Is it at all realistic for me...

Avatar for barbrocks
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-06-2003
Is it at all realistic for me...
5
Sat, 09-04-2004 - 1:55am
... to expect that I can regain my health at age 37, with plantar fasciaitis?

Maybe I'm just pitying myself, here, but I'm having crap for luck trying to get engaged in a program. I spent 12-15 years doing virtually nothing in the way of exercise. In college, I was a hard-body, fit, running, body-building, you name it.

Now, each time I get revved-up to get into a program again, I get so discouraged! My poor, neglected body is just falling apart around me. I have plantar fascaitis in my left foot that is almost a constant source of pain. My MD said stretches and ibuprofen... it helps some. I wear orthopedic shoes, too, for it. I have very good exercise shoes, with an orthotic. I seem to injure more easily in other ways (knees, back), and have a longer recuperative time, too.

Just how slowly do I need to start? Do I have to baby myself?? I don't run anymore, with my foot, but I walk (fast). I do eliptical and stairclimber at the gym, and the weight-circuit my gym has set-up. I feel like I spend forever in the "beginning" stage.

Just what, at this age, do I need to keep in mind that's different from 17 years ago?

(what's weird is that I'm a nurse, yet this is so hard for me to figure-out! Of course, I'm in geriatrics... I FEEL like a kid compared to some of my older patients... and some of them are VERY active!)

Any advice, encouragement or words of wisdom would be appreciated. My program that I've been trying to get into right now is: fast walking on sidewalks 45min 3X's weekly, cardio at the gym 20min followed by curcuit training for 15min 3X's weekly. It doesn't seem like an unreasonable amount to me, but it kicks my butt!

Thanks, Barb

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-17-2004
Sat, 09-04-2004 - 10:46am

Hi Barb!


I'm sorry to hear things are so tough for you right now!

Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Fear

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 09-04-2004 - 12:14pm
I work with the elderly too, and it inspires me to keep myself as strong and muscular as possible. This could be a good opportunity to really weight train your upper body and do core strengthening. Swimming is a great idea, as well.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2004
Sat, 09-04-2004 - 2:34pm
Nothing is impossible. There's no reason why you can't get yourself back into shape at 37.

What a great workout routine!! It sounds like you might be too ambitious for your own good. You might be doing too much right off the bat which in turns, kicks your butt and causes you to loose momentum. Try to stiffle some of that motivation and use it sparingly. Start out slowly and increase your activity when your body is ready to go to the next level.

I'm VERY curious about plantar fascaitis, though. I have had severe pain in my feet (especially the left one)and knees for quite some time. Sometimes, my left swells with the pain. My medical doctor ordered x-rays and didn't seem concerned. She said they showed fluid around my right knee and nothing more. She has no clue what might be causing the pain in my left foot. There are days when I can barely walk and days when things are almost normal. Needless to say, exercising can be a challenge.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 12:09pm

Welcome to the board!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 8:18pm

Welcome to the board Barb!


I would say the plan you have outlined here is a great way to go....as someone else said tailoring a fitness plan to fit into your schedule, and your difficulties is KEY! It will take some time to get into the 'swing' of it, and making it 'routine'....but you WILL get there. Stay focussed on a goal- even a small one at first! This is a wonderful board FULL of support. Looking forward to posting with you!


~IslandGirl

~-~ Moderation is Key ~-~

cl-vi_islandgirl
Getting Fit in Your 30's

_____________________________________________________