LCP Boot Camp Day 2

Today's LCP Boot Camp challenge is to exercise....break out of the fitness protection program and lets get moving. You know your physical limitations better than anyone so please do something that is within your abilities but will also challenge your limitations too. We will never learn our true capabilities unless we push our limitations.

Here a few examples....select one for your exercise today...or something else of your choice.

• Go for a walk today...at least 30 minutes...this walk is meant to be relaxing and enjoyable not rushed with the deadlines of work or with kids in tow...these walks can be broken down into smaller time periods if your needs require. If you are unable to walk for 30 mins, try 3 ten minute periods or 2 fifteen minute periods....you can even stretch it out to 6 five minute periods if that is what your body needs. The most important thing with this exercise is that you get moving. You can bring along a friend for company or even your music if that will motivate you to move...focus on your breathing...deep breaths in...slow controlled breaths out.

• Get two cans of the same size from your kitchen cupboard and complete 30 arm curls and 30 upward stretches while holding the cans...this can also be broken down into smaller segments if your needs require. The main goal with this example is to look around the house and see what you may use as "weight" to help build your muscles again. Use items that you can hold comfortably within your hands and move securely without causing strain. Soup cans work really well for this.
  
• Climb the stairs...climb 6 flights of stairs...a flight containing 6 or more steps. Each direction will count as one. Please use the handrail if you need to balance yourself. Take your time ok? This isn't a race.
• Put on some music and dance! yep! kick up your heels to your favourite songs and dance for at least 15 minutes and dance like no one can see you...grab your partner if you'd like and cut some rug.

If you are saying you're hurting too much to exercise today let me say this....you hurt every day, today is no different...you will feel pain everyday....that's chronic pain....but you have the choice to either give in to the pain, or challenge your abilities to over come it. Sitting around all day feeling sorry for yourself won't do it, getting active in your life will.

Whatever your choice is...challenge your limitations...move your body. Try to move more today than you did yesterday and the day before that. The goal here is not to cause further injury by over extending yourself and your abilities but changing the mind set of "I can't" to "I can and I will". Yes it may hurt to move but let me ask you this....is sitting there making your pain go away? Chances are it's not and it's only getting worse as you de-condition further. You can do this...break out of the fitness protection program and get moving!