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Getting back in the game
Returning from illness or injury

I had just come off a half-marathon walk when my fitness routine was sidelined by an unexpected surgery. For several months preceding the 13.1-mile event, I had trained extensively, typically incorporating a weekly 8-mile power hike into my conditioning program. The surgery, though, put me out for about a week and made getting back into my regimen a big challenge.

I spent the first few days recuperating and getting plenty of rest. But then I was starting to relish the down time: the naps, the mindless television shows, the Girl Scout cookies and the People Magazine. About 45 minutes into a Jerry Springer episode, I knew I had hit rock bottom. I needed to get out of bed and move around. And this time I wouldn't just be moving over to the refrigerator or onto the porch to yell at the neighbor kids for egging passing cars.

I made it all the way to the Pilates studio. That first session was rough, but with a few modifications, I was able to work all of my major core muscles for an hour. And with all of the local charity walks supporting various causes, I easily found a couple of 5K's to get me moving. I'm not back to where I was, so I thought I would enlist the advice of a couple of local experts. These professionals know it can be tough to get back in the game following illness, injury or surgery.

Jason W. Womack, a productivity consultant in Ojai, CA, whose Web site, www.fitandeffective.com, always motivates me, had plenty of advice to share with me recently. A lot of what he has to say inspires the mind, which in turn, inspires the body:

- Move your ideas to paper: Write down a one-week, a six-week and a 12-week goal. Put these three goals on a card or notepad you will see every morning. When you see the goals, ask yourself, "What can I do today to move closer to one of my goals?"

- Move your input: Go subscribe to a magazine or journal. Bringing new information into your world may make it easier to try out, form and maintain new habits.

I took Jason's advice, and I also picked up a Sudoku book to get my mind working. Then, knowing it was time to get my body working, I contacted Pam Vos, certified fitness trainer, of Forever Fit! in Port Hueneme, CA.

"The advice I would give to someone just getting back into a routine is to take baby steps," Pam said. "We have expectations of ourselves that may be beyond our ability after recovering from illness or injury." She also offered the following tips:

-Be realistic. Make small attainable goals so you feel a sense of accomplishment.

-Be consistent. You will only achieve goals if you apply yourself on a regular basis.

-Be accepting. If you miss a day or can't get through an entire workout, don't beat yourself up. Accept where you are and know it will get better and easier in time.

With top-notch advice from pros in the know, how can I go wrong? Sorry, Mr. Springer, you've got one less viewer; I'm back in my game now!

Learn more about this author, Lisa Snider.
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