In Greek Myth, Psyche (which translates to mean “soul”) took the form of a butterfly and was linked with Cupid to form a powerful bond. American Indians called upon the butterfly for guidance in change and happiness. In Christianity, the butterfly is a symbol of rebirth. This piece isn’t literally about butterflies, or mythology, but as you read on, you’ll see why I started the article like this.
Early in my career, as a Cardiac Rehab nurse and Exercise Physiologist, I spent a good part of my day reading EKG strips, taking BP readings, helping our diabetic patients with glucose monitoring, helping COPD (chronic bronchitis/emphysema) patients with oximeter readings, working with Physical Therapists, filling out tons of paperwork,etc..The idea that clinically supervised exercise programs for those who’d suffered heart attacks and all the complications that could follow to bring about change in people’s health was still in it’s infancy in the early to mid-1990’s.
One of favorite patients was Bayard Johnson- a “red chart”-3 major heart attacks, triple bypass, COPD, pacemaker, and complications from Diabetes-nearly blind in both eyes and one leg amputated below the knee. He was a 93 when I met him -a wonderful, surprisingly high energy and positive man. He’d been an Air Force Pilot in both WW1 and 2. He always smiled and told jokes even though I knew a lot of our sessions had to have been grueling for him to get through.
I remember him telling me that he wasn’t afraid of the fact the world was changing so fast, and that eventually his previous lifestyle that had led to his condition would kill him, but the thing that he’d been most afraid of was “waking up up set in my mind and ways and not wanting to embrace change”.
My experiences as a trainer and now a coach working with groups on my own have been a similar experience. I am only half out of my cocoon, and always learning. Some of the changes from working in the comfort of a gym or wellness center with a steady paycheck, to now, setting up workshops and camps on Polo fields, parks, beaches, etc.. where I’ve had to deal with wild animals, extreme heat and the few really cold snaps we’ve had to make exercise and training a different experience-challenging, but fun. It’s also been about being quick to adapt to your surroundings and make them work for you.
I am not Anti-Gym, but against misinformation about other effective ways to get fit. It’s all about freedom of choice and planned variety, plus, being happy in the journey you’re taking to get fit. It’s not about suffering in a routine or program that’s no longer working for you or enjoyable.
You’re not really paying me to count your reps/sets/workout plans. You’re not paying for your equipment I give you like Kettlebells, etc. What you’re really paying for is CHANGE. Real change takes work and the willingness to go down a path that may or may not prove to be successful. Real change can be uncomfortable at times and at the same time be the most important lesson you’ll learn. So whether you train in a gym solo, with a trainer, a sports coach, or join a group, that’s what it’s really about, beyond the price tag. Where you take that change is up to YOU.
“Change in all things is sweet”- Aristotle
No comments:
Post a Comment