Tips To Stay Fit and Safe While Recovering From an Injury: By Coach Beatriz Paz

Injuries stink! Plain and simple. So I’ve created a short list to help you refocus and overcome them so the road to recovery is as quick and easy as possible!

Here we go:

1.      ADJUST YOUR GOALS AND PROGRAM

Remake your goals. Adjust your program and start from your injury and work outwards. You have to work with what you have and don’t be afraid to get creative. There are a million ways to modify workouts, ask your coach for more direction!

2. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Remember to assess how your body feels. Your training will be different; be careful, and be conscious of the fact that you’re trying to heal. Don’t overload your system. That means more mobility, and a lot of stretching. Focus specifically on muscles that may be compensating for the ones you can’t use. 

Also, remember to take care of your mental state. It can be incredibly frustrating to watch your friends train while you feel stuck. If you just can’t stand the thought of modifying another workout, take a break. Go do something else. Your goal is to come back stronger than ever, mentally and physically. Do what you need to achieve that.

3. DON’T FORGET ABOUT CROSS TRAINING AND THE COMMUNITY

Don’t rush your recovery, let your body heal then get back to what you do best!

Even if you’re getting your workouts in during Open Gym, keep showing up to box events. Cheer your friends on during their WODs. Celebrate their PRs as if they’re your own. It’ll make your recovery time pass by way faster.

4. LEARN FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE

Some injuries are freak accidents. Others are lessons. Put your ego on the sidelines and analyze whatever you were doing when you were hurt. Is there a pivotal moment that you would change next time?

The key is knowing the line between pushing yourself and behaving recklessly.

Long-term health and wellbeing is the most important. Always listen to your coaches, your body, and most importantly – your doctor. They know what they’re talking about.

There will always be bigger numbers to hit, and we have a lifetime to train. Let’s make sure our bodies are up for the challenge!