After my previous post re the demoralising MummyFIT session, a big thanks to Debs for doing some research and identifying more knee-friendly variations we can build into the classes (e.g. glute bridges in place of squats, dead lifts in place of lunges etc).
The big challenge is finding ways to get my heart rate up using those variations. It’s a bit weird doing a HIIT class when there’s not so much HI but with a bit of trial and error we’ll hopefully be there soon.
I did have a bit of a giggle at a recent class as someone had suggested using trying topical NSAID creams to see if that reduced any pain. To say the smell of that stuff makes me think of old people (no offence) would be an understatement. Combine that with the fact I was using hand weights to add effort to walking/jogging on the spot rather than doing high knees etc and all I really needed was a toweling headband to complete the ‘Over 50s Life Insurance’ ad image. It’s a flippin’ good job my pelvic floor is fully recovered postpartum otherwise the analogy truly could have gone to far…
In positive updates, I took the eldest minibeast ice-skating, she loved it and we both came off the ice unscathed. The rink was relatively quiet and fortunately she’s not exactly quick on the ice yet but it was fantastic to be able to get on there with her and hold her hand as she tried something new.
She also spent the last month practising cartwheels for her gym club’s sponsored skill fundraiser. She was trying them in the front room and, in true child style, refusing to take any advice on how to improve them cartwheel from her mother. So I decided to show her (I haven’t done a cartwheel in well over three years as my ACL leg is my lead leg and I wasn’t confident with the twisting motion while my foot would be planted on the ground) but, given all that’s gone on for the last few years, I fundamentally decided that ‘fcuk it’ was the best route forward and gave it a go. And I did it! The look on her face was priceless (and oddly, she actually started listening to me – for a while at least – after that!). She must have taken something in as she ended up getting the gold award for her efforts, landing 10 out of 10 cartwheels to feet on testing day. That’s my girl! J
So, while things aren’t perfect, there are some positives to hang on to and hopefully I can build from here. Of course, it’s New Year New You territory at the moment and I’m fighting the temptation to throw myself into a whole load of activity. On top of rehabbing / managing the knee, I’ve still got problems in my hips/SI joint and now my wrists too (press ups are now from fists, not flat hands to counter that) so I know the post-partum Relaxin is still in my system and will be for a good six months to come. With that in mind, my only New Year Resolution will have to be patience. So easy to type, so much harder to actually practice…!
In the meantime, chucking in the latest OKS/CKS scores for reference:
OKS - 34
CKS - 53