Finding out what is the best movement for me

I loved playing netball. I represented my region and much of my time was taken up with practice or tournaments during my teenage years. I was the one who went in hard, threw myself around, no fear and some would even say, a little bit crazy (as you can see!).  But in early 2000, I was playing mixed netball at a fairly high competitive level. It was excellent fun. I played with my husband and a bunch of good friends. We were all carefree, late twenties and believed we didn’t need to train or stretch or prepare for games. We would fly in at last minute, throw on our uniform then hit the court. After running full tilt for an hour long game, we would then just stop and stand around and chat or go for a drink. My body could not cope. Almost weekly I was in a bad way the following day. Surprisingly, I never felt pain during or straight after the game, but it was always the next day, ouch! I was pretty renowned for saying “Ooh that’s gonna hurt tomorrow!”

One day after a particularly bad flare up, my husband politely suggested maybe it’s time to stop. He was brave enough to even suggest that netball just wasn’t good for me long term. Maybe it was partially the way I played (speed: go or stop) but also I just wasn’t coping with the pain that resulted. So I stopped playing. It nearly killed me because I still went and watched. It was hard because from the sidelines you always firmly believe you could surely have done that better, made that intercept. But I sadly said goodbye to the game I loved.

So, I worked out that netball was no longer the sport for me. I know now that I am better off doing something I enjoy that is not quite so rigorous (dangerous!) and something that strengthens my body in a functional way (yoga, walking, etc.).

Recently I have been giving CrossFit a trial. I love the energy and the people were all very friendly.  It is functional movements with lots of squats and chin ups and using weights to power up the legs and arms while focusing on core stability. The sessions are a lot of fun. But I was pulling up very sore and stiff. I was constantly explaining to the coaches that my approach is to start slow and build up. And I know this because I have figured out this works for me after the past 6 years of self managing my pain. But that is not really the philosophy I found behind CrossFit. They want you to go hard and push beyond your limits and try to go heavier and faster and…well I am just not sure about it.

So I am quite torn now. I cannot decide if I am going to keep it up or not. I feel a bit like a failure if I stop going (hence the reminiscing about giving up my beloved netball) but at the same time I am a big advocate for listening to your body. I have limitations and I need to be aware of them and not push beyond these limits. So it has got me thinking maybe I would be better off using function movement techniques myself in the outdoors, with the kids, in relaxed settings. There are so many opportunities for exercise in my day-to-day living. For example, yesterday I helped my husband in the garden and I was transporting some compost to him in a small bucket (~10kg). Anyway after about 5 loads I was exhausted but happy. I realized that this was exercise (and a darn good version of it). I was combining a job that needed to be done with functional movement that would help me to become stronger and fitter. I realized as I was carting these buckets that I can do a similar thing to the functional movements within CrossFit while getting some necessary tasks done. No need to stress about finding time to go to a class, no need to stress that I haven’t had time to help in the garden, no need to stress about getting the kids minded so I can exercise. I can do everything if I am clever and I plan my days to include exercise opportunities. I often do a walk everyday around my neighbourhood. It’s pretty hilly where I live. So I made a decision to walk in a different way to increase my endurance and strength. Every time I hit the bottom of a hill I turned around and power walked back up for 10 seconds. This is a perfect example of finding some strength training in a simple daily task. And next time I take the kinds to the park…watch out! I will be on those monkey bars attempting a chin up and doing my squats while they play. All sorted!

So, I would love your feedback…Stick with the tough training or find opportunities for functional movement?…How do you find the best movement for you? What is the best approach for long term adherence to exercise? Does it really matter if you chop and change your routine? Can you just try new sports or activities and not continue with them. Isn’t it just great to be out there and be doing something? Let me know what you think??!

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