Exercising with a Chronic Disease

When you find out you have a chronic disease, how do you ‘keep moving’?

We either know of this challenge for ourselves, or, we know someone who struggles themselves. Those of us who may not have a chronic disease or injury can still relate to the tendency to avoid movement when we are ‘hurting’.

The body contains a natural defense against acute injury. If we sprain our ankle it swells and is painful to walk on. That pain and swelling is doing its’ job. So we stop, rest and start the healing process.

However, with more chronic injuries or illness (or even the example of the sprained ankle) at a certain point we must begin to move again, a little bit at a time, and with awareness. This is where Seven Movements practices can be of great benefit. Finding the appropriate level and movement for those next steps. In the case of the ankle, maybe that includes a wrap around the ankle, and with Seven Movements, the additional support is not a wrap but the tools and the team we provide.

John’s video below is a perfect example for…me! I had my left hip replaced in 2020 and it was a real challenge to get moving again. I was comfortable doing the things I was, well, comfortable doing (swimming, riding my bike). However, to move my hip in areas where it was tight or beginning to be uncomfortable was scary a bit, and I would avoid it. I needed John’s video then! To be encouraged by a bright and qualified coach to explore some new patterns and range of movement.

This Week’s Seven Minute Morning

Our hip mobility is critical for all things movement!

Join our Chief Movement Engineer Johnny coming to you from his home in Florida to get your hips moving this week. Make this a quick part of your morning routine and feeeeeeeeeel the difference!

From the world of health and wellness

Just five minutes of vigorous exercise a day might help lower blood pressure, a new study suggests.

An analysis of data from nearly 15,000 people revealed that running, biking, climbing stairs or brisk walking for just those few minutes can have a positive effect on blood pressure.

“Exercise is the most important thing favorably associated with blood pressure,” Mark Hamer, a professor in sport and exercise medicine at University College London, said in a Zoom interview. 

Catch you next week for more awesomeness! 🎉