned earlier, I had my heart set on testing for 4th degree Black Belt, and it was this goal and the goal of overcoming my limitations that kept me motivated. I felt if I could have a full recovery and not only get back to doing the things I love doing, but also obtain this seemingly improbable goal that I might inspire others to do the same. It was this mindset that carried me through the long months of recovery.
When I struggled mentally with the long healing process, I would reflect on my martial arts training and the words that my Master Instructor had shared with her students: “If it can be done by someone, why not by you?” I would also remember some of the hardest moments in my life that I had overcome, and it strengthened my resolve to overcome this as well.
Fast forward 16 months, and I am fully recovered. I am back to teaching both my fitness and martial arts classes. I tested for my 4th degree Black Belt this month. I attribute my speedy recovery to my ability to focus on what I can do, rather than what I can’t. I also feel having a big goal to work towards was very beneficial. I believe the mental and physical strength that I have gained through my journey from white belt to 4th degree has been a huge influence in the mindset that I had through the whole process.
There are so many non-physical benefits to the Black Belt journey. You learn skill sets that carry you through life’s most trying times. You develop mental fortitude, strengthen your character, slow the aging process, and build a stronger more agile body that serves you well when life decides to life you.