I’ve been having a bit more trouble than usual with my neck and shoulders lately and my trapezius were tight as a drum, which was excruciating, so this week I decided to try Osteopathy. I’m a big fan of all physical modalities and have tried almost everything out there, but for some reason I’d never tried Osteopathy, though I’ve always heard good things about it.
Osteopathy is a bit like a blend of physiotherapy and chiropractic and the result from the treatment was actually really good and I got instant relief.
The reason for me writing about my experience is not to extol the virtues of Osteopathy, although I’m definitely going to go back, it’s more about the conversation I had with David, my doctor.
As usual when attending a practice for the first time, I completed the patient information form. The usual questions were there, along with the lifestyle ones: Do you smoke? No. Do you drink? No. Then the question I always dread – do you exercise and if so, how often? It’s always no, but I have the urge to write “but I’m working on it” or “I’m about to start” or “I used to, and am starting again soon”.
Confession time: The truth is I’ve never really had a regular exercise routine. I’ve had fits and spurts and periods where I’m an enthusiastic walker, attend yoga or dance classes, but never anything long term. My best effort was about nine months. How embarrassing. I am almost 51 (though sometimes in complete denial about that too) and I’ve never engaged in regular exercise on a long term basis.
I teach it and preach it in terms of the benefits for mental and physical health. I realise how important it is for all of the reasons we all know only too well – but for some reason I don’t seem to be able to keep that momentum. I go to bed every single night with the best of intentions, only to find excuses the next day as to why I can’t go. I love walking and when I’m out there I always ask myself why I don’t make it a regular habit. When I am overseas I walk all day long. I actually really do love it.
I see friends posting and talking about their gym, runs, workouts, practices and I’m so inspired, but nothing seems to push me out that door into doing what I know I need to do.
When I was in the appointment with David, he went through my health background and then came the question again about exercise. My answer – I always plan to but I never make it happen. He asked me the most simple yet profound question in just two words “Why not?” I couldn’t really answer that, I really don’t know why I don’t do it. I said I just supposed I was lazy. I don’t really believe I’m lazy, but it’s all I could think of. He challenged me to exercise the next morning and asked me to get out my phone so we could both set our alarms together. Nothing like a bit of pressure and accountability, which I actually respond really well to. Oh I can’t possibly do that was my reply, I’m working tomorrow, starting at 8:30. So was he, starting at 7. He set his for 5:30, I set mine for 6:30. He said he would be up doing weights, I said I would be up walking.
You can probably guess who succeeded here and who didn’t. Can I use the shitty Adelaide once in a 50 year event storm for an excuse? Yes I think I can get away with it for today and tomorrow, but after that I think it’s time I began to adult.
I am writing this post as an accountability check for myself. I know better, I teach better, it’s time I do better.
So here goes. I will start walking regularly starting Saturday. I will walk for at least 30 minutes at least four days a week. I will also resume yoga classes on my return from Ghana.
Watch this space as I finally get my shit together and walk my talk – literally!
Who wants to join me?
Rae-Anne 