Fourth session of aquatic therapy today almost brought me to tears. I consider myself to have a high tolerance for pain and mental toughness. Who would have thought a dip in the pool and a few exercises could be so thoroughly exhausting?
This was a 45 minute session in pool water that was 84 degrees-- about 10 degrees cooler than normal due to a broken heater. I spent the first ten minutes walking around the pool followed by another 5-8 minutes side-stepping. Then came the 10 min. of walking backwards-- I was more focused and had to fully concentrate on this one. By the end, I had nerve pain radiating into my right heel.
30 squats preceded my big move to the deep end. I grabbed a foam noodle (per my aquatic therapists instructions) and began peddling like I was riding a bicycle for 3 minutes. My left leg was controlled-- my right leg seemed to wander as if controlled by a mind of its own. After the three minutes of biking, I did three minutes of jumping jacks (using only my legs) in the deep end. Made it through that. The toughest part I think was doing the cross country skiiing in the deep end. Had to hold the railing to keep from falling over.
Despite mental toughness and the will to improve, today's challenge left me feeling completely exhausted. But I must say it is good to be getting out and moving again, however difficult!
No comments:
Post a Comment