Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Well, I am not sure if I mentioned I have had some shoulder pain for months now. Actually, my left arm started hurting in October and i was convinced it was because of my flu shot!! My doctor finally convinced me that it was more likely due to my shoulder and I began to realize that it was quite possible I injured my shoulder while doing the boot camp.

Which makes me wonder if i have ever posted about boot camp? I started boot camp back in February 2007. I had always wanted someone to kick my butt and make me exercise and get in shape. I did like it for a while. By 6:30 every morning I had already completed an hour workout, sometimes even climbing a mountain before I even made it in to work. I felt powerful. The downside was that it was very black and white. Every person was expected to do the same workout and I felt compelled to do things that ultimately were not so great for my body. My knees began to hurt. I had shin splints for several weeks and I am fairly certain using the weights and doing military push-ups are what injured my shoulder! The other downside was that even though I spent about 8 months working out 5 hours a week with heavy cardio, weights, etc., I never lost a single pound!!!! I only gained weight. Ugh. I know that is not the main point, but who wants to work their ass off and be fatter than when you started!

Okay, anyway, the reason this is relevant today is that I finally had my ortho consult today. The doctor was very nice. He x-rayed my shoulder and he confirmed I have rotator cuff tendonitis. The good news is there is no arthritis and no tear, but it just needs to heal more and if it does not they can try another cortisone shot. He also ordered no more boot camp and stated he had three new patients this week thanks to various boot camps!

Pilates, Peace, and Me

I went to my Pilates class last night and I have to say I love, love, love it! I started over a year ago but then quit for a while when I decided to go to a bootcamp to jump-start my fitness plan. I just could not afford to pay for the pilates class when bootcamp was costing me an arm and a leg. I did the boot camp for about 8 months. http://www.805bootcamp.com There were parts of the bootcamp I really liked. I enjoyed getting a full workout completed by 6:30 a.m. each morning. I liked being able to work out before my family was even awake to avoid cutting into my time with my family in the evening. I liked how powerful it made me feel. Alas, running outside on concrete and asphault was starting to mess up my knees. And although the staff, especially Randy and Sarita the owners, are the sweetest people ever, I just never did agree with some of their polarized views on diet and exercise. I am not an all-or-nothing person and strive towards flexibility and moderation. And it was hard to get there when my husband was going out of town two weeks out of the month.

Anyway, I began to think about Pilates and realized it was the only exercise I ever did that i truly enjoyed. I have to admit I have never done a formal pilates program with the machines and all, just a group class with our local parks and rec. But the instructor is fabulous, both encouraging and supportive, full of modifications for all medical or physical limitations. It truly is a mind-body experience with lowered lights and soothing music, yet it really makes me work hard. I would do it every day if I could and this is amazing when you consider my exercise track record. Alas, Debbie only teaches the class two evenings a week, but every tuesday and thursday after work you will find me there. Now, i just have to work on re-introducing some other workout on the days pilates is not offered!