A common concern among individuals who have been inactive or are recovering from an illness or injury is a fear that something bad might happen while exercising. Fear can inhibit commitment, diminish the benefits of movement, and take much or all of the joy out of exercise. The concern can center on health issues such as reinjuring something that has healed or worry about over doing.
Some of the ommon concerns associated with exercise are:
- Fear of falling
- Fear of precipitating a cycle of pain such as a sciatic flare-up or joint pain
- Fear of a heart attack
- Fear of stroke
In order to resolve health concerns regarding exercise, the following steps are recommended:
- Consult your doctor. Describe your exercise plan and obtain clearance to exercise with a list of precautions if warranted.
- Do a self assessment using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) form. This is a simple two page form that you can do right now to help determine your readiness for exercise. Download PAR-Q
- Discuss any concerns with the instructor.
- Trust your own judgement and do not do anything that feels unsafe.
Common emotional concerns:
- Feeling that “Nothing can help”
- Loss of independence. “I don’t want anybody to know that I have fallen”
- Guilt, usually stemming from the notion that taking care of one’s self takes valuable time away from work, family, or significant others.
Perspective
One of the most powerful aspects of attending a balance class is the personal interaction with other students who share many of the same fears and concerns about falling. Community can have a powerful healing effect. The online delivery of this information lacks the group dynamic but the method is still effective if diligently applied in private. Current technology allows for group interactions without physical presence.
There are many ways to modify movement patterns in order to make them compatible and beneficial for one’s unique needs. Allow yourself the freedom to adjust any movement for maximum ease of execution. Balance and movement are intertwined. Make you movements as relaxed and fluid as your body permits.
It is very common to feel an intense sense of privacy regarding problems with balance. The desire for secrecy often stems from legitimate concerns that family members may try to protect you by imposing limits on your activities. One of the primary effects of balance training is to restore confidence, independence and control. Balance classes are subject to medical confidentiality laws (HIPPA).
When we feel positive about ourselves we have more energy and enthusiasm. Energy and enthusiasm are contagious. We serve others best when we take care of ourselves.
The most difficult part of a balance class is getting there. If you can get yourself through the door – or login – the rest will take care of itself.
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