Image by: MR38
The picture to the right is not fake. This is a real place in Temecula, CA. Honestly, I saw the photo and I thought it was a joke. However, I also feel like I could be their next patient.
In the past I’ve been to kinesiologists (Debbie Parsons in NYC is fantastic), PT, a well-known NYC sports medicine doctor and most recently an acupuncturist but I’m still an active participant in the injury and reinjury circuit with this back injury.
Last week I saw a new orthopedic surgeon (a runner and triathlete himself) and he said that I didn’t need surgery but recommended physical therapy. The doctor said it’s likely I can run in the future but that this injury will recur.
My new physical therapist, Andre (a former Olympic Track Coach for the UK), told me that I have severe instability in the right L5/S1 joint but he also said that I’ll be able to run in the future. He knows I’m looking for #13in2013 (cue the The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” for motivation)
Twice a week for the next month, I’ll be working with Andre to get my core strengthened and all of you get to come along for the ride. Andre said that the exercises in the beginning will seem simple but there is a progressive plan. Here are the exercises that have been prescribed so far:
Glute Squeezes 5 x 30 seconds (3x/day)
Modified Side Plank 2 x 30 seconds each side (2x/day)
Deadbug 2 x 10 reps each side (2x/day)
and my own addition (approved by Andre):
Plank (1x/day until failure)
I looked for images to download to accompany the images but could not find appropriate ones so my new career as a fitness model has been born. See below for my debut pictorial (minus the Glute Squeezes, self explanatory and the world does not need a close up of my rear end):
Do you like how I plank? Yup, I read while I’m planking; it passes the time quickly. I’ve been planking every night since January 1st and I’m up to nearly 2 minutes (which is a feat for me).
I’m sending a little love to one of my favorite New York fitness studios, Refine Method, by wearing their Stronger tank. It is has been one of my underlying mantras for a long time but now I’ve got to prove it.
Love your new fitness model career! So smart to read while you plank. It does make the time go faster! I’m glad that you found a good doctor and PT and that they are helping you get back to running. Fingers crossed and here’s to #13in2013
Thank you! I will say the fitness modeling idea actually came from reading your blog so thanks again.
I hope you are also feeling well. I hope to find out what #13in2013 you choose as well!
Good luck! Great idea about reading while “planking;” I’ll be borrowing that one.
Thanks Ann! I need to start my next book. It made getting to 2 minute plank so much easier!
I love that a new career has been born. hehe. planking is serious work…I may have to borrow the reading idea to be able to stay up for 10 sec 😉
Thank you Jenn. I’m not sure I’m really ready for the public to see me (I took out a picture where my grey hair was especially visible). I bet you can plank for longer than you think! LMK if/when you try.
I hurt my back years ago and broke my shoulder more recently. Rehab is the worst! Love your reading-while-planking tip!
Wow, broke your shoulder?! Sounds so incredibly painful. Hoping you are better now. Thanks for stopping by! Read your “About” and I like your style! Are you a SCLB? If we’ve met and I’m forgetting please forgive me. If not, we should!