Are you afraid to workout?

Now in my second trimester, I can assume that my pregnancy will be healthy and go to full term. However, those first 12 weeks or so were a a pretty scary time. Who and when to tell, exercise, diet etc were just a few thoughts.

Over all though, I felt confident. Then, at about 8 weeks I had some spotting. Luckily my first ultrasound was scheduled for the next day and I was able to see and hear my healthy baby. However, I did have some clotting which required me to be on "pelvic rest" until the following week when I would receive an additional ultrasound. Pelvic rest meant no sex (poor Chad) and no exercise. 

I didn't know what to do. I certainly couldn't take the whole week off of work with no notice. There was no way that I could get all my classes covered. And yet, I knew that the health of my baby was most important. I was scared. After canceling two classes, I did some additional research (I'm blessed to have a client who's an OB) and I decided that I would continue to teach through the week, but just do as little as possible.

I was so afraid throughout the week that I would do something to harm the baby, but I knew that sitting in bed at home all day would cause so much more anxiety -- the worst for the baby! By the end of the week, my ultrasound showed that everything was looking good! 

I know a lot of pregnant women are scared to exercise throughout pregnancy. The same can be true for people who have experienced an injury or with other health problems. Have you ever been afraid to workout?

It's important to listen to your body. If something doesn't "feel" right, chances are you shouldn't be doing it. However, ask yourself, "Am I just scared, or is there a valid concern?"  I get frustrated when people with past injuries (or even current ones) use it as an excuse to skip their workout. On the other hand, I admire those people who show up to class every single day after recovering from shoulder surgery, back surgery, knee surgery, cesarean etc etc. 

I've realized that there are two kinds of people in this world: 

1.The kind that use setbacks (an injury, a pregnancy, sudden weight gain etc) as an excuse

or

2.The kind that use setbacks for additional motivation and determination.

Don't be the kind of person who gives up when things get a little tough. Be the person who works around your weakness and continues to get stronger and healthier despite of the challenges that you face. Next time you're using your injury, pregnancy or other health concerns as an excuse, ask yourself:

"Why am I afraid of working out? What can I do today to stay healthy and active?"