Doing Something Different

Ever since the shinsplint injury started and I was told not to run I've been looking for some form of exercise which I enjoy and I feel comfortable doing, something that wouldn't aggrevate the shins and meant I felt like I was working out - first stop conversion to road cycling.   I love cycling but I'm not that good at it and I hate going out on my own.  I did a couple of weeks ago - I didn't get very far, in fact only 2 miles, and then had a 2 mile walk home with a punctured back tyre.   Yes, I could have mended the puncture but ......... (a) I don't know how to (b) I took my spares but forgot to take a pump because hubby always carries the pump (c) it took hubby 40 minutes to get the tyre off when I got home, using ALL the tools and a lot of bad language.

A month or so ago Danni and I started doing pilates.   I'm quite enjoying it but don't feel connected with the teacher - she didn't recognise Danni after our 5th week which was a bit concerning, and she never comes round the class and corrects anyone's positioning - which I actually think is quite important.   The week before last I purposefully did every exercise wrong in some way even when she was looking round the room watching everyone and still she didn't come over & correct me!  We'll still keep going, correcting each other where we can.   I certainly feel relaxed and stretched when we've finished.

Last week I spotted my local leisure centre were starting a Boxercise class.

 I've wanted to try this class for ages, but normally it's run by expensive franchises or the bigger gyms.  The opportunity to try it out at £4.15 seemed perfect.

On Tuesday I headed for the local sports hall - alone and feeling slightly anxious.  How many people would be there? Would I know anybody?  Would I be able to actually do the exercises or would it just be another embarrassing Zumba class where I come out feeling rubbish?    I really didn't need to worry, Claire the instructor introduced herself as soon as I walked in the door and asked lots of questions about  my health and exercise/fitness status.  I told her about the injury and she said to keep the aerobic side low impact.   Phew that was a good start.   There were about 20 ladies, quite a few from Claire's Boxercise classes and a few newbies.

We very quickly got into our first aerobic section -  learning the punches, kicks and doing star jumps etc (low impact version for me).  We then paired up and donned gloves and pads and started another section with more punches.  the next section was a circuit for conditioning including burpees, wall sits and planks (and lots more).  Back to the pads and gloves and then before we knew it the hour was up and we were doing a cool down and stretch.

Did I enjoy it - oh boy yes - massive smiles all round.

Am I going back - most definitely, in fact I've already booked my place!

The other good thing - although on Thursday I have serious DOMS in just about every single part of my body and I've had to do giraffe impressions to be able to pick anything up from the floor, my shins are no more painful than they were on Tuesday morning - looks like I might actually be on a comeback.

I'm still waiting for my NHS physio referral - nearly 6 weeks now and I'm still waiting for my permanent orthotics to arrive - a month later!   I'm seriously considering starting back running in the New Year physio referral or not.