So my check-in buddies know some of this but it occurred to me how much I have progressed and I thought I ought to post to encourage someone else.
So years ago I injured my back vacuuming. Life was a general suckorama and It took lots of PT to get mobile again. I tried several trying to regain strength but eventually had to quit PT because they were not helping and I would be in more pain afterwards as they tried different things.
I ended up doing a bunch of research and getting to a point where I could do videos again but functional strength just wasn't there.
I would have to wait to get my children to go with me to load and unload the 20 pound bags of kitty litter. If I could get someone at the grocery store to help me the bags would sit in my vehicle until I could get someone to unload. I hated it.
Eventually, I started to feel my core get stronger and I graduated to getting them in the cart but couldn't make the haul up stairs. But I did plateau and it looked like that was all I could do. And I kept moving but felt like that was the limit.
Enter more time, setbacks of other aches (wonky shoulder, knee) and pains (not all physical) and Watulans and kettlebells. After gradually letting more time pass and then challenging myself in strength safely, I was able to haul the bag upstairs no issues. I started needing heavier dumbbells after years of never having anything heavier than an 8#.
Then my husband noticed how I could help him with lifting things. He quit asking if I could and would say "hey I need you to come over here and get this end.." He works out in the room with me so maybe he saw something I didn't. Anyway, my mind changed about what I could do. I learned to use the safety tips from strength videos to ordinary life. Doing more
bodyweight and mobility stuff and learning kettlebells helped me connect with my body so that my other strength training improved.
Then last week I went to the co-op and saw the 50# bag of litter and wondered...could I? I braced my core, exhaled as I lifted and engaged my lower body..and yep I could.
And yes, I braced and hauled that bag up the stairs. No issues and dang it felt great.
I realize I may not always be able to do it especially since I'm no spring chickie but being able to do it now...after all this time from being so weak
well it is just freaking amazing!! I LOVE being able to do kitty litter trips myself.
Having strength and independence as a goal had the added benefit of releasing all those aesthetic goals.
I hope this spurs someone else who may be older than 20 but less than a 100
to keep on finding ways to move.